What: Vivek Oberoi shoots for Fresh Fizzy commercial
Where: Pawan Hans (Juhu Aerodrome), Mumbai
When: January 8, 2008

It was a night to remember. The generally silent helipad at Pawan Hans, Juhu was abuzz with activity. A giant light almost making a day out of the night that it was, Vivek Oberoi in bright red and silver body-tight shirt, sporting long hair and an infectious smile, gyrated to the fresh and fizzy music besides huge trucks that screamed Fresh Fizzy.

The man wielding the megaphone for the music album that would later be deftly scissored into a 10-seconder was Anand Oberoi. Brothers in arms, Anand and Vivek came together for the first time in twelve years. Time saw Vivek growing to be an actor, his cousin Anand is an ad-man of repute. With his company, OMM specializing in creating strong nationalistic images of family-owned brands, Anand has carved a niche for himself in the circuit.

Vivek was cheerful and bubbly humming the Pritam-crafted number at the venue, keeping in spirit with the fizzy drink that he endorsed. “I loved the concept, the look, feel and the largeness of the ad, though it was for a family-owned brand. The concept rocked. Though bhai and I are close from childhood, this is the first time we worked together. At times, I wondered whether to call him Sir or bhai in the middle of the shoot,” said a visibly emotional Vivek.

Anand Oberoi was clear Vivek was the perfect choice, and not just because they were brothers. “Vivek is the soul of any party he goes. When he works he works hard and when he parties, he parties harder. And he has a clear preference for non-alcoholic beverages. The brand fit was clearly what Vivek is in real life and hence the choice.”

Adds Anand, “Through the album, we want to give the message to the youth of today that one can party, have fun and have a whale of a time without drinking alcohol. Vivek’s attitude goes with the brand. He is funky and new. No breaking rules. Be creative and bring the same fun in life. That’s him in a nutshell.”

Vivek has another point to make, “The brand represents playfulness, creativity and today’s youth who want to be in control. They don’t want to go against authorities and limitations but would like to have their way. I can associate with the youth who want to work hard and party harder, and at the same time, explore new possibilities. I choose my own projects and roles that I am essaying in my films. I control my life.”

View Vivek Oberoi’s Anti-alcohol anthem! Picture Gallery
The album sees a lot of Oberoi junior. There is music, there are stunts, there is dance and there is the sound of bottles that create some foot-tapping fiesta entertainingly done by Vivek.

The concept goes thus. Youngsters partying find themselves in the middle of silence with the cops shutting off the loud music. Vivek enters sees everyone dejected, and with his cool attitude makes the party comes live again. He does a creative stunt with Fresh Fizzy, creates music out of the bottle, calls for the whole truck of the beverage, and gets the party to rock without the liquor quotient.

Now that is surely something to ponder about, given the wake of the New Year alcohol tragedies.