Showing posts with label Vikrant Massey interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vikrant Massey interview. Show all posts
Being told TV actors can’t act hit me hard-Vikrant Massey
10:10 AM
(L-R) Rashmi Doshi, Rashi Agarwal, Vikrant Massey, Prathibha Kunda (Chairperson FICCI FLO Hyderabad), and Shilpa Raju
Shreya Varanasi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 9, 2026)
From television breakout to National Award-winning lead, Vikrant Massey has redefined the “outsider” success story. The 12th Fail star recently sat down with the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) in Hyderabad to discuss his transition to films and the widespread acclaim following his 71st National Film Award win.
‘I was fascinated by the hustle of film sets’
Money was the reason I stepped out of my home at the age of 16. My goal then was simple – to earn for education, a home, and eventually Rs. 1 lakh a month. I grew up in Andheri Versova, where all the shootings used to happen. I was one of those kids standing in a crowd, watching Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, and Sanjay Dutt shoot from the sidelines. I was fascinated by the lights, the walkie-talkies, and people running around with scripts.
‘Being told TV actors can’t act hit me hard’
Despite making a mark on TV with shows like Balika Vadhu, I faced skepticism when he transitioned to films. There was this unfortunate preconceived notion that TV actors can’t act. That was the first sting, the first jab I took on my chin. It honestly surprised me, because I felt these people didn’t know where actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Shah Rukh Khan, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan came from. Some of the greatest stalwarts came from television. Amid many challenges, one thing I always felt very strongly, and still continue to hold on to, is that what I do in front of the camera, between action and cut, is what matters the most.
‘Insider or outsider, it’s performance that matters most’
Today, with 21 years of experience, I can honestly say that people who are sitting at a certain stature are there because of the quality of work and dedication. Success doesn’t come easily; you have to work relentlessly for it. For every role, I must perform and position myself as a strong contender. Yes, there is that insider-outsider divide, but it’s only up until access.
‘The impact of 12th Fail meant a lot to me’
Vidhu Vinod Chopra sir told me very honestly, ‘I want to make a theatrical film, but OTT gives you Vikrant Massey for free — why would anyone come to see you in a theatre?’ That was brutal, but it was true. I was very lucky to be part of 12th Fail. People didn’t see the story of an IPS officer; they started seeing themselves. I would quietly enter theatres in the final minutes, sit in the last row and watch people completely immersed. Once, an elderly man sitting next to me started weeping, his chest was shaking, and he held my hand very tightly. That was the moment I realised I had done something that would last.
People still ask me, 'Why did you retire?'-Vikrant Massey
8:00 AM
Vikrant Massey opens up about the past few years, leaving him feeling burnt out, and how people misconstrued his announcement of taking a break as retirement
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 27, 2025)
In December 2024, Vikrant Massey did what was an anomaly in the cut-throat business of Bollywood — the actor announced that he was taking a break from movies. Expectedly, it sparked shock among his fans and colleagues. Six months on, he is promoting his next, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. That has left many confused, who misconstrue that Massey had retired. He begins, “People still ask me, ‘Why did you retire?’”
The actor is amused that his announcement was misunderstood by so many. “Which part of my post did people not understand? Maybe they are not used to seeing actors taking a break, but I want to better myself. I wanted to take that break. I had mentioned in my post that there are two films I’d be working on, one of which was Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. Two months after announcing my break, I started shooting for it,” he says.
Massey reveals he had turned down many projects leading up to the announcement. “Post 12th Fail [2023] and The Sabarmati Report [2024], a lot of films were coming my way. I can’t do 10 films a year. So, that post was to convey to filmmakers that I needed some time off. Many were shocked to hear a no from me.”
More importantly, slowing down was crucial for the actor’s sanity. With seven releases in the past two years, including successes in 12th Fail and Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024), he felt the need to pause.
“It was not something I decided overnight. There was a burnout. I wanted to spend time with my family. Also, I [saw] the love coming in from the audience. I want to be worth their time. But when I’m getting burnt out, how can I face the camera and keep repeating the same thing?”
The actor wrapped up Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, co-starring Shanaya Kapoor, in March. White, a biopic on spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is due to roll only in August, giving him enough time to re-energize himself. So, where does that leave Don 3? “It’s too early to talk about it,” he smiles.
Those who lauded me for 12th Fail and Sector 36 abused me for being a part of The Sabarmati Report-Vikrant Massey
8:29 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; December 28, 2024)
Vikrant Massey, who shocked his fans recently by announcing that he will be taking a break from films, had elaborated at a recent conclave, “The life I had always dreamt of, I finally got it, so I thought it was time to live it. I want to take a break because, at the end of the day, everything is transient, which is why I am only doing one film next year. My son was born, and I was not able to spend any quality time with him or my wife. So, I had written in that Instagram post that as an actor, son, father and husband, it was time for me to recalibrate.”
During his recent visit to Ahmedabad, Vikrant spoke to us about choosing to play unconventional characters, extreme fan reactions, fatherhood and more.
‘It was disheartening when I was abused by fans for my latest film’
Vikrant, who was lauded for his portrayal of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail, shares, “I was happy with the kind of love 12th Fail got. Fan expectations had risen post that film and I expected the same love for all projects. However, doing a film like The Sabarmati Report gave me a reality check. The same people who had lauded me for 12th Fail and Sector 36 abused me for being a part of this film, which brought me back to reality.”
He adds, “When I was abused and given threats, I realized that for fans, sometimes convenience takes precedence over understanding your character. It was disheartening, but I will always focus on telling the stories that I believe in.”
