I guess I know how to act: Viviek

I CAN ACT: Viviek Oberoi, on his role in Shootout at Lokhandwala

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New Delhi: In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN Viviek Oberoi speaks on his new movie, Shootout at Lokhandwala. The film is based on a real life encounter that took place in the Mumbai suburb in 1991.

In the movie, Vivek Oberoi plays the role of Maya Dolas - a gangster who worked for real-life underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and was killed in an encounter.

The film traces the eventful day of the shootout and the controversial court case that followed.

CNN-IBN: The character Maya Dolas has been making the buzz in a very big way. How difficult was it to take on the role of a real life gangster?

Viviek Oberoi: It was difficult, but challenging. The challenge always makes it more interesting and exciting. I’ve been very fortunate to get a role so early in my career which is inspired from a true-life character. It’s just something fascinating a totally different ball game all together.

CNN-IBN: What also fascinates me is that you’re a very gentle and kind person in real life. You come across as a gentlemanly character and then you end up playing all these gangster roles so well?

Viviek Oberoi: (laughs) Guess that means I might know how to act a little then.

CNN-IBN: It’s almost like your first character in Company, and now Maya Dolas. There are so many actors in that film but your character stands out. Is this something you connect very well to?

Viviek Oberoi: No, I think I'm playing a gangster after 18 films and 5 years. It’s been five years since I played Chandu in Company and now I am doing Maya. I think its just an opportunity. I think its just the kind of the film that Shootout At Lokhandwala is. It's fascinating and it's interesting.

CNN-IBN: Sanjay Dutt and Apoorv Lakher trusted you with the movie. What was it like working with them?”

Viviek Oberoi: Sanjay Dutt has been my teen idol. I have been crazy about Sanjay Dutt. In fact when I was in Class 8, Sanjay drove all the way from Delhi to Ajmer. As he was leaving I said I have one more request, just don’t tell dad, but could you please come to the girl’s school with me? He obliged and said 'yes'. Thanks to him, I was a hero there for the next six months.