Vivek Oberoi: Failure taught me to forgive, to rise again

By his own admission, Vivek Oberoi may hold the record for maximum number of ups and downs in any actor’s career, but the optimism he exudes in person belies that spiffy statement.

"I had the maximum number of comeback and go-backs”, the actor, who is currently riding high on the success of his latest film Krrish 3, quipped during his recent visit to the Rediff offices in Mumbai.

Eleven films old and brimming with life lessons, Vivek shares the wisdom he's gained during his very eventful career in Bollywood and film characters he'd have loved to portray.

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I hold the record for the maximum number of obituaries written for an actor's career (Laughs).

I believe in the saying which goes, 'Don’t fear in your bad times and don’t become overconfident in your good times.'

It’s a very simple mantra. Life is all about being positive and celebrating what you have in the moment.

Life is also about celebrating other people’s success.  People will try to pull you down but you need to fight the negativity in your life. It’s always good to stay positive and think positive. 

I think it is important to be fearless in life. I have always made fearless choices. Some have worked the others haven’t. 

All these choices were mine and I made them on my own terms.

Success is a fickle date.

She is very difficult to keep by your side. She always loves to flirt around with others.

On the other hand, failure is like a loyal friend.

It teaches you a lot and keeps you grounded. My failure in life became my biggest strength.

I realised how much criticism I could take. It taught me to forgive. It taught me to rise again. 

I definitely feel it is the happiest phase of my life.

I have never been so mentally sorted, relaxed and happy; I have my wife to thank for that.

The day I got married I felt there is so much more to life. Now that I am a father, the excitement is at its highest. 

Amjad Khan as Gabbar Singh in Sholay -- I would have definitely loved to play one of the most iconic villains of Hindi cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay in Deewar- He was just incredible. Could anyone have emoted that character any better? Amit uncle gave such fiery expressions.

Shah Rukh Khan as Ajay in Bazigaar- He looked so cool in Baazigar.

Heath Ledger as the Joker from The Dark Knight - Heath Ledger’s interpretation of the Joker was phenomenal.  Although I loved Jack Nicholson's portrayal in Batman (1989) too, I prefer Heath Ledger's over everything else.

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone in The Godfather -- One of the best gangster portrayals was by Al Pacino as  Michael Corleone in The Godfather. It’s a career-defining role.