‘I want to do films that people will watch even after 50 years’
Be it A Death In The Gunj, Haseen Dillruba, Gaslight, or OTT shows like Mirzapur and Broken But Beautiful, Vikrant has always explored unconventional characters. He says, “It is actually a mix of both-my conscious choice and choosing the kind of work I am offered. When I started my career, I was doing whatever projects were being offered. Somehow, I was always getting roles which were not run-of-the-mill even when I was doing television. But now, it has become my conscious choice to do such projects, as I feel I am meant to do them.”
He adds, “Be it commercial or message-driven films, I choose projects that have archival value. My father watches films that were made 50 years ago. I also want to do films that the upcoming generations would like to watch 50 years later.”
‘It is a blessing to be a father’
Vikrant and his actress-wife Sheetal Thakur, who got married in 2022, became parents to a baby boy, Vardaan, earlier this year. He tells us, “Fatherhood is the best role of my life (smiles). It is a blessing to be a father, and my son has made me a better person. Coming back home after work and seeing those eyes smiling at you is a feeling which is difficult to describe. Vardaan is the biggest gift of my life.”
Talking about how he deals with the trolls, "I ignore the trolls; comments from faceless people on social media are linked to my profession and I have to get used to it. But it’s disappointing when trolls target your family and loved ones."
Has Vikrant taken a break from OTT now? The actor says, "I haven’t stopped doing OTT projects, but I’m waiting for the right script to make a comeback. If the script is good, I will do that project irrespective of the medium."
I am taking a paternity leave as I have been shooting most of this year-Vikrant Massey
3:56 PM
Yesha Bhatt (BOMBAY TIMES; December 14, 2023)
Vikrant Massey, who is being applauded for his portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail says he has “mostly chosen human interest stories and played the common man” in films since they resonate with him.
Vikrant, who came to Vadodara at the age of 20, spent a year shooting for the TV show Dharamveer. While in Vadodara, he even got to explore Ahmedabad quite a bit.
He says, “Dharamveer brought me to Vadodara and every time we would get some chutti, we would come to Ahmedabad. The expressway was newly constructed then. We would eat a thali and go around the city. Ahmedabad has a magical vibe to it and I love it.” Vikrant spoke to us when he was in Ahmedabad recently.
‘Human stories are the ones that hit me hard’
I have a natural tendency to pick human stories, the genres might differ, but I like characters I can connect with. I try doing different genres because at the end of it, we are in the business of cinema, but my core interest remains the same – I try to find human stories. Real people's stories resonate with the audience too and I feel there are so many powerful stories and inspiring characters that one can play. These are the kind of stories that hit me hard. I would like to believe that whatever I have today, is a bonus. I was an ordinary guy next door who aspired to find his place in showbiz someday. The love and attention that I have received from people is my biggest reward. So, I want to return all that love in the best way possible which is to represent them on the screen. It is a privilege if I can represent the common man on screen and look relatable.
Vikrant feels it is very challenging to make a film based on a true story and real people. As an actor, "I feel a sense of responsibility while doing such a film." Also, "I am not someone who plans too much in advance. I am a firm believer in the fact that you cannot plan an outcome. Most times, you can only go out and do your best. Some people say that I want to become a star, but I always say that success or stardom is a byproduct of good work. If your work is good and you are consistent enough, success will follow you."
‘I am not averse to doing love stories’
Our definition of romance has also evolved over the years and it changes every decade. What we felt was outstanding cinema 10 years ago seems borderline cringe now. It might also be because of our access to international cinema and OTT platforms. Both have changed the way we see and make films. Entertainment has become more global, we see new genres and formats of storytelling today.
I haven’t done many romantic films so far, because I haven’t got those many exciting scripts. Sometimes I feel like I want to tell common man stories of struggles, hopes, and triumphs more than I’d like to play a loverboy, but I am not averse to doing love stories. I am open to doing some interesting love stories.
‘I love watching myself on the big screen’
Television is very daunting and challenging. One of the reasons why I joined a TV show rather than doing theatre is because I wanted to learn on the go. You are making five episodes in seven days so there is very little margin for error as you are given far less time. Doing a web series is almost like making three films at the same time. Different mediums require different approaches, but for actors, it’s a bit easier to straddle different mediums. I love watching myself on the big screen. There are certain points where you love the longer format of storytelling as an actor as you can have an in-depth analysis and dissect your character. I would choose movies and web series any day over TV now.
‘I want to put my feet up and spend time with my wife now’
I am taking a paternity leave as I have been shooting most of this year. I want to cut down on the number of days I am away from home. Spending nearly 250 days a year away from home is a little too much for me, and I have done it for far too long. Now I want to put my feet up and spend time with my Sheetal (Thakur, his wife) and my family, but you never know - if something really exciting is offered, I might just change my mind.
On most days, I try to voice my opinion, but I am a small fish in this ocean-Vikrant Massey
8:17 AM
Indicating that he has in the past backed films that didn’t match his creative sensibility, Vikrant says Forensic’s content is right up his alley
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 14, 2022)
Vikrant Massey remembers watching the Malayalam film, Forensic (2020), and being impressed by its premise. Little had he imagined that two years on, he would headline the Hindi adaptation of the same name, helmed by Vishal Furia. The actor recounts,
“I thoroughly enjoyed it when I watched it the first time. The film was an eye-opener [on the field of forensic science] and gave an insight into how it functions. I have always believed that the story is the most [crucial aspect] of a film, and the story of Forensic intrigued me as an actor and a viewer.”
