'I am a professional modern jazz dancer'

Young talent

It’s not just Vikrant Massey’s looks that have won him many admirers but also his wonderful performances. The television and Bollywood actor has worked in various projects like ‘Balika Vadhu’, ‘Qubool Hai’, ‘Lootera’ and ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’.

His latest outing is Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut ‘A Death in the Gunj’ where he plays the  character ‘Shutu’.

Vikrant, who was recently in the city for the promotion of the film, chats with Anila Kurian about some fun moments on the sets and how he hates lizards.

Tell us about your character in the film
I play Shamur Chatterjee, fondly known as ‘Shutu’. It’s a film set in 1979 and it’s about Gulshan Devaiah’s character going through certain changes during a winter break. I play his cousin in the film.

The most challenging part...
Konkona has lived with this film and I had to do justice to what she had envisaged. Not many people know this, but I didn’t take a shower for 23 days for the film. That’s how detailed it is.

Something you learnt from your co-actors...
I spent a lot of time with Konkona and the soul of my character is very much inspired by her real personality. She is very sensitive and not very expressive. Working with Om Puri was also a dream come true. This film took a toll on me and I remember him asking me if I felt alright, a few days before we wrapped up. It was worth every bit though.

Now that the film is released, what are your plans?
I’m going to Puducherry for a week-long break. I definitely need that before the shooting for the next project starts.

Your upcoming projects...
I am there in ‘Half Girlfriend’ which released recently. The release date of ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ will be announced soon and I am also working
on a drama called ‘Pujya
Pithaji’.

Your favourite 90s jam...
George Michael, without a doubt.

A superhero you wish to be...
Batman. I absolutely love Bruce Wayne.

Something you can’t live without...
My daily dose of PlayStation. I am a big FIFA addict.

Something you can binge eat...
My mom’s ‘Rajma chawal’.

A pet peeve...
Lizards. I can take all the other creepy crawlies, but no lizards.

Three things about you that nobody knows perhaps
I am a professional modern jazz dancer; I haven’t done much justice to that since I started acting though. I am a very good cricketer and also an avid reader. I make time to read on a daily basis.

How do you respond to your fans who find you really good looking?
(Laughs) They are very kind! I am in the worst possible shape right now but thank you. I hope I have justified what they have thought me to be.