After starting his acting career with popular TV serials including “Qubool Hai” and “Balika Vadhu”, Vikrant Massey is making his presence felt in films like “Dil Dhadakne Do” and the recent “Half Girlfriend”. Happy to be part of smaller films with big content like “A Death In The Gunj” and “Lipstick Under My Burkha”, he feels great working with women directors. In a chat, he talks about TV shows, his debut film and what’s keeping him busy.
Excerpts:
How was the experience working in “A Death In The Gunj”?
I am a big fan of Konkona (Sen Sharma) since my teens and always wanted to work with her and I enjoyed each and every moment of shooting. It had a shoe string budget but the best talent from the industry which makes it a unique film. It talks of mental health which I think is a neglected topic in our country and I am happy through this film we have managed to shed light on this major issue. My character Shuttu in the film taught me a lot of things including giving respect to each person and never bully anyone as Shuttu is bullied in the film.
After a long career in dancing when did you decide to become an actor?
I was one of those 90s kids who always used to participate in singing and dancing at school and community level and used to think of myself as a star which led me to act. I was spotted by a casting director for a Star TV serial which never went on air. Most of my learning happened on TV sets only.
Your experience of working in “Balika Vadhu” and how different is working in films?
Colors came up with “Balika Vadhu” to send a message across the country about the menace of child marriage and I was very fortunate to be a part of it for so long.
TV is a day-to-day medium and has time and budget constraints. It works under the parameters of delivery than creativity. Cinema, on the other hand, plays in a wider arena which gives space for creativity with a specific time line.
Tell us about your debut film “Lootera”
Atul Mongia asked me for a screen test for Vikramaditya Motwane’s film and I was so excited as I am a big fan of “Udaan” which is a cult film for our generation and later I even signed the film without even knowing the script of the film. During the shoot, I realised that working with him is a learning process as he always gives space for an actor to grow with the character. I still remember when I was stuck with a scene. After about fifteen retakes and feeling broken, he took me to a corner and told me not to over prepare. I still carry that lesson as it made my acting smooth and natural.
Your experience of working in small and big films
Working in a bigger film comes with a lot of exposure and tours which is enriching as you work with big stars and travel around. Smaller films, on the other hand, give character artists their space to explore the characters and people get to know about them through these films.