The upcoming ZEE5 film, also starring Radhika Apte, revolves around a series of child murders in Mussoorie. A forensic expert, essayed by Massey, is roped in by the cops to aid them in hunting down the serial killer. In Forensic, the actor has found a project that he deeply believes in and the vision of which aligns with his own — something that admittedly doesn’t happen as often as he would like.
“The idea is to go beyond the screen-time and try to bring change [with one’s movie]. But there are days when you have to cut corners. In the past, I have done that to create opportunities for myself. It has made me realise that I would probably, some day, be in a position to do [the films I believe in]. [Today], there are certain things that I am not able to implement [even though] I believe in them. On most days, I try to voice my opinion, but I am a small fish in this ocean. It’s not an actor’s prerogative on what should be done and what should not be done. What has improved is that we have become far more democratic with regard to people’s opinion.”
To understand his part better, Massey met forensic experts. “We had forensic officers on the set. The sophistication with which they operate is unbelievable. They are under tremendous [pressure], and they handle stressful situations day in, day out. After this film, I have more compassion for them.”
We don’t consider ourselves celebrities. Ours was a regular middle class wedding-Vikrant Massey
8:09 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; March 26, 2022)
Vikrant Massey speaks about his recent hush-hush wedding with actress and long-time girlfriend Sheetal Thakur in Himachal Pradesh, their prior live-in relationship and his career. Excerpts…
You had an intimate wedding in Himachal Pradesh last month. It is a beautiful choice of destination for a wedding, but any particular reason why you chose that place?
I was born and raised in Mumbai. We got married in Himachal as Sheetal’s maika is there and my father was born in Shimla. My paternal side is from Shimla, too. We got married in Sheetal’s ancestral village called Jhabola, in Bilaspur district in HP.
Closely guarded celeb weddings have been following a certain pattern lately — similar designers picked for the outfits, candid photography, social media announcements, phone ban for the guests present and the works. You didn’t resort to it though.
We don’t consider ourselves as celebrities, so I didn’t even think on those lines. I feel very awkward when someone calls me a celebrity. I know my reality. I know of these massive celebrity weddings, but ours was a regular middle-class wedding. Last minute tak tayari chal rahi thi. Our families took all the decisions aur humne shaadi karli. Shaadi mein kaafi faltu kharche hote hai. Hum woh sab cut karke ghar jaisi shaadi hi chahte the.
An intimate wedding in the mountains, minus all the fancy stuff and elaborate planning. Recently, Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar, also tied the knot in a simple low-key style. So, is this what you always desired your wedding to be?
The idea was always to have only people who are really important to us present on our wedding day. It was a complete family affair. Yami (Gautam) also hails from Bilaspur district of Himachal. She got married there as well. Humara bhi wohi idea tha. We had decided a couple of years ago itself that shaadi jabhi hogi, toh ghar jaisi hi hogi. Both of us wanted it that way and we both chose her ancestral house for a reason. Sheetal’s grandmother is 108 years old and she cannot travel. Hum amma ke yaha hi shaadi karna chahte the, hence, the ancestral house. And it’s always good to take a break from the city.
Did you and Yami exchange notes on your respective weddings?
Yami is a dear friend. She knew about my wedding pehle se. Unko sab pata tha. Unhone tips bhi diye the. She was happy that shaadi Himachal mein hone wali hai, aur ghar mein hone wali hai. Now there are two Himachali brides around me. One is Yami and the other is my wife Sheetal.
Sheetal and you have been together for seven years before you decided to tie the knot. What binds you both the most and what makes this relationship tick?
I think it’s the common value system and worldviews that bring two people closer. This is in the beginning. Of course, later on, other factors also come in. She is someone I can talk to; she is down to earth and also keeps me grounded. She has been my biggest support system, the light of my family and my life. I can go on and on about it. Above all, the love we feel for each other draws us closer. Love supersedes everything, but I strongly believe that our value system binds us together. She makes the world a better place.
Did living in together help the relationship and the process that eventually led to marriage?
Yes! That was one of the best decisions we’ve taken. We decided to live in to get to know each other better. We decided to spend time together and that led us to marriage. We lived in for six years before tying the knot. It makes you responsible towards yourself, your actions as well as the other person who is sharing that space and life with you. There’s so much of personality growth that happens. Companionship is a constant roller-coaster going to be good and bad days.
After living in for six years, what made the two of you feel that now it is time to take the pheras?
Yehi cheez saal do saal pehle bhi ho jaati. But my priorities were different back then. Why not now? Our life is going great and we wanted to build our life together. Both of us and our families always wanted us to spend our lives together, so why not? There is no such thing as the right time. Aisa tha ki ab karni hai toh kar hi lete hai. There was no point in delaying it because not once did we ever have together. So, we decided chalo shaadi kar lete hai.
Moving on to your professional life, are you content with the roles coming your way?
I couldn’t be happier. I am living my dream. I always wanted to work in cinema, tell good stories and work with like-minded people. Woh ho raha hai. Results are not in your control. The stupidest thing one can do is set out on a journey hoping iska result yeh hoga. All you can do is set targets and work towards them. Whatever comes out of it is a blessing. I hope to challenge myself as an actor as there is this innate fear of being typecast. There is an effort to swim against the tide and chart new territories. Every film changes something for you, but A Death In The Gunj changed a lot for me. My TV shows have also contributed immensely to my growth. Be it Balika Vadhu or Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo, had I not done those TV shows, I wouldn’t be here. Platform or medium is not important, content is. One thing always leads to another.
