New Delhi: Actor Vikrant Massey, who recently won the Best Actor Award at the 71st National Film Awards for his role in 12th Fail, has described the achievement as not just an individual victory but a shared moment of pride. The film, based on the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, also bagged the Best Film Award, making the celebration even more special.
Massey, who shared the Best Actor title with superstar Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan, said it was a “dream” to be mentioned in the same breath as SRK.
Manoj Kumar Sharma by his side
What made the win extraordinary, Massey said, was the presence of Manoj Kumar Sharma himself. The officer’s remarkable journey from poverty to the IPS inspired Anurag Pathak’s book and later Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s acclaimed film.
“He was with me. We were there together. Manoj Kumar Sharma Ji, Shraddha Joshi Ji, Anurag Pathak Ji, my mother and my wife Sheetal Thakur – we were all there. I consider Manoj Ji as a part of my family, and we were all there to enjoy that day because the film was conferred with the Best Film Award,” Massey told India Today in an exclusive interview.
Expanding horizons beyond drama
Known for his powerful portrayals of the everyman, Massey said while drama remains his “default setting,” he is eager to explore diverse genres.
“Not necessarily. I definitely will continue representing the common man – that is a default setting. I just want to go out there and do a comedy tomorrow. It could be a mindless comedy that gives the audience a respite, or infotainment that informs. I want to experiment; there are so many things I want to do and people I want to work with,” he explained.
Taking time off before recognition
The actor, who had earlier announced a break, clarified that he indeed took time away from work before returning with 12th Fail.
“I did take a seven-month-long break, and I think seven months are good enough,” Massey revealed, emphasising how the pause allowed him to return with renewed energy.
A new chapter ahead
With a National Award under his belt, Massey said he remains committed to telling authentic stories of ordinary people, but he is equally ready to surprise audiences with lighter, experimental roles.
“To be mentioned in the same breath as SRK is a dream,” he said, reflecting on the honour of sharing the Best Actor title with the Bollywood superstar.
Massey was last seen in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. As he steps into this new chapter, fans and industry insiders alike expect him to balance meaningful dramas with refreshing experiments across genres.