Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba star Vikrant Massey says intentionally selecting roles to move beyond his '12th Fail' image; ‘Was bracketed as a poor, malnourished boy’

MUMBAI: An actor's dream is to portray a grey character in a morally devoid world. This is among the reasons Vikrant Massey finds the Haseen Dillruba universe to be so enjoyable. He feels that the time of their return to the universe of the romantic thriller Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, with co-star Taapsee Pannu, is ideal because Hindi cinema has evolved past its all-white heroes.

Also read:Inspiring! Vikrant Massey: From Riches to Rags and Back Again

“When we humanise the characters that tread into grey zones, we make them relatable. In the last eight to 10 years, there has been a change in the world of storytelling, where unconventional characters have become mainstream because there is resonance with them. Even if you play an out-and-out antagonist and manage to humanise it, you will find a lot of relatability with it,” he says.

After exploring the world of love and betrayal in Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, Massey moves on to the 2006 Nithari case through the thriller on Netflix, Sector 36. If the jump seems significant, it's deliberate. The actor aspires to overcome his boy-next-door persona and surprise the audience with every project.

“Sometimes, I feel there is an expectation to do a certain kind of films post 12th Fail [2023]. But that perception existed even before the film. I was bracketed as this poor, malnourished, simple boy-next-door. But I have been fortunate with my writers and producers, who recognised the potential beyond [my] physical appearance or perceived image. What you saw of me in the second half of Haseen Dillruba was a breath of fresh air for anyone who stereotyped me as that [boy-next-door]. The reason behind the kind of films I’m doing next year is that [I want to shed] this perceived image. What I am doing next is not expected of me.”

There is an additional reason for selecting a variety of roles. Massey doesn't believe in repeating himself on film. It's the secret to boredom, in his opinion.

“Jimmy sir [Sheirgill] said in an interview that you can’t keep doing the same thing. There are times when you do something intense and take [the character] back home, and other times, you feel like doing a mindless comedy. It’s important to break the rut. A perception about you is created and you can’t fight it. The only thing then is to do something that is not expected of you.”

Also read: Really! Vikrant Massey reveals he earned a whopping Rs 4.2 crores after his friend humiliated him for having plastic chairs at home

For more news and updates from the world of television, OTT, and movies, stay tuned to TellyChakkar.

Credits –Mid-Day