Merely observing Vijay Sethupathi and his process can teach you so many things-Vikrant Massey
8:20 AM
Vikrant Massey on sharing screen space with South star Vijay Sethupathi in for 'Mumbaikar'
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 18, 2021)
Proving his repertoire with his choices, Vikrant Massey shifts gears from Haseen Dillruba’s intense Rishu to the boy-next-door in 14 Phere. “I am aware that people are appreciating the chances I am taking,” says the actor. But his bigger challenge comes with the next, the Bollywood adaptation of the 2017 hit film Maanagaram, titled 'Mumbaikar'. Under the able supervision of Santosh Sivan, the actor will be rubbing shoulders with South star Vijay Sethupathi, who will be making his Bollywood debut with this outing.
“Santosh sir is our driving force on set,” says Massey of the director he deems as the “pioneer of photography and a masterful storyteller”. “His association with Mani Sir [Mani Ratnam] in films like Dil Se is a testament to his genius. He is an institution and every day on the set has been immensely gratifying.”
But the film also offers him the chance to experience the brilliance and gravitas of Sethupathi. “He is an intelligent and intuitive actor. Merely observing him and his process can teach you so many things. I am glad I am privy to his craft from a close space,” he adds.
Mindful of his approach, Massey says that he takes a leaf from Aamir Khan’s playbook. “Like my idol, I always aspire to be fully committed to one story at any given point of time,” says the actor. He believes that it’s only fair that actors remain absolutely committed to the producer’s venture. “The star culture often doesn’t permit it, but it’s upon us actors to show full investment in a project.”
Haseen Dillruba's sequel looks like a genuine possibility-Vikrant Massey
8:20 AM
Buoyed by audience’s love for Haseen Dillruba, Vikrant dissects how film’s ending lends itself to second edition
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 12, 2021)
With Haseen Dillruba, two things were firmly established — that there are enough takers for a twisted romantic thriller. Secondly, there is little that Vikrant Massey, who perhaps got the most delicious part in the love triangle, can’t pull off with conviction. For the actor, playing Rishu in the Taapsee Pannu and Harshvardhan Rane-starrer was a way of shattering his good-boy perception.
A week into the film dropping online, we start our chat with the question everyone is asking on Twitter: Is there a sequel on the cards? “It looks like a genuine possibility. People want it, and if there is public demand, we will think about it. The film ends at a delicious point, and Kanika [Dhillon] is a masterful writer. Sequels depend on producers; if they are game, we will be too. When this film came to me, I was looking to play a grey part. Basis my off-screen personality, the public perception is, ‘How sweet is this boy!’ But as an actor, I need to bring to screen every facet of human personality. I am fortunate that I am not pigeon-holed, and want my audience to find something new with each [of my offerings].”
Where the Netflix film scores on its strong performances, it also has its weak points, particularly the central idea that true love comes with a shade of sadomasochism. A section of netizens have pointed out that the film glorifies toxic love. The actor defends the depiction, saying, “If people don’t like a film, that’s fair. But they need to understand we don’t live in a utopian world. It’s almost like bachcho ke saamne sach mat bolo. We weren’t justifying [the behaviour]. It’s a story that belongs in a pulpy fictional world.”
In the pipeline is the shoot of Shah Rukh Khan-backed Love Hostel that sees Massey opposite Sanya Malhotra. With the lockdowns interrupting shoots, he says inhabiting a character becomes challenging. “The first day is a jhatka start, but with the help of the team, we find our groove again.”
I did not want to dwell too much on the morality of my Haseen Dillruba character-Vikrant Massey
8:11 AM
Vikrant Massey, who is winning praise for his Haseen Dillruba act, says he relished character’s transformation from all-white to grey in thriller
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 6, 2021)
"We seldom find romantic thrillers in our country,” says Vikrant Massey, who felt he had struck gold when he read the script of 'Haseen Dillruba'. Over the weekend, as the Taapsee Pannu and Harshvardhan Rane starrer dropped online to mixed reviews, Massey was unanimously praised for his nuanced portrayal of mild-mannered Rishu who can’t quite keep pace with his gregarious wife. His idea of love is shattered when his wife cheats on him. “In a lot of ways, I relate to the character. I am a simple guy like Rishu, but I have never been pushed against the wall the way he was. I don’t know how I would react if I am cheated on. Luckily, I haven’t faced it,” says the actor.
Massey’s soft-spoken electrical engineer may appear strait-laced, but writer Kanika Dhillon has a knack for etching out grey roles, and Rishu is no exception. The actor says he enjoyed how his character takes a dark turn in the Netflix murder mystery, thus benefiting from a dramatic arc. “He reacts the way that anyone could — you can call it male ego, hurt or anger. The beauty of this role is that it has layer after layer, like an onion, and he is motivated by true love. I did not want to dwell too much on the morality of the character, or assess his actions. It was a work of fiction, and we went all out to bring these parts to life.”
Through its three leads, the Vinil Mathew-directed film explores emotions of lust, betrayal and revenge. Massey believes that in tackling the complex subject of infidelity, the film is merely mirroring the happenings of society. “I see cinema speaking the uncomfortable truths of society and representing reality. Be it extra-marital affairs or the debate around monogamy and polygamy, these things are [happening around us].”
People in the South film industry have a different work culture from ours-Vikrant Massey
8:15 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2021)
Talking about it, Vikrant said, “This is the first time I’ve worked with a team that hails from the South. Their work culture is definitely different from ours. I must say, they are very punctual (laughs!). On the first day of the shoot itself, I was late by 20 minutes. The roll time was 6.30 pm and I got a call at 6.25 pm saying they were ready. That was a lesson learnt for me.”
