Actor Vikrant Massey shocked his fans recently by announcing his retirement from acting at 37. On December 2, Massey thanked his followers on Instagram and informed the netizens of his decision to take a break from acting in order to focus on his personal life. His fans will get to see him in Yaar Jigri and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan in 2025, post which he will take a sabbatical.
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The actor, who made a smooth transition from television to one of Bollywood’s most dependable actors, has been part of some criticially and commercially acclaimed films in the recent years. Here's a look at some of the iconic roles.
12th Fail (2023)
Manoj Kumar Sharma, played by Vikrant Massey, is a young man from a small town, who is determined to overcome all obstacles to pass the coveted UPSC exams. Based on a true story, 12th Fail captured the hardships and ambitions of many Indian youngsters. Massey's portrayal of Sharma brought realism to a part that emphasises tenacity in the face of structural shortcomings. The audience was moved by the film’s emotional depth, making it one of Massey's best films.
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Sector 36 (2024)
Massey gave a terrifying performance as Prem Singh, a seemingly devoted housekeeper, with a sinister and troubled past, in this suspenseful crime thriller. Societal negligence and systematic corruption are revealed through Prem’s horrifying crimes, involving organ trafficking, kidnapping, rape and cruelty. Vikrant’s depiction of Prem, a severely traumatised person is both eerie and unforgettable.
Mirzapur (2018)
As Vinay aka Bablu Pandit, in the crime thriller series Mirzapur, Vikrant was the mastermind behind the criminal expansion of the Tripathi empire. In a society characterised by violence and power play, he became a fan-favourite by striking a balance between his moral quandaries and sharp intelligence. His understated yet powerful performance elevated the narrative and made Bablu’s abrupt departure a pivotal moment in the series.
Criminal Justice (2019)
Massey played the role of Aditya Sharma, a cab driver whose life descends into chaos after he is wrongfully convicted of murder, in this compelling judicial drama series on Disney+ Hotstar. His portrayal of vulnerability, despair and inner strength as he moves through the legal system and prison life, gave the story authenticity and made the show popular.
Made In Heaven (2019)
Vikrant’s portrayal of Nawab was remarkable despite the short duration of his stint in this romantic drama series on Amazon Prime Video. As a man torn between his cultural convictions and personal needs, he added nuance to the series’ examination of contemporary relationships and societal expectations. His skill at capturing subtle and delicate feelings in brief on-screen moments enhanced the show’s multi-layered narrative.
Haseen Dillruba (2021)
The life of Rishab Saxena aka Rishu, a kind-hearted, infatuated husband, drastically changes following his wife’s treachery and a mysterious death. The emotional centre of the movie was Massey’s performance that fluctuated between vulnerability and wrath. He played a character torn between love and duplicity.
Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba (2024)
Vikrant plays Rishu again in this suspenseful sequel of Haseen Dillruba. He is now hiding and living under a false identity, yet he continues to communicate with Rani, who too has a secret life. Abhimanyu, who loves Rani, becomes a hindrance in their plans of escape. Massey expertly portrays Rishu’s will and weakness as unexpected turns upset their lives.
Broken But Beautiful (2018)
In this series of three seasons available on JioCinema and ZEE5, Massey as Veer brilliantly portrayed a man broken by loss but receptive to fresh starts. It struck a chord with the viewers. Veer was a memorable character as the rapport with all his co-stars worked out well, as did his ability to strike a balance between vulnerability and resiliency.
A Death in the Gunj (2016)
In Konkana Sen’s highly regarded directorial debut, Vikrant played Shyamal Chatterjee aka Shutu, a timid and reclusive young man struggling against societal expectations and familial apathy. He received praise for the eerily vulnerable portrayal of Shutu. It also showcased his ability to bear the emotional weight of a narrative.
Chhapaak (2020)
Massey brought calm power and empathy to the role of Amol, the supportive companion of an acid attack survivor. The film’s moving story about justice and resiliency was enhanced by his subtle yet powerful performance, which served as a reminder to viewers about the strength of unity in the face of hardships.