Vikrant Massey Opens Up About Teen Struggles “Worked 16 Hours a Day Surviving on Parle-G and Water”

Vikrant Massey, the acclaimed actor who captivated audiences with his poignant portrayal in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, recently shared a raw glimpse into his tumultuous early years. In a candid interview with Republic World, the star revealed how, at just 16, he juggled grueling 16-hour workdays across multiple low-paying jobs in Mumbai, often surviving on nothing but Parle-G biscuits and water. This stark account underscores his entry into the entertainment industry, driven not by passion alone but by sheer financial necessity to fund his education.

Massey's journey began humbly as a barista, a role he took to support himself amid familial economic pressures common in middle-class households during the early 2000s. He simultaneously served as an assistant instructor in Shiamak Davar's renowned dance troupe, honing performance skills while navigating Mumbai's chaotic local trains—changing four daily to connect his disparate workplaces. "No one does it of their own accord—definitely not a young boy. I did it because I had to," he reflected, highlighting the absence of glamour in his initial foray.

His first brush with acting came at 16, facing the camera for an unnamed television project that demanded eight months of unwavering commitment. Tragically, production disputes between broadcasters and producers shelved the show indefinitely, leaving Massey devastated and out of pocket—half his promised payment evaporated. The episode eventually aired years later at 2 a.m. on Star Plus, a minor footnote in his story.

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Sensing his dire straits, the producer extended compassion by offering him a production office job, allowing him to stay afloat after quitting his stable barista role. This setback exemplified the opaque realities of the industry, where aspiring actors like Massey—often the last to join a project—bear the brunt of behind-the-scenes chaos. His resilience mirrors countless Bollywood underdogs, from Shah Rukh Khan's early theater struggles to Irrfan Khan's patient persistence.

Massey's perseverance paid off spectacularly. Transitioning seamlessly from television (Balika Vadhu, Dharam Veer) to films (Chhapaak, Gaslight), he peaked with 12th Fail (2023), earning the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2024—shared with Shah Rukh Khan for Animal. The film's box-office success, grossing over ₹25 crore on a modest budget, validated his method-acting prowess, drawing praise for authentically depicting UPSC aspirant Manoj Kumar Sharma's grit.

Upcoming, Massey takes on a pivotal special role in Vishal Bhardwaj's O Romeo, an action-thriller starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, slated for theatrical release on February 13, 2026. Directed by the maestro behind Haider and Omkara, the film promises high-octane drama blended with romance, positioning Massey among elite collaborators. Massey's story is a testament to unyielding determination, inspiring a new generation navigating India's competitive job market and entertainment dreams.

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