From stock trading to smart business ideas: How Vivek Oberoi's dad's 6 words pushed him to Rs 1200 crore net worth

Economic Times

20-06-2025

Financial Wisdom from the Actor
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Indian actor on Forbes' 40 Under 40 Heroes of Philanthropy
Vivek Oberoi — an actor once seen simply as Bollywood's romantic lead — has quietly forged a parallel empire in business, transforming his image from celluloid star to a successful entrepreneur. What makes his story stand out isn't glamour or inheritance, but a childhood lesson in independence and grit. As the son of actor-politician Suresh Oberoi, Vivek used early mentorship not as a handout but as a push toward self-reliance, leading him to build, reportedly a massive Rs 1,200 crore net worth through effort, sacrifice, and vision.Indian Express, citing the Dubai Property Insider podcast, shared that Vivek's father didn't finance him, but educated him. As a 10-year-old, he'd draft business plans and go door-to-door selling products, learning entrepreneurial basics long before most kids understood pocket money. His father's mantra was that he was rich, but his son, Vivek, was not, and he would have to build the wealth on his own. This advice propelled a teenager who raised $3 million for his first startup at 19, sold it by 23, and has since helped take nine companies public, with plans for four more.Before entering entertainment, Vivek Oberoi explored voiceovers and hosting gigs. By 15, his entrepreneurial drive had taken root. He trained with stockbrokers, built a portfolio by 16, and even tried his hand at commodity trading. This early business win at 19 gave him the confidence to juggle entrepreneurship alongside a demanding acting career, laying the foundation for his future success in both fields.Previously, Vivek shared practical advice about financial security: save at least three times your annual income, live within means, and build an investment cushion for three–five years. He warned against impulsive, high-return schemes, advocating for safe instruments like RBI bonds. For him, stability and mental peace from smart investments outweigh the risk of chasing higher, but volatile, returns.As per Forbes, the actor is now the Chairman of Oberoi Family Office and Co-Founder of BNW Developments , is a serial entrepreneur redefining ultra-luxury real estate in the UAE with $7 billion in assets under development. He leads diverse investments across edutech, fintech, agritech, media, and sustainability, blending purpose with profitability. He is one of the Indian actors on Forbes' 40 Under 40 Heroes of Philanthropy list.