‘I was nominated for jury award, not called to event’
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 you make 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 filmmaking 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.
A career in Bollywood is a mix of luck, choices and talent. Being an outsider, you’ve no one to guide you, so you’ve to rely on your wits.
VIKRANT MASSEY ACTOR