The Chhapaak actor also lauded the planning and the pace at which the film was shot. “They are extremely well-prepared with their pre-production work. They see to it that they don’t waste their time and money. Also, they are quite fast-paced. There are days when you are scheduled to shoot for 12 hours, but you are done in eight hours,” said Vikrant, adding, “I am glad that with this project, I got to experience how they function, especially under a maestro like Santosh sir, whose films I have grown up watching.”
2021 will be jam-packed with work, but I can take a week out for my shaadi-Vikrant Massey
8:16 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 21, 2021)
He fits into the category of those who successfully forayed into Bollywood after winning popularity in the television industry. But what’s striking about Vikrant Massey is that unlike television where he played supporting roles, on the big screen, he took it a notch higher. Last year, he was seen in a lead role opposite Deepika Padukone in Chhapaak, a film that won him immense attention. In 2021, with his upcoming films he will be seen playing significant parts.
About the prominence he received thanks to Meghna Gulzar’s directorial, Chhapaak, he says, “I can say that post that film, the world around me has definitely changed. Suddenly logon ko aisa lagne laga hai ki… Yaar, yeh toh ab bada actor ban gaya hai.”
Vikrant says, “In fact, I started to see this change steadily post my projects like A Death In The Gunj (2017), Chhapaak and a web show that I did. Thanks to projects like these, now people have started taking me a little seriously. I am getting interesting scripts now.”
This year, Vikrant is looking forward to Haseen Dillruba and 14 Phere where he plays a protagonist opposite Taapsee Pannu and Kriti Kharbanda, respectively. There is a huge responsibility that comes with shouldering a project as the male lead, but that doesn’t scare him. He explains, “I am someone who has always believed that one works better under pressure. So, when the stakes are higher with bigger names attached to the project, there is a sense of responsibility which I want to believe brings out the best in me.”
While things are moving at a smooth pace for him on the professional front, and he’s loving the space that he is currently in, on the personal front, there is exciting development, too. The actor took to social media to reveal his brand-new house in Mumbai where he’s moving in with his fiancée, actor Sheetal Thakur. If it wasn’t for the lockdown that delayed plans for many, the positive changes in his personal life, too, would have happened sooner. He shares, “Agar lockdown nahi hota toh meri shaadi ho chuki hoti (sighs!). That’s one thing that pushed me back by a few months. I was supposed to get married to Sheetal last year, but the good thing is that I have this year to look forward to now. I am back to work in full swing and 2021 looks quite jam-packed, but come on, shaadi ke liye ek hafta toh nikaal hi sakta hoon, yaar. Hopefully, God willingly, 2021 is the year I am getting married!”
Ask him if his parents are eagerly waiting to see him tie the knot and he is quick to add, “Mere parents toh apni hi life mein bahut busy hai. Woh kehte hai ki beta shaadi pe kab aana hai buss bata dena (laughs!).”
My best is yet to come, people have been really kind in 2020-Vikrant Massey
8:10 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 23, 2020)
The year 2020 might have been slow for most actors on the professional front, owing to the Covid 19 pandemic, but Vikrant Massey refused to take a break. The year started with Chhapaak opposite Deepika Padukone, and he followed it up with Cargo, Ginny Weds Sunny and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakate Sitare.
It’s almost as if he’s in the best phase professionally. “I have always said my best is yet to come, this is just the beginning. At least that’s what I would want to believe,” he says.
Lined up next for him is 14 Phere, Haseen Dilruba and a film with Shanker Raman. “I am really happy. I have been a huge fan of Gurgaon which came in 2017, and to get an opportunity to work with someone like Shanker on a script that is close to my heart, it’s a dream come true. I know there is a lot more to come. I would rather focus on one project at a time and not on the peripherals,” adds the 33-year-old.
He hopes that people will enjoy watching these films as much as he did making them. Massey continues, “People are kind and really supportive. This year has been incredible, professionally, inspite of the fact that much was not done on the field in terms of shooting. But four releases, brand associations, and to be accepted by the audience in a more wholesome way than last year… it’s only getting better and I can’t complain.”
What also made things special for the actor is that he entered 2020 as an engaged man, and was all set to get hitched to Sheetal Thakur, until Coronavirus played spoilsport. He says on the impending wedding, “Unfortunately, Covid has really reshuffled our plans. Hopefully, next year for sure. 2020 was a year which I had planned revolving around marriage. Now, work takes precedence as we haven’t shot in last seven-eight months. Ummeed hai shaadi ke liye ek hafta nikaal lunga next year. It will be a small affair in Himachal, mine and Sheetal’s native place.”
OTT gave me a chance to reconnect with my TV audience-Vikrant Massey
9:08 AM
Vikrant Massey says he saw the meteoric rise of OTT as a global phenomenon and when an opportunity came calling, he took it up
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 11, 2020)
Vikrant Massey’s showbiz journey began with TV in 2007 and he moved on to doing films in 2013. But that was not the end of him dabbling with different mediums. In fact, he is one of the first few actors to have got into the OTT game in its nascent stage.
“In this pandemic, where theatres were shut for months, we have had 50 films releasing on OTT and the number is going up. Big films are releasing and it was unprecedented five years ago. For me the larger idea had always been to be part of good stories, that was a driving force,” says the actor.
Massey, who has been a part of web films such as Cargo, Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare and Ginny Weds Sunny, all of which released this year, says, there was another reason why he took up the OTT projects.
“I come from TV and it has the largest reach today. It always has and it always will. My priority after I left TV was to reconnect with those audiences and I found this as a fitting platform. People who had forgotten me after I quit TV, I wanted to touch base with the same audiences again,” he says.
The 33-year-old adds, “In a lot of ways OTT has been a turning point in my career. And I am really thankful that I did things that I did and they worked out.”
