Filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia shared that after choosing Vivek Oberoi for the role in Shootout at Lokhandwala, producers refused him down. Vivek, who allegedly disagreed with Salman Khan, unofficially exited the industry for a substantial duration. Despite the director’s claim that Vivek “was wrong,” his exceptional acting skills led to his selection.
In an interview, Apoorva said, “At that time when I cast Vivek, many producers called me and said ‘Replace him or we won’t work with you.’ But I had given a commitment to Vivek, so how do you go back from a commitment? And Sanju sir supported me, Suniel Shetty supported me, Sanjay Gupta supported me. So if there guys are supporting me, I thought why should I think about the future? If Shootout became a hit, whoever rejected me will come back.”
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He added, “But Vivek was a good actor. Whatever he did was wrong, he shouldn’t have done it, but that does not mean he is not talented. I am hiring for his acting abilities. I am not hiring any person for his personality. He is a professional and was really good when I read with him. I think he did a fantastic job.”
Vivek’s conflict with Salman affected him much in his professional life. A number of influential people in the industry refused to work with him, which resulted in a boycott and missed opportunities for him. Vivek claimed that Salman threatened his life 41 times over the phone in 2003. According to many, Vivek’s image and reputation were damaged by this statement.