National Award-winning actor once cried in front of 100 people on set after the director shouted at him in public. Did he forgive him?

Much before Vikrant Massey became a celebrated name in Indian cinema and won the National Award for 12th Fail, life was about getting through each day. Fame, recognition, and red carpets were far from his reality. As a teenager, the actor's focus was not auditions or stardom, but survival and education. In a recent chat with a media portal, the actor opened up about his early struggles and recalled a painful yet defining incident from the very first day he faced the camera.

The actor shared that while he always wanted to become an actor, he never imagined starting so young. Vikrant told Republic he had planned a more traditional route, finishing graduation first, then training at institutions like NSD or FTII, and only entering the industry in his mid-twenties. Acting at 16 was never part of the plan.

His first on-camera opportunity came unexpectedly and was driven by necessity rather than ambition. The fee, he admitted, was a major reason he accepted the role, as it would help him continue his studies. At the time, he was working as a barista, assisting with Shiamak Davar’s dance troupe, and even doing restaurant jobs in Mumbai to make ends meet.

The first shoot that left him in tears

Vikrant’s first day on a professional set, however, turned into an emotionally overwhelming experience. The shoot took place at a studio in Madh Island, a place where he now lives. Nervous and untrained, the teenage actor struggled in front of the camera.

Recalling the incident, Vikrant said the director, an experienced filmmaker, lost patience and shouted at him publicly over the microphone. The scolding happened in front of nearly 100 people on set. The harsh words and public humiliation were too much for the young actor, who broke down and started crying.

He shared that the moment left him deeply shaken, as he felt exposed and embarrassed. The producer tried to comfort him, and Vikrant quietly questioned why he had been spoken to that way in front of everyone. Still, he chose to take the experience in his stride, calling himself someone who is always open to learning and unlearning.


Later that evening, the director came up to him and apologised for his behaviour. Vikrant acknowledged the apology and said that while he tends to forgive, he does not forget such moments. Importantly, he clarified that he does not hold a grudge against the filmmaker.

Vikrant Massey's upcoming project

On the work front, Vikrant Massey is now preparing for another challenging role. He will portray spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the upcoming biopic White.