Talking about what he thinks is the reason behind the meteoric rise of the web space in the country, Massey says, “There is lack of decent content on Indian TV, so we automatically, especially urban people, steered towards OTTs.”
He further adds, “As an actor, I firmly believe that a crisp film does not give you time to play with the characters as much as you want to. A web series is like making three films, so you get time to settle down into the characters in a more deep way. I found that interesting. Simultaneously, I was consuming content from around the globe and here came an opportunity to be a part of this change, I took it up.”
My job doesn’t dictate my social media posts-Vikrant Massey
7:52 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 24, 2020)
He is one of the very few actors who are vocal on social media about various issues that exist in the country. And not just that, Vikrant Massey is also very socially aware and articulate while presenting his stance on any topic.
How does he find the courage to share his views so openly, especially as actors have to be extra cautious with their image? “I don’t think my profession has a role to play in that. This is who I am. My profession doesn’t dictate my personality or social media posts,” Massey says, adding that he doesn’t take his position for granted, and feels the necessity to speak up as and when required.
“I have always been the way I am today. When I sit in a comfortable place of privilege, coming from a regular middle-class family living in Versova... I think it is my social responsibility to do whatever I can, within my capacity, for people who’ve given me everything I have,” shares Massey.
And everyone, he feels, should be that way. “There are nameless, faceless people, who have secretly prayed for me and shelled money out of their wallets to watch my stuff. I owe it to them. It is my responsibility, it is every citizen’s responsibility,” he explains.
Not just in public sphere, the 33-year-old has been quite bold in his career choices, too — being part of unconventional films and dabbling with hardcore masala films only recently with Ginny Weds Sunny.
And though he understands that “everything is temporary” in showbiz, the actor admits, “Unfortunately, I have started thinking on similar lines (image consciousness). That is the unfortunate state of public discourse these days.”
“There are perceptions around people, and it isn’t that I don’t have that side to me, I’ve always been a sucker for drama and human interpersonal relationships. Hence, I took up the films I did. There is also another side to me which very few people are privy to. I laugh like other people do and I am a regular guy,” shares Massey.
The industry has embraced me with open arms-Vikrant Massey
2:25 PM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 23, 2020)
Nepotism in Bollywood has been a hot topic for a while now. But actor Vikrant Massey has a different take on the insiders vs outsiders debate. “I am a firm believer of the power of hard work and potential. The industry has welcomed and embraced me with open arms, and I cannot complain. From doing TV, to playing smaller parts, to being hero ka dost and then to be part of critically acclaimed films and also dabble in commercial space as lead, I think I have done it all,” he shares.
Massey adds that what we get to see and get to hear today is rather unfortunate but everyone can see through it and not pay any heed to the larger agendas at play. “Any sensible head on a shoulder would gauge as to which direction this conversation is heading and it is very disheartening to see that. Thankfully the people I am around know the ulterior motives. They know the larger picture and are not affected by it,” he points out.
Massey says that his journey so far has been, “incredible”. “I am grateful for the life I lead; everything that I have is because of this industry,” adds the actor, 33, who has had three back-to-back OTT film releases — Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, Cargo and Ginny Weds Sunny — in the last few months. “The last 7 months have been difficult for all of us. To be able to do things that you love, which in my case is entertaining people through my stories, is great,” he says.
It's only now that writers, producers and directors finally see me as capable of shouldering a film-Vikrant Massey
7:55 AM
Champion of indie movies, Vikrant Massey on breaking into the league of mainstream B-Town heroes with Ginny Weds Sunny
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 8, 2020)
Despite a long day of virtual promotions for Ginny Weds Sunny, Vikrant Massey sounds upbeat when we get on a call with him. The feel-good energy of the Netflix film is presumably rubbing off on him. Known for intense dramas like Chhapaak or the more recent sci-fi Cargo, the actor is now aiming for a shift in his image with the rom-com.
"I am doing this for the first time, and it feels as if I'm starting off all over again. Finally, people are realising I can dance too. Ginny Weds Sunny is the kind of movie that takes your troubles away, even if it's for a few hours. With the advent of streaming platforms, the content consumption landscape has changed. But deep down, romance, heartbreaks, shaadi sequences and naach-gaana are too rooted in our movie-viewing culture to go out of style. Each of us looks for our happy ending in rom-coms," says Massey, who features opposite Yami Gautam in the film.
As he shoulders his first mainstream movie, the actor doesn't deny that the Puneet Khanna-directed venture is a litmus test. "It will be premature to say I have made the shift. I am venturing into uncharted territory with the movie. If it works, there will be more of these, over and above the independent movies that tug at my heartstrings. When I started off as a TV actor, I wanted to be a Hindi film hero. I focussed on giving my best shot, but it's only now that writers, producers and directors finally see me as capable of shouldering a film. I am often told that I broke out with A Death In The Gunj (2017), but the credit for helping me break into the 'leading man' space goes to the producers who have risked taking me in their films as the lead."
It won't be wrong to say that the leading parts are coming his way more frequently now. Even as he has Haseen Dillruba and 14 Phere in the pipeline, Massey was announced as the leading man of Santosh Sivan's remake of the Tamil hit, Maanagaram (2017), last week. For the actor, collaborating with Sivan is a dream come true. "When I got the first call, for a day, I didn't believe it was happening at all. I had a wide smile on my face for a week because Asoka [2001] is one of those films that I watch every time it airs on the television. Shouldering his dream project evokes so much excitement in me. Now, it's my responsibility to deliver; an actor's job today is to be worth his audience's time and money, regardless of the screen size they are watching him on. The budgets of my films have changed and so, the stakes have risen. But I won't change my approach of surrendering completely to my character and director."
