The 2004 Ashutosh Gowariker film Swades is widely regarded as one of Shah Rukh Khan’s finest. The actor shed his superstar image and went totally man-next-door for a critically acclaimed performance. Matching him in terms of performance was the film’s debutant female lead, Gayatri Joshi. The model-turned-actor earned praise for her measured performance, but despite that, Swades was to be her only film. (Also read: Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Bendre, Raveena party at Gayatri Joshi’s stunning new home)
Why did Gayatri Joshi leave Bollywood?
Gayatri made her Bollywood debut with Swades after years of success as a model. While the film did not work at the box office, the actor was praised. Given that she had debuted opposite Shah Rukh Khan at his peak, this should have opened more doors for her in the film industry. But Gayatri chose not to do that. Barely weeks after the film’s release, Gayatri tied the knot with businessman Vikas Oberoi and bid adieu to her acting career. Thus, Swades became her only film.
Who is Vikas Oberoi?
Vikas Oberoi, Gayatri Joshi’s husband, is a businessman who controls and runs Oberoi Construction, one of the leading realty firms in India. Oberoi has been called one of the richest men in India by Grohe-Hurun. According to Forbes, he has a net worth of $6 billion ( ₹50,000 crore). He owns a Westin hotel in suburban Mumbai and is building the city’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel and residences. Forbes clarified that Vikas is not related to the family behind the Oberoi hotel chain.
After her marriage to Vikas Oberoi, Gayatri Joshi left behind the world of entertainment. The couple currently live in Mumbai. They have two sons. Gayatri has maintained some of her friendships from her modelling and acting days, however. She often hangs out with actor Sonali Bendre and Hrithik Roshan’s ex-wife Sussanne Khan, both of whom she has known for over two decades.
