Actor Vikrant Massey believes duniyadaari and love can both happen at the same time. In fact, it has to...
Deebashree Mohanty (TIMES LIFE; May 26, 2019)

How has your journey been in Bollywood so far?
When I look back at my journey, it seems surreal. My school teachers thought that maybe I could do something in performing arts, and I went ahead with it. I was already working with Shiamak Davar when I was in college. When I was 16, an opportunity came my way and I lapped it up. I am grateful with the way things have shaped up, and 2018-19 has been the icing on the cake. Let's see what happens next.

Has this exposure helped you to understand what kind of an actor you are - studied or spontaneous?
This is a trick question. I wouldn't like to box myself at this juncture. Maybe the people who have worked with me are in a better place to judge. I'd call myself a method actor with a lot of spontaneity. With regards to roles I've played… I have been very selfish about them. I have only picked up those which I thought would help me grow personally. And I have let go of the ones which weren't great but came with a hefty pay package. Paisa toh kama lengey aage phir kabhi...

What is it that you want to achieve as an actor?
I want to be able to pick parts which also help me explore a different side of me; roles that bring out what I am good at. As an actor, I want the world to know that Vikrant Massey is capable of much more.

You avoid parties and other social dos. Why?
I am just a very shy, private person. I am aware that there are a lot of peripheries with regards to being an actor which doesn’t involve you just facing the camera and portraying a character. It would be foolhardy for me to say that all these peripherals are not important. But I do recognise that I am bad at it.

How you begin and end your day?
My regular day starts at around 6. 30 am. If I have a shoot lined up, everything revolves around it. If not, I’m happy doing nothing. Or just reading newspapers, sitting in front of the TV and catching up with my family. In the evening, I would treat myself to a couple of drinks and go out with friends. I prefer coming back to a regular home. Coming back to this reality from the glamorous, fragile, world of make-believe is what keeps me sane.

Do you work out?
I have only started taking my physical fitness seriously. I don’t think I fit into the same space as the abs-flaunting heroes of today. And I was never desperate to hit the gym and develop six-pack abs anyway. My mother is a huge Satyajit Ray fan. Like her, even I am fascinated by the maverick. The people who I look up to aren’t the conventional heroes but those who were extraordinary with their talent. Be it Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan Khan or Pankaj Kapur. Having said that, if there’s a character that demands a chiselled body, I’ll get it. I'm working towards it for a project.

What’s your hobby?
I am an avid reader. I read two to three books at a time. At present, I am hooked to Khuswant Singh’s autobiography, and the Kashmir In Conflict by Victoria Schofield.

How often do you take holidays?
Everybody needs down time. There is a lot of competition in every field that is waiting to engulf you. I do travel. I work for almost 10 months a year. I make sure that I spend at least 2 months just doing nothing with my family and friends.

Is there time for love?
There is always time for love. You need to find the right wavelength with the right person. Duniyadaari chhod ke nahin pyaar hota hai. Love has to happen side by side. Everyone needs a companion. Everyone needs that one person. I am blessed with mine.

What do you find destressing?
Cooking and cleaning is very therapeutic. I find washing utensils and doing jhadoo pocha and dusting very de-stressing. I cook rarely but whatever little I make, my companion says I am a great cook!

BUCKET LIST
I want to go to Sweden and Iceland with my family this year.

FASHION SENSIBILITY
I am comfort conscious. I’m not very picky with clothes. I’d wear my brother’s clothes when I was younger. Whatever he outgrew automatically became mine. Even today, I get a lot of clothes passed on from him.

OTHER FETISH
I am crazy about fragrances, watches and shoes. And I love Tom Ford London, and get Kolhapuri chappals from a particular shop in Kolkata.

BEST ACTOR TO TAKE FASHION ADVICE FROM
Saif Ali Khan’s fashion choices are very subtle yet royal.

A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL
Irrfan Khan for his resilience.