In a film career spanning a decade, Vivek Oberoi has essayed diverse roles and tasted both successes and failures on the big screen, but he says the joy of social work and supporting charitable causes for others’ happiness is far more fulfilling for him.
“Acting in movies is my passion, but the kind of human satisfaction and meaning that comes into my life by helping others, wiping away tears and trying to bring a smile to someone else’s face is exceptional… that joy is more fulfilling than any award or reward I have ever received,” said the 37-year-old.
Over the years, Vivek has involved himself in several philanthropic causes. He helped rebuild a village, which was hit by the 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu. He was in Chennai when the disaster struck and he assembled six truckloads of relief supplies. Later, he also adopted a tsunami-ravaged village in the state’s Cuddalore district.
The actor also runs a school at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. Named Project Devi, the facility caters to underprivileged girls abandoned by their families. He often goes there to check on their progress. Son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, Vivek thanks his family for sensitising him to the idea of “helping others” and supporting charity. “My family has always been associated with social causes. My mother has worked for over three decades for cancer patients. My father has always been inclined towards the education of slum children. I was inspired by these initiatives of my parents. I think that’s the culture at home that I inherited and with their blessing, I am taking it to the next level,” he said.
The actor recently lent a helping hand to SHE (Support Her Education) a campaign launched by beauty brand The Body Shop. The campaign, also backed by Food for Life Vrindavan, aims to educate 100 girls in need, and a part of the sales proceeds from The Body Shop products will contribute towards it. “I feel that women want to do a lot of stuff for the empowerment and development of underprivileged women, but they don’t find the right channel and opportunities. So this association brings the best of that,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2014.
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