At a time when the debate on nepotism is at an all-time high, several artists including Sushmita Sen, Kunal Kemmu and Radhika Madan have opened up about the ‘outsiders vs insiders’ culture in Bollywood. Now, actor Vikrant Massey has joined in on the debate. Vikrant, who made his debut seven years ago with Lootera, recently opened up about the ‘unfair hierarchy system’ that exists in the industry.
In a recent interview, Vikrant said that even though he had prepared himself for his fair share of struggle while making the transition from television to films, bagging Lootera was sheer luck. “I auditioned for Lootera and was rejected but later, the actor who was signed on to play the friend in the film couldn’t do it and the makers called me 20 days before the shoot,” he said.
Acknowledging that nepotism exists everywhere, Vikrant said that a career in Bollywood is a mix of the opportunities you get, your luck, the choices you make and definitely your talent. The Chhappak actor added, “Instead of saying, mauka nahin milta, one should turn every challenge into an opportunity. I am thankful to all the makers who saw potential in me and cast me in substantial roles. That led to other filmmakers offering better roles…One might get a few chances, but you have to prove yourself. There are a number of insiders, who didn’t get film offers after a few of their films flopped. Life is all about choices. I hoped to break the mould and get noticed in films, which is why I chose to be part of good films and work with talented makers, even if my roles were small.”
Weighing in on the conversation on nepotism, Vikrant added that being an outsider, there is no one to guide you, so you have to rely on your wits as there are no second chances.
Also read: Saif Ali Khan Just Called Himself A ‘Victim Of Nepotism’ & We Aren’t Buying It!
After being excluded from a live session on Disney+ Hostar, actors Kunal Kemmu and Vidyut Jammwal took to social media to express their displeasure. Kunal called out Bollywood’s favouritism in a somewhat cryptic tweet that read, ‘Izzat aur pyaar maanga nahi kamaya jaata hai. Koi na de toh usse hum chhote nahi hote. Bas maidaan khelne ke liye barabar de do chhalaang hum bhi oonchi laga sakte hai’ (You have to earn the respect and love. If no one gives it to us, it shouldn’t make us feel insignificant. Just give us a level field to play, we can do great things too).
And Vikrant was one of the many actors, who tweeted in support of Kunal and wrote, ‘Yeh system Kab fair hoga? (When will the system be fair)’
Clarifying his stand on the tweet, Vikrant said, “I was saying that the other actors should have been invited as well. It has happened to me too. I remember, I was nominated for the Best Actor Jury category in a popular award function, but wasn’t invited to the event. So, should I be hurt by that? No. It doesn’t matter to me kyunki system hi aisa hai. I am only focused on work”.
Those who are familiar with Vikrant’s work can definitely vouch for the fact that he has proved his acting capabilities over the years. We really hope that Bollywood gives actors like Vikrant their due credit!
Featured Image: Instagram/Vikrant Massey
