Making the leap from television to films is no small challenge, but actors like Vikrant Massey make it look seamless.
His film 12th Fail became an unexpected box office success, earning widespread acclaim across the industry.
In a recent conversation on Unfiltered by Samdish, Vikrant reflected on his journey from television to cinema and his bold decision to leave behind a high-paying TV career—where he earned ₹35 lakh per month—to chase his passion for films.
Vikrant Massey started his career with notable television roles in Balika Vadhu, Dharam Veer, and Qubool Hai before successfully transitioning to both theatrical and OTT films.
Massey explained that his decision to leave television, despite its financial stability, stemmed from the prevalence of “regressive content“ in the industry at the time. He shared his desire to break away from that space and pursue a career in cinema, emphasizing that financial success does not necessarily bring inner peace. Reflecting on earning ₹35 lakh per month at just 24 years old, he stated, “I chose to focus on meaningful work and find peace.”
The actor admitted to facing significant challenges after leaving television, emphasizing the vital support he received from his then-girlfriend, Sheetal. “My savings ran out within a year, and during that time, my wife Sheetal would give me pocket money for auditions,” he shared.
As Vikrant Massey gained recognition in the film industry, his remuneration saw a significant rise. In 2021, Hindustan Times reported that he charged between ₹75 lakhs to ₹1 crore per film. Over time, his fee increased to ₹1.5 crores, with an additional contractual clause entitling him to another ₹1.5 crores if the film opted for a direct-to-digital release.
