EXCLUSIVE: Vikrant Massey on bagging Chhapaak, web series & importance of relatability quotient in characters

Vikrant Massey is one of the promising actors we have in Bollywood. His hard work and talent helped him win hearts and be a part of some amazing projects on TV, films and the digital platform. After giving impactful performances in films like Lootera, A Death in The Gunj and Lipstick Under My Burkha, Vikrant will next be seen in Meghna Gulzar's Chhapaak. Based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, the film also stars Deepika Padukone in the lead role.

When asked what was his reaction to when he was offered the film, Vikrant told Pinkvilla, "I was really excited and kind of surprised also. It was really overwhelming when I got the confirmation call from Meghna. Also, to be collaborating with her and Deepika is a part of it; it's something that I am really looking forward to."

Vikrant Massey's journey of acting started from television, and hence, he has a vast audience who knows his talent and acting mettle. So, when it was announced that he will be playing one of the leads in Meghna Gulzar's films, his fans were very happy for him as people shared he is getting great work that he truly deserves. We asked Vikrant how it feels to be appreciated by people who understand his journey and also expect good work from him. He answered, "It feels very heart-warming that entire time when the film was announced on the 19th December. As I said, the emails, the tweets and the things that were written in the media, they were really heartwarming. Right now, all I am really focused on is sort of repaying their trust back by being consistent. It feels great. I don't think an actor can ask for more when something like this happens."

As an outsider and someone who started off their career on TV, entering Bollywood and being able to keep the patience and perseverance to get good roles isn't quite easy. So what kept Vikrant going on for so many years that only helped him grow? The Lootera actor said, "Even when I was doing television, I used to talk to people asking them how will I get into films and what is the process. So they used to tell me that TV actors don't get films. That thing really stuck with me and all I wanted was to be consistent. I say this again as when I was doing television, I always knew a good performance and a good story can never go unnoticed. Anything that's good and has a certain amount of quality, slowly but surely, it will be accepted. And that was the only thing that kept me going."

His recent web series Criminal Justice received rave reviews from the audiences as well as the critics. About the same, Vikrant said, "It feels really grateful, thankful and happy when your work is appreciated. Criminal Justice is another web series which has got very good reviews. Besides the reviews, whatever emails I am getting, from people and well-wishers are a sort of validation that every actor needs."

Every character Vikrant Massey played in his films or shows has remained etched in our minds, be it Rana Khanna in Dil Dhadakne Do or Nawab Khan in Made in Heaven. When asked what he keeps in his mind while saying yes to a particular role or project, he revealed, "I believe relatability is the most important thing that I look forward to a script. I am catering to the people of this country and for that, it is very important to have a sense of relatability with them. It's a two-way street, there are stories you want to tell them and you rely on them to respond to those stories. I think my choices so far have worked."

The actor added, "My today is definitely better than my yesterday. I think what I look for in a script it's the relatability quotient that matters the most. When people watch my movies and web series, I want them to either see themselves in those characters or something they can relate to. I want everyone to feel a part of themselves is involved when they are watching my characters".

So, is he happy with the kind of roles he is being offered? Vikrant Massey answered, "As of now, I am definitely happy with the roles I am getting. There are writers who are writing for me, there are producers who are bringing together projects keeping me in mind. As of now, I am really happy and I don't think I could've asked for anything more."

Which is your favourite character by Vikrant Massey? Let us know in the comments below.