Actor Vivek Oberoi was visibly emotional as his adopted daughter Sahara Shah announced her acting debut at a cancer awareness event in Mumbai. The 22-year-old, who battled cancer as a child and is now cancer-free, surprised Oberoi by revealing that she had signed a Nepali film as the lead actor.
Sahara made the announcement at the CRPA Cancer Rose Day event on Tuesday, where she took to the stage, sought Oberoi's blessings and unveiled the poster of her debut film in his presence.
Vivek Oberoi's adopted daughter Sahara Shah announces acting debut
Sahara, who has completed aviation training and plans to pursue a career as a commercial pilot, told Oberoi at the event that she had decided to explore acting as well.
“I completed my aviation training. I’ll see you soon in Dubai, and I don’t think we’ll have distance between us anymore,” she said.
She then revealed that she had chosen to follow another of Oberoi's passions and was set to make her acting debut in a Nepali film.
“I’m playing a lead actress in a film. It’s a Nepali film. I haven’t signed yet. I wanted to take your blessing,” Sahara said.
She spoke about growing up watching Oberoi and said his support had encouraged her to dream beyond what she thought was possible.
“I’ve seen you since I was a child, and I always wanted to follow in your footsteps,” she said, adding that she did not consider herself “even halfway” to where Oberoi is in his career.
Sahara credits Vivek Oberoi for supporting her dreams
Sahara also spoke about the support Oberoi had given her throughout her life, particularly when she wanted to pursue interests such as acting and dancing.
“You’ve always supported me when it came to acting, dancing, and whatever I wanted to do. That gave me so much conviction to dream big for me and my mom,” she said.
She added that coming from their background, pursuing such ambitions had once seemed like a distant dream.
“All of this is such a far-fetched dream. It was all possible because of you,” Sahara said.
Referring to Oberoi as “dada”, she also spoke about the emotional bond they share and said he had been a constant presence in her life.
“Gifting this to him feels like such a small thing because it’s nothing compared to what you’ve done for me,” she said.
Vivek Oberoi breaks down while recalling Sahara's cancer battle
Oberoi was visibly moved as Sahara spoke about their relationship. He hugged her as she formally signed her first film on stage and joined the celebrations when its poster was unveiled.
Addressing her, the actor said: “This is a very proud moment for me. I want you to fly high in your career, and do very well in films. I feel so happy. God bless you, beta.”
He also reminded Sahara of the battle she had fought as a child.
“Never forget you’re a winner. You fought against cancer, and are a happy achiever in life today,” Oberoi said.
The actor then recalled meeting Sahara when she was just two-and-a-half years old and undergoing chemotherapy.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am. I’m crying with pride,” he said.
“I saw this two-and-a-half year old girl with red eyes and a pale face undergoing chemotherapy while fighting cancer. I saw the fight in her. The way she held my finger, I knew she would win.”
Oberoi said he had prayed for Sahara throughout her treatment and described her recovery as a deeply proud moment for him.
“Today, she is cancer-free, and she’s reaping the rewards of her hard work. I’m so proud of her,” he added.
Vivek Oberoi's family and his work for children with cancer
Oberoi has two biological children with his wife Priyanka Alva: son Vivaan Veer Oberoi, 13, and daughter Ameyaa Nirvana Oberoi, 11.
Alongside his family, the actor has also supported children battling cancer, helping with areas including treatment, education and professional training.
He adopted Sahara when she was around two-and-a-half years old and took her to the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) in Mumbai, an organisation involved in cancer care and support for underprivileged patients.
Vivek Oberoi adopts 50 children after 50th birthday
The emotional event came weeks after Oberoi's 50th birthday on September 3. The actor marked the occasion by adopting 50 more children battling cancer and pledged to support their treatment.
Inputs from agencies
