Vikrant Massey, who returns to big screen post pandemic will be seen playing an underprivileged in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Vikrant talks about his reason being so private, his future goals, why he chose to do 12th Fail and more. Excerpts;
How special is 12th Fail for you?
This film is very special. I never imagined to be working with Vinod sir. In this film, you will see the personal side of every one of us. We all have tried to dream something. It’s a universal truth that all of us want to work and do well professionally. I related with the character and chose to do it. I relate to this character in 12th Fail as I used to move around wearing a chappal and go all over looking for work in simple clothes.
How was the experience in real life while you were in 12th standard?
My 12th was hopeless. I started working after my 10th exams. In junior college, I started with TV assignments. It was so tiring to handle college work. While traveling by train many times for work, I would cross my destination. I used to get mentally and physically exhausted.
Have you ever encountered any sort of power play within the industry?
Often I have countered power play in Bollywood. It hurts me a lot but my confidence fights back that power play. You have to take it on the chin, you can’t hold it against yourself or anyone else. It has always been there. If you look back in history, you will realise this power play and arm-twisting for the poor has always existed.
Go on…
If every poor individual is educated, he will be strong enough to face the people holding power positions. So they offer chicken, alcohol bottles in order to get their votes. The people in powerful positions vanish away after they receive votes. Look at the state of Mumbai roads. The poor sleeping on the roadside come during the election times to vote for them. I feel the poor have been poor for some reason. These people below poverty line have been existing in this kind of socio-economic background. Though, I want to contribute as much as I can to bring such poor people out of this situation.
Is it a conscious decision to choose roles of common men?
It’s a very conscious decision that I choose the characters of common men. In this phase, whatever I do, means a lot to me. I don’t hail from a very well established financial background. I remember when people came home during my struggling times, after witnessing no fancy stuff in my house; they stopped entertaining me. I want to be the voice of the common man.
Why are you so secretive about your personal life?
Discussing personal things doesn’t come naturally. I am an actor who works for 14 hours .There are so many peripherals working in the glitz and glamour world. You have to socialise, attend parties etc. I am very socially awkward. I can’t party nor can I keep working on social media just to increase my followers. I keep myself private because I keep working for my film which is made on a stipulated budget. I spend my time preparing for my films. I don’t call the media to click me and promote me on social media. I try keeping it simple.
What are your future plans?
I will not be acting all my life. I want to travel the world. Fame, success and adulation can’t be my lifestyle. I will also try my hands in direction. Sports keeps me grounded. I have been addicted to sports right from my school days. Even today, whenever I go on the grounds, my wife doesn’t like it.
