Vikrant Massey reflects on perseverance, purpose and self-made stardom
HYDERABAD, Jan 06 (The CONNECT) — The spotlight came on, the applause followed—and Vikrant Massey delivered a performance off-screen that was as compelling as his roles on screen. At an inspiring session organised by FLO Hyderabad, the actor peeled back the glamour to reveal a journey scripted by grit, discipline and reinvention.
“Money was the reason I stepped out of my home at 16,” Massey told a packed audience. “My goals were basic—education, a home, and earning ₹1 lakh a month. I bought my house at 24. But somewhere along the way, success changed meaning. Today, after 21 years in the industry, I’m the most content actor I’ve ever been.”
The acclaimed star of 12th Fail was in conversation with Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad, at Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills. Over 250 members of the FICCI Ladies Organisation attended the session, themed “Success Without Shortcuts.”
Setting the tone, Prathibha Kunda said success built the hard way lasts longer. “Doing the right thing consistently—especially when no one is watching—creates credibility, character and achievements that endure,” she said.
From Balika Vadhu to cinema and web series, Massey’s career arc is a lesson in persistence. “Success is often the compound effect of repeated failures,” he said. “I don’t have an uncle in the industry to produce a film for me. For every role, I must perform and position myself as a serious contender.”
On staying relevant, his message was blunt: “Shape up or ship out. We update our phones constantly, but forget to update ourselves. Learn, unlearn and relearn—that’s the only way to survive.”
Massey also stressed the importance of inner well-being. “Good health itself is a big success. You can wear the most expensive clothes, but without energy from within, nothing works.”
Challenging a popular cliché, he added with candour, “I don’t agree when people say money doesn’t bring happiness. Money does bring happiness. It gives confidence—and confidence leads to happiness.”
Reflecting on his television roots, the 38-year-old said he wears them with pride, noting that icons like Shah Rukh Khan and Naseeruddin Shah also began on the small screen.
On the industry’s obsession with visibility and social media, Massey was clear: “I’m not a social-media person. I don’t party, and I don’t believe networking gets you work. What matters is what you do in front of the camera.”
Closing on a personal note, he spoke of grounding influences. “My home is sacred. My mother is my biggest inspiration. And though he’s not from films, I deeply admire Rahul Dravid for his values and integrity.”
His non-negotiables, he said, are simple—weekends with family and a personal life kept firmly away from the spotlight. In an industry addicted to shortcuts, Vikrant Massey’s script remains refreshingly old-school—and compelling
