Vivek Oberoi — The ₹1,200 Crore Actor Who Became a Full‑Time Business Magnate
The Actor Who Quit Chasing Box Office
In 2013, Vivek Oberoi was at a crossroads. He had delivered hits like Saathiya, Company, and Shootout at Wadala, but the industry was changing. Younger stars were emerging. He could either keep chasing roles, or he could build something that would outlast his acting career.
He chose the latter.
Over the next decade, Vivek quietly built a business empire that now spans luxury real estate, hospitality, aerospace, tech startups, and premium spirits. His net worth is estimated at ₹1,200 crore, with most of it coming from his businesses, not films. He still acts occasionally (the 2024 web series Indian Police Force), but his primary identity today is entrepreneur.
This article breaks down the five key pillars of Vivek Oberoi’s business empire.
Pillar 1: Luxury Real Estate — The Foundation
Vivek’s first major business move was real estate. He partnered with a leading developer to launch luxury residential projects in Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. His brand brought credibility and glamour, while the developer brought construction and sales expertise. The projects targeted high‑net‑worth individuals who wanted celebrity‑endorsed living.
The flagship project is Oberoi Esquire in Goregaon, Mumbai, a 45‑storey tower with 200 luxury apartments. The project sold out within a year, generating over ₹800 crore in revenue. Vivek’s share of profits is estimated at ₹100–150 crore.
He also invested in commercial real estate, acquiring office spaces in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and leasing them to multinational corporations. The rental income provides a steady, passive cash flow.
Pillar 2: Hospitality — Betting on Experiences
Vivek co‑founded a chain of boutique hotels under the brand Oberoi Stays (not to be confused with the Oberoi hotel chain). These hotels are located in tourist destinations like Goa, Jaipur, and Coorg. Each property has 10–20 rooms, designed for privacy and luxury. Prices range from ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per night.
The hospitality business was hit hard by COVID, but recovered strongly by 2023. In 2025, Oberoi Stays reported ₹60 crore in revenue and turned profitable. Vivek’s stake is worth over ₹150 crore.
He has also invested in a luxury resort in the Maldives, targeting the Indian honeymoon market. The resort is scheduled to open in 2027.
Pillar 3: Aerospace — The Surprising Bet
In 2020, Vivek made his most surprising investment: a minority stake in a Bengaluru‑based aerospace startup that manufactures drones for defence and logistics. The company, called AeroTech India, had contracts with the Indian Air Force and several state governments for drone-based surveillance and delivery.
Why aerospace? Vivek had always been fascinated by flying. He is a licensed pilot. When he met the founders, he saw an opportunity to back a deep‑tech company with a strong government order book. His investment of ₹20 crore is now worth over ₹80 crore, following the company’s Series B funding.
AeroTech India is now developing an autonomous cargo drone that can carry 100 kg over 500 km. If successful, it could revolutionise logistics in remote areas. Vivek remains on the advisory board.
Pillar 4: Tech Startups — The VC Arm
Through his family office, Vivek has invested in a portfolio of tech startups, focusing on consumer internet and B2B SaaS. Notable investments include:
Bombay Shaving Company (D2C grooming) – participated in Series C
Fable Street (D2C jewellery) – seed investor
Zingbus (intercity bus booking) – angel round
Pesto (remote engineering hiring) – seed round
His tech portfolio is valued at over ₹150 crore, with several startups on track to become unicorns. Unlike many celebrity investors who provide only capital, Vivek offers strategic advice on branding, customer acquisition, and distribution.
Pillar 5: Premium Spirits — The Latest Venture
In 2025, Vivek launched his own premium vodka brand, OVO (short for Oberoi VODKA). The brand is positioned as a stylish, celebrity‑backed spirit for nightclubs and parties. The launch event in Mumbai featured a performance by a popular rapper and was covered by major lifestyle media.
OVO is manufactured in partnership with a Goa‑based distillery. The initial batch of 50,000 bottles sold out in three months. Vivek plans to expand to Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa by 2027. The brand is targeting ₹100 crore in annual sales within three years.
This venture fits Vivek’s strategy: leverage his personal brand in high‑margin, aspirational categories.
How He Balances Acting and Business
Vivek has not completely stopped acting. He takes on one project a year, typically a web series or a special appearance in a film. He chooses roles that require minimal shooting time (10–15 days) and offer creative satisfaction. The income from acting is small compared to his businesses, but it keeps him in the public eye, which benefits his brands.
He has a team of 50 people across his businesses. His wife, Priyanka Oberoi, manages the hospitality division. His brother, Vishal Oberoi, handles real estate. Vivek focuses on strategy, fundraising, and public appearances.
He has said in interviews: “I don’t want to be remembered only as an actor. I want to be remembered as someone who built things that outlasted him.”
Challenges and Lessons
Vivek’s journey hasn’t been smooth. He lost ₹10 crore on a restaurant chain that failed during COVID. He also had to pull out of a startup due to founder misconduct. But he learned to diversify, to do due diligence, and to not put all his eggs in one basket.
His advice to aspiring celebrity entrepreneurs: “Don’t just endorse. Own. Don’t just sign. Build. And don’t rush. Business is a marathon, not a sprint.”
