Vivek Oberoi said on Aishwarya Rai, ‘I too would have become plastic by living with people with plastic smile’

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Vivek Oberoi, the Bollywood actor who has often been at the center of various controversies, made headlines in the past with his comments about his former girlfriend, Aishwarya Rai. In one of the more infamous statements, Vivek made a remark about Aishwarya, suggesting that he too would have become “plastic” if he had continued to live with people who have “plastic smiles.” The comment, made in the aftermath of their breakup, sparked a media frenzy and raised questions about the nature of their relationship, as well as about the level of bitterness that had set in following their split. The remark, in hindsight, speaks volumes about the complex dynamics between celebrities in the Indian film industry, their public personas, and the role of the media in shaping those personas.

The Context of the Relationship

Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Rai’s relationship was highly publicized, with both actors being major figures in the entertainment industry. Their romance, which began in the early 2000s, was closely followed by the media, and fans of both actors were hopeful about the future of their relationship. However, things took a dramatic turn when their relationship ended, and the reasons behind the breakup became the subject of much speculation.

Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Rai’s breakup is often seen as one of the most talked-about celebrity splits in Bollywood. According to reports at the time, their relationship ended after Aishwarya’s alleged involvement with actor Salman Khan, which caused tension between the two actors. Vivek, who had reportedly been heartbroken by the split, lashed out publicly at Salman Khan, claiming that the actor had harassed him, and thus further embroiled himself in a scandal. Aishwarya, on the other hand, maintained a dignified silence and did not publicly respond to Vivek’s accusations or his criticisms. This only increased the tension in the public sphere.

In this emotionally charged atmosphere, Vivek Oberoi made his now-infamous remark about Aishwarya. During an interview, he stated, “I too would have become plastic by living with people who have plastic smiles.” This comment seemed to be a direct jab at Aishwarya, whom Vivek accused of being insincere and superficial. The phrase “plastic smile” is often used as a metaphor for someone who pretends to be happy or friendly while concealing their true emotions, a critique that the media and public often level against celebrities.

The Nature of the Comment

Vivek Oberoi’s comment about Aishwarya Rai was widely interpreted as an attempt to degrade her, not just as a person, but as a professional. In Bollywood, actors are often seen as public figures who live highly curated lives, where the difference between their real selves and their public personas can sometimes be stark. For Vivek to call Aishwarya’s smile “plastic” and imply that it was reflective of her true nature painted a picture of a woman who was, in his eyes, only concerned with maintaining appearances and was less than genuine in her interactions.

At the time of the breakup, Aishwarya was already one of the most adored and respected actresses in Bollywood. Her grace, beauty, and elegance had earned her a legion of fans both in India and internationally, and she was often seen as a symbol of poise and dignity. For Vivek to suggest that she was “plastic” seemed to strike at the core of her carefully cultivated image. The comment, therefore, was not just a critique of her as an individual but also a challenge to the public’s perception of her as a person of integrity.

While Vivek’s words might have been emotionally charged, they also highlighted the growing frustrations he had been feeling in the aftermath of their breakup. One can argue that the personal pain he was experiencing due to the split, combined with his public fallout with Salman Khan, might have led him to lash out in a way that was uncharacteristic and hurtful.

Public Response and Backlash

The reaction to Vivek’s comment was swift and unforgiving. Fans of Aishwarya Rai were quick to rally around her, condemning Vivek for making such a personal and hurtful remark. Many criticized his decision to air his grievances publicly and to drag Aishwarya’s name through the mud. Public opinion largely favored Aishwarya, who remained quiet in the face of the accusation and chose not to engage in a public spat with Vivek.

In contrast, Vivek’s reputation took a hit. While he had been a rising star in Bollywood, his career trajectory seemed to take a downturn after the breakup and his controversial comments. Many saw his outburst as unprofessional and petty, particularly given the fact that he was involving himself in a dispute that was not only personal but also unnecessary in the context of their professional lives. His critics argued that his words were a reflection of his immaturity and inability to handle the end of the relationship with grace.

Aishwarya, on the other hand, managed to maintain her dignity. By choosing not to retaliate, she gained the respect of many in the industry and among her fans. Her silence in the face of personal attacks only further cemented her image as someone who was above the petty squabbles of the entertainment world.

The Bigger Picture: Celebrities and Public Scrutiny

The situation also highlighted the intense scrutiny that Bollywood celebrities are under, especially when it comes to their personal lives. In an industry where every move is dissected by the media, celebrities often find themselves in situations where their relationships, actions, and words are constantly being judged. In this case, both Aishwarya and Vivek were part of a larger narrative about love, betrayal, and heartbreak, which became fodder for the tabloids and news outlets.

However, the episode also raised questions about the way celebrities are expected to handle personal issues in the public eye. Aishwarya’s choice to stay quiet and maintain a dignified stance was, in many ways, a response to the media’s obsession with sensationalizing celebrity relationships. While Vivek’s comment about her smile was a clear attempt to keep the drama alive, Aishwarya’s refusal to be dragged into it reflected her understanding of the transient nature of such controversies.

Conclusion

Vivek Oberoi’s comment about Aishwarya Rai—suggesting that he too would have become “plastic” by living with people with “plastic smiles”—was a highly controversial and hurtful remark. It served to highlight the complexities of celebrity relationships, where personal feelings and public personas often collide. While Vivek’s words may have come from a place of emotional turmoil, they were nonetheless damaging, both to Aishwarya’s image and to his own reputation.

Ultimately, Aishwarya’s dignified silence and refusal to engage in the drama allowed her to rise above the situation, while Vivek’s remark did little more than fuel a media frenzy. In the end, it was a lesson in how personal grievances, when aired in public, can have long-lasting consequences, and how maintaining grace and maturity in the face of adversity is often the best course of action.