Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, was once among the most sought-after stars of the early 2000s. However, despite his film career taking a hit over the years, his fortune has only seemed to grow. Now, with a net worth estimated at an impressive Rs 1,200 crore, he one of the most successful actors-turned-entrepreneurs in the business. However, did you know that it was a paanwala who helped Vivek understand and learn the workings of finance?
How a paanwala taught Vivek finance
In an interview with NDTV Profit, the actor reflected on how his first lessons in money management came from a local paan and bidi vendor. What began as casual conversations near the college campus gradually developed into something more when the paanwala began sharing his knowledge in finance and investment.Oberoi recalled that the paanwala named Sada had a business model that fascinated him. “It wasn’t just about selling paan — it was about understanding turnover, trust, and teamwork,” he shared. Through their interactions, he revealed that he was able to learn the essentials of stock rotation, reinvestment, and small-scale funding. He called this a “dolphin version”, centred on shared growth rather than cutthroat competition.
Investing in microbusinesses
Oberoi went on to add that he began investing small sums with the paanwala and soon saw consistent monthly returns of six to seven per cent. Even though he faced some losses, he treated them as learning opportunities and worked on recovering and reinvesting. Over time, he revealed that his investment network and portfolio expanded, turning him into a quiet financier for local microbusinesses.
From Bollywood to business
Explaining that his shift to business was born out of professional stagnation, he admitted that it often felt like he was taking ‘one step forward and two steps back’.
