Vikrant Massey wins first National Award for '12th Fail'; dedicates it to 'marginalised' in society

Actor Vikrant Massey continues to have a dream run, with 12th Fail earning accolades even two years after its release. Known for his soul-stirring performance in the film, Vikrant has now been honoured with the prestigious National Award. He was named 'Best Actor' at the 71st National Film Awards 2023, sharing the honour with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The movie also earned the prestigious Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) for Best Feature Film.

"Today, if I may say so, a 20-year-old boy’s dream has come true.
I am eternally grateful to the audiences for honouring my performances and for recommending this film with such love," Vikrant said on winning the award.

He dedicated his first award to "All the marginalised people in our society — those who are often looked through, and those who are fighting the socio-economic paradigm of our country every single day."

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film narrates the inspiring journey of Manoj Kumar, a young man who rises from humble roots to take on the gruelling UPSC exam. Facing poverty, self-doubt and the immense challenge of India’s toughest exam, the UPSC. The movie is a powerful tale of resilience and hope, and with this National Award win, Vikrant Massey emerges as one of the bankable stars of the current generation.

With the release of 12th Fail, Massey received immense praise for his portrayal of Manoj and was celebrated for his sincerity, subtlety and emotional depth in playing the character. Upon its release, the movie immediately struck a chord with critics and audiences, with everyone calling his work one of the finest performances in recent years.

Vikrant, who started as a TV actor, has outgrown himself with his passion and his sheer dedication. This win is very special for him and marks a significant milestone in his acting career as he has steadily made himself a bankable actor in the showbiz by bringing authenticity and depth to every character he plays, proving why he is the best in this business.

On the work front, Vikrant is preparing for his role in the upcoming biopic White, which focuses on the life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Mahaveer Jain, is being described as a global thriller inspired by real-life events.