I was told to my face that I’m not quintessential hero material-Vikrant Massey
9:15 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 14, 2020)
Born and raised in Mumbai (contrary to popular perception, he isn’t from Nagpur), Vikrant Massey was noticed in the popular TV show, Balika Vadhu. He made a foray into cinema with Lootera (2013) and though he’s had his share of struggles, he has made his presence felt in noted films like Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), A Death In The Gunj (2016), Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) and Chhapaak (2020). In a conversation with BT, he spoke about the insider-outsider debate, nepotism, stereotypes and film elitism — why it is difficult for TV actors to get a breakthrough in films.
Vikrant said, “Sabke struggles alag hote hain, but we grow up in a culture where films are perceived as idealistic. We idolise filmmakers and what’s it like to be a film star. All those notions are destroyed when you try become a movie actor.”
‘TV ACTORS KO FILMON MEIN BADE PARTS NAHI MILTE’
Despite being a Mumbaikar, when Vikrant switched from TV to films, he had to swallow unsavoury comments. He revealed, “TV actors ko filmon mein bade parts nahi milte. Do-teen scenes ke role milte hai, yeh perception ban gaya hai and it’s true to an extent. People think since you’re a household name, you lack fresh appeal. Why does it take someone’s (Sushant Singh Rajput) death for us to be kinder?”
“I was told to my face I am not quintessential hero material. I am not the good-looking guy with biceps. Yeh sab sunke aapki himmat toot jaati hai. These comments weren’t positive and I took it personally. I was angry, but I used that anger to prove these people wrong. As an actor, I had over 10 years of experience in TV, but that wasn’t counted. You have to start from scratch and you have to adapt as these two are different mediums with different priorities,” said Vikrant.
‘STAR KIDS HAVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION THAT WE DON’T’
The actor believes that merit is given credibility today, but those who belong to film families are bound to have an edge. He elaborated, “Unless you are a good actor, you won’t survive. As far as the disparity is concerned, it is tougher for outsiders. Star kids have access to information that we don’t. Unko dhoop mein bithaake nahi rakhte, unko auditions nahi dene padte. Also, the respect you get on set is directly proportional to the length of your role and how important you are to them. I was lucky to get a Lootera. To be able to work with Ranveer Singh, Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane was a big deal. However, I wasn’t given the script of Lootera beforehand, because I was playing the supporting part. When asked, I was told, ‘We can’t give it to you now’. Ranveer got the script in advance and this is common for most films. Bade studios aapko script nahi denge, unless you play the hero. Heroes are treated differently. Things have changed for me now since I am considered as a breakout star. I get scripts today, but hierarchical system hai. If a person plays a servant in a film, he is actually treated like one on set, unless he is an NSD alumnus or leaves in a BMW. Then even the ADs treat you differently.”
Vikrant also blames the audience, media and actors for not breaking the chain. “Log utne hi important hai, jitna unko importance diya jata hai. Are the big production houses the only ones making films? Why is their validation so important to you? A leading production house had refused to cast me as the lead, because I played a smaller role in Lootera. They politely declined and said they admired my work nonetheless. I was told, ‘Hum aapko chhote roles hi de sakte hai.’ People are not obliged to give you the part you want. Life for everyone across the world is unfair. You need to grow a thick skin. The nepotism debate is being blown out of proportion. It exists, but it is not impenetrable.”
‘I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND’
For aspiring actors, clarity of thought is important. Vikrant said, “When I saw Irrfan’s performance in Maqbool (2004), I decided that’s the kind of work I want to do. I have grown up admiring actors like Balraj Sahni, Naseeruddin Shah, and now, Rajkummar Rao. Some actors want to be like Hrithik Roshan, while some aspire to be like Irrfan sahab. You need to know what you want. Having family and friends around, who you can rely on, helps a great deal. They make sure you don’t get carried away. I cannot stress enough on the importance of having the right people around.”
‘IT’S GOOD THAT WE ARE NOW FIGHTING FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES’
“If nepotism exists, free and fair opportunities also exist. You have to be consistent and march on thinking accha kaam karna hai. After 16 years in this profession, I am still three-four years away from being in a position to decide the kind of work I want to do. There is no such thing as overnight success. You are in it for the long haul. It’s good that we are now fighting for equal opportunities and transparency, because genuine talent deserves those chances,” the actor concluded.
I was nominated for a jury award, not called to event-Vikrant Massey
8:27 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2020)
“When I made the transition from TV to films, I knew I would have my fair share of struggles but I am lucky things were easier than expected,” says actor Vikrant Massey, who debuted in Lootera (2013) and made a mark in films.
“When you start off, beggars can’t be choosers and back then, TV actors weren’t given much importance. I was told ‘TV actors ka kuch nahin hoga films mein’. In fact, I auditioned for Lootera and was rejected. Later, the actor who was signed on to play the friend in the film couldn’t do it and the makers called me 20 days before the shoot. So, that was sheer luck. A career in Bollywood is a mix of luck, choices and talent. Instead of saying ‘Mauka nahin milta’, one should turn every challenge into an opportunity. I am thankful to all makers who saw potential in me and cast me in substantial roles,” says Massey, recently seen with Deepika Padukone in Chhapaak.
Weighing in on the debate over nepotism, Massey says, “Nepotism exists everywhere. One might get a few chances, but you have to prove yourself. There are a number of insiders who didn’t get film offers after a few of their films flopped. Life is all about choices. I hoped to break the mould and get noticed in films, which is why I chose to be part of good films and work with talented makers, even if my roles were small. Being an outsider, you have no one to guide you, so you have to rely on your wits. There are no second chances.”
