Akshay Oberoi calls his role in Geetu Mohandas' Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups as one of the biggest films of his career, and it's easy to see why. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor reflects on his journey from small films to bigger opportunities.

"I've worked with big names, done various types of films," Oberoi says with a hint of humility. "This year has been the most learning-intensive for me." He adds that despite years of grinding in small films, it wasn't until Geetu saw him in Fighter (2024) that he gained mainstream attention.

Oberoi's gratitude and appreciation have only grown since then. One of the bigger films coming his way is King, starring Shah Rukh Khan. Although they haven't shared screen space yet, Oberoi praises Khan for being kind and genuine.

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"He comes to set even when not shooting," he says. "That's what everyone says about him – one of the kindest, gentlest people."

Apart from Shah Rukh, Oberoi is thrilled to be reunited with Siddharth Anand and Mamta Anand (producer). He credits Anand for giving him mainstream attention after years of struggling in small films. "I'd jump off a cliff for that man," he gushes.

"He trusted me so much. I'm in Toxic because of him."

Looking back on his career, Oberoi feels he's finally found his place. "This is where I was meant to be all along," he says with conviction. "I didn't realize it initially.

I was frustrated and thought, 'when will my turn come?' But now, people have seen my old work too. This was the universe at play – the heavens above me had a different screenplay."

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Oberoi remembers getting critical acclaim for his work but struggling to make money. In this business, he says, everything revolves around money. He's grateful for the grind that brought him where he is today and now aims to grow and position himself for bigger films and parts.

"I feel like I deserve it and should go after it," he adds.

As he looks back on his journey, Oberoi finds peace in knowing this is where he was always meant to be. If he had achieved success earlier, he wouldn't have known how to handle it. Now, it's a badge of honor that he can shed when moving on to the next chapter.