In an industry where television can be a lucrative career choice for many actors, Vikrant Massey took a surprising turn. This talented actor, known for his captivating performances, recently shed light on his journey from the small screen to the big screen, revealing his decision to leave behind a high-paying TV career. At the peak of his television tenure, Vikrant was earning a staggering Rs 35 lakh per month and had just purchased his first house at the tender age of 24.
Vikrant Massey has made quite a splash with his role in the latest cinematic venture ‘12th Fail,’ directed by the esteemed Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film’s storyline follows the plight of a man with burning aspirations to become an Indian Administrative Service officer, a role portrayed with nuance and dedication by Vikrant. While he now enjoys acclaim in the film industry, Vikrant’s beginnings were rooted in television, which provided him his initial breakthrough as an actor. His gradual climb to silver screen stardom has been marked by a series of deliberate choices, each reflecting his commitment to his craft.
During a candid interview with renowned Youtuber Samdish Bhatia, Vikrant Massey opened up about the pivotal moment in his career when he opted to step away from the small screen. Despite the financial security it provided, Vikrant longed for something beyond monetary gains. “I earned a lot of money through TV; I bought my first house at the age of 24. But there was regressing content on TV, and I wanted to move to cinema,” he confessed. At a young age, with his house bought and debts cleared, he came to a realization—his financial status brought him no peace of mind. Taking a leap of faith, Vikrant resigned from TV and, within a year and a half, saw his savings dwindle.
As he struggled to break into cinema, it was Sheetal Thakur, his then-girlfriend and now wife, who became his pillar of support. Financially backing him, she even gave him ‘pocket money’ to attend auditions, a gesture that kept his dream alive during those challenging times.
Explaining the reasons for abandoning his TV career, Vikrant elucidated on the monotonous and, at times, problematic content that pervaded the television industry. “There were many stories, repetitively occurring, which is why I left TV,” he stated. He pointed out the lack of variety, where successful formulas were often mindlessly duplicated. Vikrant was particularly dismayed by TV narratives that propagated misogyny, a genre that unfortunately found an audience and, hence, became the substance of countless shows for the sake of ratings.
Vikrant went on to express his frustration with the behind-the-scenes dynamics of television production, dominated at times by MBAs who would dictate content creation based on so-called ‘internal research’ and ratings-driven strategies. They would insist on one-hour ‘maha episodes’ and other formats, which often left creators and artists feeling stifled and undervalued. Eventually, Vikrant took a stand against this system, firmly refusing to participate in such demands.
Recalling his early days on the highly popular TV show ‘Balika Vadhu,’ Vikrant mused over his character’s unexpected longevity. Initially signed for a brief two-month cameo, the actor’s role was extended to two years as the audience’s love for his character grew. However, subsequent shows failed to provide the same level of satisfaction, leaving Vikrant feeling disenchanted and underutilized.
Now, reaping the rewards of his bold decision to change paths, Vikrant Massey is not just gracing the cinematic landscape but also redefining his artistic journey, one challenging role at a time. His experience highlights the crossroads many actors face when choosing between financial security and the pursuit of more fulfilling creative work. Vikrant’s story is a testament to the power of conviction and courage in crafting one’s unique narrative in the complex tapestry of the entertainment industry.