Ask him about his recent tweet where he asked when will the system be fair, and he says, “That was about the hierarchical system in the industry. Making a film with a popular star is alright as film-making is a business, after all. But in the tweet, I was saying the other actors should have been invited as well. It has happened to me too. I was nominated for the Best Actor Jury category in a popular awards function, but wasn’t invited to the event. So, should I be hurt by that? No. It doesn’t matter to me kyunki system hi aisa hai. I only focus on work.”
The actor is also grateful to filmmakers he worked with as they “didn’t typecast” him and the writers who wrote good roles for him. “I am also grateful to the audiences who loved me on TV for 10 years. Today, I know I want to be part of good content — be it a big film, small film or OTT. Today, the biggest stars are seen on OTT, which wasn’t favoured a few years ago. Times are changing and so is cinema. People appreciate relatable performances,” he adds.
After two years, I’m home for longer than a week-Vikrant Massey
8:52 AM
Vikrant Massey rings in his 33rd birthday today with his mom, and fiancée Sheetal
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 3, 2020)
Vikrant Massey, who turns 33 today, is excited to be celebrating the day with his family after a long time. “I have been spending my birthday on the sets for the past six-seven years. Since 2018, I have mostly been out of the city, as most of my films have been shot outdoors. After two years, I’m home for longer than a week,” shares the actor, who is living in with his fiancée Sheetal Thakur. “I’ll cook pav bhaji, I have bought all its ingredients, and maybe kheer as well. But probably, my mother and Sheetal will end up doing all the cooking,” he laughs.Unlike many of his restless colleagues, Vikrant doesn’t mind the Coronavirus lockdown. “I am not constantly checking the clock to see how much time I have left. I’m reading scripts and books at leisure, writing in my journal and doing the household chores,” he informs, adding it is also giving Sheetal and him time to bond.
Earlier, the actor was scheduled to shoot in Haridwar with Taapsee Pannu for Haseen Dillruba around this time. “We would have finished the film in two weeks. Now, my schedule for the year has gone for a toss,” sighs Vikrant, whose next release with Yami Gautam, Ginny Weds Sunny, has been pushed as also a new project that the actor was supposed to do.
The actor started the year with Deepika Padukone’s Chhapaak, revolving around an acid attack survivor. The film did not do well commercially, but Vikrant insists it resonated with some people. “We always knew it wouldn’t get big numbers; it wasn’t made for that. But with the digital platform and our tie-ups, we have reached our target audience,” he states.
It’s been seven years since Vikrant debuted in Hindi cinema as Ranveer Singh’s friend in Lootera. Now, with lead roles in his kitty, does he feel he is finally getting his due? “I started with TV and for film producers to sign me, means I got my due even back then. I played the hero’s friend in a couple of films and directors like Zoya (Akhtar), Konkona (Sen Sharma) and Meghna (Gulzar) spotted me in them and gave me bigger roles. The industry has been very kind to me,” he asserts.
I had to put my hand into commode for a scene-Vikrant Massey
8:20 AM
In the running for Best Actor (Male) gong for Criminal Justice in the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist Web Awards, Vikrant Massey discusses his toughest sequence in the thriller
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 20, 2020)
We start our chat with Vikrant Massey by mentioning that the jury of the mid-day and Radio City Hitlist Web Awards was divided on whether he should be nominated for his act in Criminal Justice, or Broken But Beautiful 2. "This is so heart-warming. We actors are so unaware of what works for people. When I was watching the cricket World Cup in England last year, many belonging to the NRI diaspora came up to me and spoke about this show," says Massey, who is in the running for the Best Actor nod for his heart-wrenching performance in Criminal Justice.The show is an adaptation of the 2008 British series by the same name, which was also reimagined as The Night Of in the US. The gripping plot lends itself beautifully to adaptations, reasons the actor. "I remember watching both the original series. My friends and I would often talk about how the show should be made here. I wanted people in UP and Bihar to know this story; they wouldn't have watched The Night Of. I grabbed the opportunity when it came my way. Sameer Nair [producer] has been guiding me since 2007 when I was working in TV, so I had faith in his instinct. Since it was an official adaptation, I knew the show will be of high quality."
Essaying the role of a cab driver who is accused of murdering his passenger, the actor acknowledges that several scenes drained him emotionally. "The toughest sequence was where my character wakes up to find out [that the woman has been murdered] and convinces himself that he has lost his memory. In another scene, I had to put my hand into the commode to pull out the smuggled drugs. These sequences took me out of my comfort zone." Massey adds that director Tigmanshu Dhulia maintained the fine balance between extracting subtle performances from his cast without losing out on the whodunit flavour of the story.
More About Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice marks the web debut of Jackie Shroff, who played a prison inmate on the show.
- Vikrant Massey bowed out of the second season of the thriller as his date diary was filled with film commitments.
Cast Your Vote For The Hitlist Web Awards
Vikrant Massey has been nominated in the Best Actor (Male) category for Hotstar’s Criminal Justice.
The other nominees are:
- Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man; Amazon Prime)
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Sacred Games S02; Netflix)
- Dhruv Sehgal (Little Things S03; Netflix)
- Mohit Raina (Kaafir; Zee5)
- Arjun Mathur (Made In Heaven; Amazon Prime)
- There are 14 categories that the public can vote in. Log on to www.hitlistwebawards.com to cast your vote.
- You can also vote via SMS. Send HITLIST <space> category name <space> your choice (a/b/c/d as on the website) to 57575
- Voting lines close on March 8.
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