In recent months, Vikrant Massey has experienced a significant surge in popularity, earning acclaim for his compelling portrayal of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in “12th Fail.” Adding to his joy, the talented actor recently celebrated the arrival of a baby boy with his wife and actress Sheetal Thakur.
Vikrant Massey’s journey in the entertainment industry began with successful television roles in shows like “Balika Vadhu,” “Dharam Veer,” and “Qubool Hai” before making a transition to both theatrical and OTT films.
During a candid interview on Unfiltered by Samdish, the “A Death in the Gunj” star shared a revelation about leaving a lucrative Rs 35 lakh per month television acting job.
Massey attributed his decision to quit television, despite the substantial financial security it provided, to the prevalence of “regressive content” on TV at the time. He expressed a desire to step out of that world and try his luck in cinema, emphasizing that financial success didn’t equate to inner peace. Recounting the time when he earned Rs 35 lakh per month at the age of 24, Massey stated, “I decided to do good work and find peace.”
The actor acknowledged the initial challenges he faced after quitting TV, highlighting the crucial support he received from his then-girlfriend, Sheetal: “My savings got exhausted in a year, and then my wife Sheetal used to give me pocket money for auditions.”
As Vikrant Massey found success in the world of movies, his fees also experienced a notable hike. In 2021, reports from Hindustan Times revealed that Massey charged between Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore per film. Subsequently, his fees increased to Rs 1.5 crore, with an additional clause in the contract stipulating an extra Rs 1.5 crore if the film opted for a direct-to-digital release.
Looking ahead to 2024, one of Massey’s anticipated releases is the sequel to “Haseen Dilruba” titled “Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba.” In this Jayprad Desai directorial, the actor will reprise his role as Rishu opposite Taapsee Pannu, with Sunny Kaushal and Jimmy Shergill also featuring in the film.