Actor Vikrant Massey was initially hesitant to do Chhapaak, released in 2020. When the opportunity came his way, self-doubt almost took over. He felt Deepika Padukone was too big a star and noted their similar height. He feared they would not look good together on screen. His apprehensions nearly made him back out of the project.
Director Meghna Gulzar stepped in to change his perspective. She assured him that their pairing would work well visually. However, she also placed specific prerequisites for the role. Taking on such a complex character required total commitment. “It’s also a lot of other people who’ve shown a lot of faith in me. It’s an ongoing journey. So that gives you the confidence too,” he told Hindustan Times, revealing that he almost chickened out of the project.
This moment reflects a common struggle among growing actors. The belief placed in him by directors like Meghna Gulzar played a key role.
In Chhapaak, Massey played Amol, a dedicated activist fighting alongside an acid attack survivor. His grounded performance brought immense emotional depth to the narrative. Critics widely praised his subtle expression and chemistry with Deepika. The film proved his ability to hold his own next to leading mainstream stars. Thanks to its good intent, it was given tax-free status in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Acclaimed performances
In recent years, Vikrant captured widespread critical acclaim and audience love with 12th Fail, where his portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma became a career landmark. Roles in Haseen Dillruba and Sector 36 further highlighted his versatility. He continues to choose challenging and diverse stories. His latest release is Musafir Cafe, a romantic drama series on Netflix. It is directed by Ruchir Arun. “Chander feels an undeniable connection with Sudha. Years later, he builds a new life in the hills with Preeti, but memories of the past linger,” the show’s synopsis on the platform says.
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