Deepali Singh (DNA; July 13, 2019)

If the adage ‘slow and steady wins the race’ had a face, Vikrant Massey would be one of the foremost contenders for it. From starting his career with television shows such as Dharam Veer and Balika Vadhu to signing a project with Deepika Padukone in Meghna Gulzar’s next, Chhapaak, he’s come a long way. And with his rising popularity, we hear the actor has upped his price by 40 per cent!

The powerhouse performer has proved his mettle, not just in television and commercials but was also noticed in films such as Lootera (2013), Half Girlfriend (2017) and Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), even though he was not in the forefront. He also bagged a nomination for best actor for his lead role in Konkona Sen Sharma’s debut directorial venture, A Death in The Gunj (2017). Since then, he has acted in digital shows Mirzapur, Broken and Criminal Justice.

Now, apart from Chhapaak, he also has Alankrita Shrivastava’s Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, Seema Pahwa’s directorial debut Pind Daan, Cargo, Yaar Jigri and the romcom Ginny Weds Sunny. He is also filming for the second season of Broken But Beautiful. For the next project he signs, we hear the actor will charge a hiked price.

Says a source, “Vikrant has successfully carved a niche for himself in Bollywood and is being considered as one of the most sought-after actors in his league. His success ratio and choice of films have made him a bankable actor. Producers have faith in his acting prowess and popularity with the youth, and hence, do not hesitate to invest in him more. He knows how much rides on his shoulders and the responsibility that comes with it.”