'12th Fail' actor Vikrant Massey's EXCLUSIVE interview on his Bollywood journey and facing failures

Vikrant Massey began his career back in 2013 in Hindi films with Vikramaditya Motwane’s Lootera. It has been a decade and his recent film 12th Fail has happened to him after his years of sweat and success. The film that has been directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra has gone from strength to strength at the box-office in these three days and should emerge as a bonafide success.

As this inspiring underdog story has found a voice and its people, Massey sat down for an exclusive interview with Firstpost and spoke about the prep he had to do for the film, looking back at those ten years he has spent working in the industry, the ups and downs of his life, and the one takeaway he has from the character he has just essayed.

Edited excerpts from the interview

You have completed a decade in the industry. How would you describe your experience and journey?

It’s been fabulous. I look back at my journey very fondly, at the same time I also realise that my journey has just begun so there will be multiple moments in my life where I’ll have to restart which I’m really looking forward to.

12th Fail is a difficult story to tell and a complex character to essay. How was your prep like?

Very challenging, although I don’t say things like these too much; this one particular character was very demanding. For example, I had to learn the language and the dialect which everyone has to do but I had to go the extra mile because Vinod Chopra didn’t want any makeup, he wanted me to naturally darken my skin as much as possible. To achieve that, I would apply mustard oil and sit on my terrace and sun bathe, and wait for my skin to peel off just like onion peel. What was also required was to understand the dialect and the student culture. I wasn’t aware of this kind of student culture where people are really aspiring for government jobs or wanting to contribute from their end to the society. It’s a difficult sphere to be in and very challenging. If you see the trailer, only 30-40% students get select from the Hindi medium and that’s the truth. These are the people that come from very very challenged sections of the society. To have the ability to restart when you fail, it’s a major challenge. I did spend a lot of time with students and I got to know their perspective and why they are doing this. It opens up your world.

How would you describe Vidhu Vinod Chopra as a director?

He can be a tough task-master but that X factor comes out of whether you have the ability to take it otherwise you can crumble. People say he’s a tough taskmaster because he’s someone who won’t compromise. He’s a very honest man and honest to the point where he can make you feel uncomfortable with his honesty.

What were some of the things about your character that you could most relate to?

His persistence for perfection, his quality to not compromise under any circumstances. His importance to dignity and self-respect, fearlessness, truthful. These are the traits I’m going to be carrying for the rest of my life. This character has been one of the most influential people in my life.

The idea of 12th Fail is about not giving up. We read and hear about students’ suicides and multiple stories of failure. Is it easy not to give up?

It’s not easy. The reason we pay so much attention to student life is because age is a very important cross-junction in life, which is why parents or families or societies are particular about what’s happening in their lives. More than 60-65 percent of our country’s population is below the age of 35. The idea is to restart. You want to do well academically and secure good grades, but if you’re not able to surpass that, life doesn’t end there. Academic success is not life’s success. Our definition of success has changed over the years. Don’t urge your kids to do something they are not fond of.

How does Vikrant Massey deal with the ups and downs, the failures in his life?

I think I personally see a lot of humor in these things. You take it with a pinch of salt, you restart and do all the things again.

What has been the one takeaway for you from the film?

Restart. I really don’t know any other way.

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