Akshay Oberoi Opens Up About His Cultural Roots, Hollywood Reality, and Why He Chose India

Akshay Oberoi, best known for his impactful roles in Fighter and Gurgaon, is not just another actor on the block—he's a man who made a deliberate, heartfelt choice to come home. Born and raised in New Jersey, the American actor of Indian descent has always felt more Indian at heart, thanks to his family’s strong cultural grounding. “In my house, we spoke only Hindi,” he said in a recent candid interview. “My father didn’t allow English. That kept me rooted.”

While grateful for his American education and friendships, Akshay didn’t shy away from calling out the racial undertones he felt growing up. “It’s still a racist country, maybe a little bit,” he said. “Brown skin meant you could only be a taxi driver or a comedian.” For someone dreaming of depth and dimension on screen, the message was clear—come back to India.

And he did. The day he graduated, Akshay packed his bags and moved to Mumbai—the city he often visited during his childhood summers. “I took the risk. I was young. I had the appetite,” he said. “I came here and never left. And I probably never will.”

Now deeply embedded in the Indian entertainment industry, Akshay Oberoi is not only carving out a distinct niche but also proving that home is where your truth thrives. With an exciting lineup of projects including Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti (2025), Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari (2025), and Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups (2026) alongside Kannada superstar Yash, his journey is only gaining momentum.