Smita Poojary (DNA; October 1, 2019)

Whether Balika Vadhu on television, Broken But Beautiful on the web or A Death In The Gunj on the big screen, Vikrant Massey is known for portraying powerful roles. The actor who began his career in Bollywood with a supporting act in Lootera (2013), is now all set to star opposite Deepika Padukone in Meghna Gulzar’s Chhapaak. He describes the experience of working with the two women as heartwarming. “Few get the opportunity to fulfill their wish list and they both were definitely on mine. I never knew that this would happen so early in my career. I’m just six years old in the industry. It was an incredible experience working with Deepika and Meghna both.”

Here, Vikrant also speaks about his upcoming movie Ginny Weds Sunny, playing a lead role in a commercial movie for the first time and the reason he has mostly been part of women-centric movies so far. Over to him...

Were you aware of Laxmi Agarwal’s story when you signed Chhapaak?
Yes, I was but I’d rather not say anything but wait for the film to come out. I can just tell you I’m proud to be associated with the incredible team and subject.

After Chhapaak, you have Ginny Weds Sunny — your first commercial movie as a lead...
I’ve been fortunate to play central parts. But commercially, this is the first time I’m playing the lead. I have grown up watching movies and have been a dancer but I’ve never shaken a leg in front of the camera. I also wanted to try different things that would challenge me. People tell me that I only do serious cinema but that’s not the case. I have an alternate personality. I wanted to tap into it. Then this came along.

How is your character in this movie different?
He is impulsive and sort of having adulting issues. It’s a sweet love story between Ginny and Sunny; they share wonderful dynamics. The film is set in Delhi and I had never got a chance to play someone from there. I really look forward to doing this completely classic Bollywood film.

You started with small roles in movies. What do you consider the turning point?
Every single thing I have done has led to something significant. I started off at the age of 16 and I’m 32 today, so, I have been working literally half my life. It would be unfair if I sat back and said there was one particular thing that was the turning point. Yes, you can zero in on A Death In The Gunj because my collaboration with Konkona Sen Sharma did play a huge part, but Balika Vadhu was equally responsible for me getting the film.

You have mostly been part of women-centric movies like Lipstick Under My Burkha, Chhapaak and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare)...
There’s little space for subjects related to women not just in our movies but also society. It’s a patriarchal world with highly toxic masculinity that we live in. Bahut si auroton ki awaz dabaai jaati hai. So, I feel fortunate about whatever little way I can contribute to reflect the society through my work. This is the least I can do as an artiste and I will continue to do stories that need to be heard. That’s primarily the reason why I love associating with women directors and the length of the part has never been a dominating factor in my career so far. Even though I have supporting parts in the films I’ve done, I’m proud to be speaking for the larger cause.