Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Vikrant Massey Recalls Early Struggles
Vikrant Massey is a famous actor known for movies like 12th Fail.
When he was 16, he had to work very hard to pay for his education.
He worked two jobs and sometimes only ate Parle-G and drank water.
He got his first TV show when he was 16, but it never got shown on TV.
He also talked about how his family went from being rich to struggling.
Now, he is successful and has a biopic of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar coming up.
He faced humiliation during his first TV shoot but learned from the experience.
He also mentioned the bias against TV actors in the film industry.
Vikrant Massey started working at 16 to support his education and family.
He worked as a barista and an assistant instructor in Shiamak Davar’s troupe.
His first TV show was never telecast and he was not fully paid.
He faced financial struggles and lived off Parle-G and water during tough times.
He draws inspiration from his struggles for his roles, like in 12th Fail.
He was humiliated by a director during his first TV shoot but later forgave him.
He mentioned the industry bias against TV actors transitioning to films.
- Who
- Vikrant Massey
- What
- Recalled his early struggles and career challenges
- When
- Started working at 16, first TV show in 2004
- Where
- Mumbai, Delhi
- Why
- To support his education and family financially
Vikrant's Perspective
Industry Bias
TV Actors' Talent
Vikrant's Perspective
TV actors are equally talented and have contributed significantly to cinema.
Industry Bias
There is a preconceived notion that TV actors are not as skilled as film actors.
- Actor
- Vikrant Massey
- Age
- 38
- First Job
- Barista
- First TV Show
- Fantasy show about a guy who goes invisible
- First TV Show Status
- Never telecast, became a pilot
- Current Project
- Biopic of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Education Support
- Worked to pay for education
- Director's Apology
- Yes, the director apologized to Vikrant
- Industry Bias
- Preconceived notion against TV actors
Sources
Vikrant Massey recalls working 16-hour days, balancing two jobs at 16: ‘I survived on Parle-G and water, couldn’t even get tea’
Vikrant Massey Worked Two Jobs To Stay In School, Survived On Parle-G: 'I Was Just 16'
‘I cried in front of 100 people’: Vikrant Massey recalls being shouted at by director, says he felt humiliated
