In the competitive world of Bollywood, rare opportunities with master filmmakers can redefine careers. Akshay Oberoi struck gold working under Neeraj Pandey and Ritesh Shah’s guidance, opposite the legendary Manoj Bajpayee. Reflecting on the experience in a recent interview, he described it as a career-defining journey packed with lessons.
Neeraj Pandey’s influence left a lasting mark, Oberoi revealed. ‘His expertise in crafting thrillers is phenomenal. Sets with him were daily masterclasses—spot-on execution, narrative mastery, and stunning visuals. It honed my abilities and elevated my performance.’
Turning to Ritesh Shah, Oberoi highlighted the depth he brings. ‘Ritesh understands characters and feelings profoundly, adding realism and heft to scenes. I learned to portray moments with greater emotion and power. The process was both demanding and fulfilling.’
Oberoi hailed Manoj Bajpayee as a role model. ‘He’s more than an actor—a true powerhouse. His work ethic and zeal inspire everyone around. This partnership was my chance to grow. I’m grateful beyond words.’ Fans, he added, should not miss experiencing the stellar performances.
On the horizon, Oberoi stars in the ambitious ‘Toxic’ with Yash leading the cast, joined by Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria. Geetu Mohandas directs this pan-Indian venture, shot in Kannada and English, with dubs planned for multiple languages. Release date: March 19 worldwide.