When Vivek Oberoi said no to Shah Rukh Khan's ‘Om Shanti Om’: 'Because the dates were also clashing and both were negative roles'

Vivek Oberoi has built a career filled with intense performances, bold choices and memorable characters — from his powerful debut in 'Company' to his romantic turn in 'Saathiya'. In an old interview, he looked back on the time he was offered the role of Mukesh Mehra in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om.

Why he turned down the offer

Vivek revealed that he had to refuse the villain’s role in 'Om Shanti Om', which was later played by Arjun Rampal. At the time, he was already committed to Apoorva Lakhia’s 'Shootout at Lokhandwala'. Both films required him to play negative characters, and he had already begun shaping his performance for the gangster drama.




In his interview with MensXP, he said, “Because the dates were also clashing and both were negative roles. I liked my role (in Shootout at Lokhandwala). Moreover, when Farah contacted me for the role, I had already started doing my full research for the character.”

He would have done both films if possible

The actor added that under different circumstances, he would have happily worked with Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. He clarified that his decision was based on practicality, not preference. “If it was a different situation, I would have said yes. Why not? If I had the time to do both, I would have wanted to do Om Shanti Om. Farah has made a wonderful film. Working with Shah bhai is always amazing,” he shared.

About ‘Om Shanti Om’

Directed by Farah Khan and starring Shah Rukh Khan, debutant Deepika Padukone and Arjun Rampal as the antagonist, the film blends reincarnation, nostalgia, music and Bollywood glamour. 'Om Shanti Om' received 13 nominations at the 53rd Filmfare Awards, with Deepika winning Best Female Debut and the film taking home Best Special Effects.



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