Actor Vikrant Massey on his upcoming 'A death in The Gunj'

Actor Vikrant Massey, a popular face from the television industry is all set to make his debut in Bollywood with Konkana Sen Sharma's upcoming film 'A death in The Gunj'. It's also the directorial debut for actress Konkona Sen Sharma who has not just directed but has also written the film herself. In a conversation with us, Vikram Massey reveals about his upcoming film 'A death in The Gunj'.

Q: Tell us about the character that you are playing in the film.

A: I am playing the character of Shutu Chatterjee. He is a 23 year old small town guy from Bardhaman West Bengal. He has done his masters in science and the entire film is based in the 70's which is late 1979. He is just like any other 23 year old boy coming from a small town and is you ask me how important is this character in terms of storytelling then he is the protagonist in the film. It's a story based on interpersonal relationships and societal relationships through this boy's point of view.

Q: So how was your experience shooting with Konkana and Ranvir Shorey?

A: As of now, we haven't started with the shoots of the film.It will begin on 27^th of January onwards. Working with Ranvir, Konkana, Kalki is like an amazing team to work with them and every single moment spent with them is amazing. Working with such experienced people and these guys are such wonderful human beings and been wonderful actors also. The best thing about Konkona is that she comes from a film background and thus film making and writing is nothing new to her. She knows what to do and what not to do and that makes things so simple.

Q: Do you find any similarity between your real life character and the character that you are playing in the film?

A: Well, there are certain things which are similar between the both but I wouldn't that we are exactly like each other. Yes, I do relate to certain things when I was 23, like I said interpersonal relationships. That's a very crucial age between 20-25 years as that's when you make lifelong relationships you start working as you step out of your college world and family. So, I am able to relate between both my characters but not exactly.

Q:  Is there something that you would wish to take from this character or learn from it?

A: I really wish that I would end up being as observant as Shutu Chatterjee, who's a very sharp and observant guy.

Q: So, do you have any upcoming projects?

A: I have a film releasing this year which is called 'Lipstick under My Burka' which is completed. Konkana and I have worked in the film, she has directed and I have acted. Besides, it would be too early to speak about it as I have not started with the shoots and legally I cannot divulge much. So, I think it would be very premature to talk about what I am doing in August and September.

Q: It's been said that you have somehow disappeared from television. So what's your take on that?

A: Everyone is saying that except me. It's not that I don't want to do TV but it's just because I cannot take up longer commitments. I get bored very easily playing the same thing again and again and to which I realize after 3 or 4 months. It's a creative work and it has a shelf life. Like a book which starts and end or like film which starts and end but here it goes on for 2-3 years and at the end I realize that I am not offering anything new I am offering. So, it's not that I am not doing TV, I will do TV and infact there is every possibility that you will me on TV this year only.

Q: So, we can say that we might get to see you on TV anytime soon.

A: Of course. I have done a show even after the film 'Lootera'. So, I don't know who are those people and why are they saying that Vikrant doesn't wants to do TV. But I can tell you that I cannot make longer commitments. I've been in a very old relation with India-forums and let me tell you that story telling has become a business today and I don't understand that business module. When I used to do Balika Vadhu TV scenario was different. I had started my TV career 12 years ago and would say that things are very different now. I understand that profit making is a concern but I can't offer anything new to a character for more than 3-4 months. So, if there is anything finite on television like we have the show '24', short films we have and I have done digital work on internet, so I would do that.

Q: What would you prefer first, TV or Bollywood?

A: My inclination is on good stories. So, if you ask me that you would choose a film over TV I would say I will choose a good script over anything else. So, suppose if I am doing '24' and that's same time I would be happy to be a part of Konkona's film. So, by the end everyone wants to do a quality work. We all work hard and make money to lead a good life. Everyone wants a raise and incentives and that makes them happy which are a basic human nature and my raise and incentives are in doing quality work.

Q: So what difference do you find between TV and Bollywood?

A: There's a massive difference between the two. I won't say that there is a difference in my output for them. I don't have a different approach to them but yes, working pattern is different. But yes, TV is too fast track and films are relieving as it's like a book having a start and a definite end. At the end I would just say that yes, whatever I am today, it's just because of television. So would do TV ahead if I get a good story.

Q: So, will we see you getting married anytime soon?

A: I don't think I am ready for marriage right now. I am just 28 right now and I have a few day of happiness left with me (laughs) and want to make the most of it. I am no rush to get married as of now.

Q: Are you getting into a committed relation as such?

A: I have been into a committed relationship for a very long time. So, when people ask me who is she and how is she I don't like to discuss.

Stay tune for more updates

Akash Jaiswal