My earliest memory of Vikrant Massey traces back to the television show Balika Vadhu. This was the time when OTT platforms were yet to launch in India, and it was the matriarch of the family who controlled the only screen available in the Indian household. Hence, the distinct memory of the TV show. But while all the other aspects of the show are a bit hazy, Massey’s performance remains clear in my mind, including the time he left us all weeping in a scene.
Years later, Massey resurfaced in my consciousness while watching Lootera. The thought struck me, “Is that the Balika Vadhu guy?” Indeed, it was. Thirteen years after starring in TV shows, Vikrant made his debut in Hindi films with Vikramaditya Motwane’s Lootera. Though playing a supporting role alongside Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha, Massey made it evident from this debut – he would be the one choosing roles, not the other way around.
It’s a tough choice to make when you carry the burden of being one of the most successful TV actors. After all, he was accustomed to cashing in a hefty paycheck of Rs 35 lakh per month for his television show. Even filmmaker Hansal Mehta admitted the magnitude of the risk involved in casting a TV actor. He called Karishma Tanna’s casting in his widely acclaimed series Scoop ‘the biggest risk’ he ever took.
But Massey came to Hindi films like a chameleon and quickly fitted in. His audience recalled his face, but they didn’t bother pondering about his past because he didn’t let them. Instead, he captivated them with his choice of roles and narratives that resonated with him personally. After Lootera, he starred in Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do. While his role in particular didn’t have a recall value, the film itself stands as one of Zoya Akhtar’s most memorable works, further solidifying his presence in Bollywood.
Massey’s true versatility as an actor came to the forefront in Konkana Sen Sharma’s A Death in the Gunj. Portraying the vulnerable and bullied Shutu, who struggles to find his place in a crowded household, Massey started getting recognition from filmmakers and his audience. From being the TV actor who was trying to make it in Bollywood, he swiftly became the actor that filmmakers began to seek out for their projects.
Following Death in the Gunj, Massey did remarkable work in films like Deepika Padukone’s Chhapaak, Seema Pahwa’s Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi and Vinil Mathew’s Haseen Dillruba. While Chhapaak was a project focusing on Deepika Padukone’s character, Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi was a poignant multi-starrer that didn’t afford Massey ample opportunity to showcase his acting prowess. However, in Haseen Dillruba, Massey was a revelation. He portrayed the conflicted persona of a mild-mannered yet fiercely devoted husband, willing to go to extreme lengths for the love of his wife. Despite having less screen time than Taapsee Pannu, Massey undeniably stole the show.
Vikrant Massey in a still from Haseen Dillruba. (Pic: IMDB)
However, even the most versatile of actors can sometimes miss the mark with their choice of roles. Massey has had his share of missteps, starring in films like Ginny Weds Sunny, Switchh, 14 Phere Gaslight and more.
Last year, the world woke up to Massey’s talent after his ‘small’ film 12th Fail beat Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi’s OMG 2 at the box office. But like Massey’s career, this film too had a slow start before taking over the awards shows and social media platforms like Instagram reels. Since 12th Fail was the quintessential story of India, it helped Massey establish a connection with the masses like never before. While some found their own struggles reflected in Massey’s character, others idolized and admired him.
After the success of 12th Fail, the actor finds himself in a sweet spot in his career. With the undivided attention of the audience and a meticulously crafted body of work that reaffirms his credibility, Vikrant Massey stands at a pivotal point. He has all the power he needs, will he be able to take on the responsibility?
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