From the glitz and glamour of Bollywood to the gritty and determined world of entrepreneurship, Vivek Oberoi has carved a unique path. His journey is an inspiring testament to the power of purpose-driven ventures, disruptive ideas, and a commitment to creating meaningful impact. In an exclusive conversation with IndianRetailer, Oberoi shared insights into his life as a celebrated actor, a passionate entrepreneur, and a visionary founder who is rewriting the rules of multiple industries.

The Genesis of Vivek Oberoi’s Business Journey

For Vivek Oberoi, the leap from the silver screen to the boardroom wasn’t just about exploring new avenues but also about tackling the economic insecurity that comes with the film industry. “The film industry is one where you can feel like a star one night and forgotten the next,” he said candidly. “One moment, producers and directors are lining up to work with you, and the next, even the number of birthday bouquets you receive becomes a reality check.”

This unpredictability led Oberoi to rethink how he could leverage his fame. “The years you spend in cinema build awareness. That awareness is equity, but it’s often undervalued. I realized I could channel that into ventures that create real impact and value.”

Oberoi’s entrepreneurial journey began with a trailblazing startup in education fee financing. The company reached 12,000 schools and colleges, ultimately connecting with 4.5 million students and families. “We created a zero-interest payment plan, making education accessible to everyone, from a watchman’s son to a vegetable seller’s daughter,” Oberoi shared proudly. This venture became a game-changer, valuing the company at $400 million and proving the power of socially conscious businesses.

Purpose Before Profit

Among Oberoi’s most innovative ventures is Solitario, a lab-grown diamond brand born from a desire to disrupt the traditional diamond industry. “I was deeply affected after watching Blood Diamond. The exploitation of African children and the continent’s resources for natural diamonds disturbed me,” Oberoi revealed. “I wanted to create a guilt-free way for people to enjoy diamonds, combining transparency, ethics, and sustainability.”

The idea for Solitario began as a simple phrase scribbled on a napkin during a brainstorming session: Great diamonds, good karma. Today, that tagline embodies the brand’s philosophy. Solitario aims to democratize diamonds, making them accessible to the masses without compromising on quality or ethics.

Oberoi explained, “For centuries, diamonds have been seen as a luxury for the elite—the 1 percent. But lab-grown diamonds are changing that narrative. Now, even someone in a small village can afford the sparkle of a diamond.”

This democratization is not just aspirational; it’s backed by data. “Today, one in three engagement rings sold globally is a lab-grown diamond. By 2026-27, that number will be two in three,” he shared. Solitario’s presence in seven countries and 23 cities reflects its growing influence.

Breaking the Perception of Diamonds as Assets

A key challenge Solitario is addressing is the traditional perception of diamonds as assets. Oberoi believes this perception was a result of decades of marketing that created artificial scarcity. “The natural diamond industry spent millions convincing people that diamonds are forever, but that bubble has burst. De Beers, the giant of the diamond industry, is now struggling to keep up with lab-grown diamonds.”

He recounted a striking incident, "A diamond trader from Antwerp approached me on a flight, eager to learn about Solitario. These are the same people who once dismissed lab-grown diamonds as ‘fake.’ Now, they want to invest because they see it as the future.”

Solitario isn’t just challenging perceptions; it’s leveraging AI-driven customization to enhance customer experiences. “With our technology, customers can design unique pieces and have them delivered within 22 days. This level of individualization is the future of the jewelry industry.”

From Bollywood to the Boardroom

Vivek Oberoi wears many hats—actor, entrepreneur, angel investor, and co-founder of multiple ventures. Balancing these roles is no small feat. “When I travel for a company I co-founded, I fly economy with my team,” he revealed. “It’s about setting the right tone—unity, discipline, and fiscal responsibility.”

Oberoi’s meticulous approach extends to his real estate ventures, particularly in Dubai, where his projects cater to ultra-premium customers. “For luxury buildings, I focus on clients who are cash-ready and willing to invest in top-quality properties. My sales events aren’t just about brand awareness—they’re targeted, and every event is evaluated for its ROI.”

This focus on efficiency and precision is a hallmark of Oberoi’s entrepreneurial philosophy. “You need clarity, not just passion. It’s about finding the shortest, surest route to success.”

Empowering Indian Brands on the Global Stage

A staunch advocate of Indian heritage, Oberoi is committed to elevating Indian brands on the global stage. “For 2,000 years, Bharat was the only source of diamonds. Yet today, we export jewelry as fine Italian jewelry while downplaying our own legacy,” he lamented. “It’s time we reclaim our narrative.”

Solitario’s presence alongside luxury giants like Chanel and Hermes in international stores is a testament to its success. “We proudly tell the world we’re a Make in India brand, and the response has been phenomenal,” he said.

Lessons in Leadership and Resilience

For Oberoi, entrepreneurship is as much about resilience as it is about innovation. “I’ve failed many times, but I’ve learned from each failure,” he admitted. “The market is always right. If something isn’t working, you need to reassess and pivot.”

“You must find the fine line between conviction and foolishness. Believe in what you’re doing, but stay open to learning and adapting.”

Oberoi’s success with Aur Coffee, a tech-driven F&B startup, is a case in point. “We blended physical cafes with digital experiences, creating a unique concept. Even before generating significant revenue, the company achieved a valuation of $10 million.”

The Power of Purpose

Throughout the conversation, one theme remained constant: the power of purpose. “Purpose is the foundation of any successful venture,” Oberoi emphasized. “It’s what builds tribes and creates lasting impact.”

He drew inspiration from icons like Ratan Tata, “People didn’t mourn Mr. Tata because of his wealth but because of his purpose. Purpose transcends profit—it builds legacies.”

For Solitario, the purpose is twofold: ethical transparency and accessibility. Oberoi’s commitment to these principles has not only set the brand apart but also positioned it as a global leader in lab-grown diamonds.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

To the aspiring entrepreneurs in the audience, Oberoi offered invaluable advice: “Don’t just chase profit; chase impact. The fastest route to profitability is the surest route to success. Time is your most valuable resource—invest it wisely.”

“We are living in the best-ever time to do business in Bharat. The next two decades will see unprecedented opportunities for value creation.”

Oberoi also emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s vision. “Set clear goals, evaluate your progress, and stay aligned with your purpose. Success is not just about numbers; it’s about creating something meaningful.”

A Legacy in the Making

Vivek Oberoi’s journey from Bollywood star to entrepreneurial trailblazer is nothing short of extraordinary. His ventures, whether in education, diamonds, or real estate, are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to innovation. As Oberoi aptly put it, “The vision must remain honest, and the journey must align with your purpose. That’s how you build something truly extraordinary.”