Vikrant Massey is experiencing a career high. The actor has followed up the spectacular success of his 12th Fail with another gripping performance in Netflix’s Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba. “This is my peak in my career and I couldn’t ask for anything better in my private life after the birth of my son,” he says.

“I can finally do the work I want to do and get recognition for it – that’s every artist’s dream. It’s an overwhelming experience,” he adds.

Personal validation

While fans and the industry are backing him as a top National Award contender for his portrayal of the underdog in 12th Fail, his Haseen Dilruba co-star Taapsee Pannu says, “Vikrant is the face of seriousness and his captivating performances prove his mettle as an actor.”

“It’s been a long journey of over a decade. Even my films that didn’t work commercially like Death in the Gunj and also the success in the OTT space with Mirzapur have taken me to where I am today,” says Vikram, admitting that his recent successes are a personal affirmation. “Whether it’s me, Vicky Kushal or Rajkummar Rao, we have come since day one with the belief that we have to work hard and be part of good films. Our focus has always been on performance. I think the audience has finally seen that and also acknowledged that and realised that it should be that way. This is a huge incentive for actors like us and will help sustain us and our craft.”

“A space that artists rarely get”

Returning to the screen to reprise his role as the obsessed and love-crazed Rishu, on the run after a crime of passion, he seems to have met his match in Sunny Kushal’s role. As these two men try to win over the seductive Rani (Taapsee), Phir Aaayi Haseen Dilruba deftly weaves a psychotic crime story of love, lust and betrayal.

“Kanika Dhillon has a talent for writing quirky plots. Rishu is a completely different character from Part 1 and that’s what made it fun. As this franchise gets crazier and crazier, you have the freedom to test the boundaries and that doesn’t happen often,” says Vikrant.

The actor says he was fascinated by Jimmy Shergill. “He has an aura, a very distinctive personality. Jimmy Sir is quiet on the set, but when the camera is rolling, it’s just magic,” he says of the experienced actor.

I am looking forward to

But while critics are praising Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba as a quirky noir novel about amoral love, its predecessor Haseen Dilruba was criticised for its misogynistic portrayal that gives toxic relationships a chance. Vikrant says he is shocked by the discourse on social media. “This has been brought about by the so-called elite and the cultured section of society. People come with their immature perspectives without looking at the bigger picture. I used to take these things seriously but not anymore because these are the same people who enjoy voyeuristic content and have skeletons in the closet,” he says disparagingly.

Vikrant, who says his days are filled with shooting and raising his kids, will next be seen in the thriller Sabarmati Report. He hopes things will be “on and up” from now on.

Be it me, Vicky Kaushal or Rajkummar Rao, we have believed from day one that we have to work hard and be part of good films. Our focus has always been on performance. I think the audience has finally seen that and acknowledged that. This is a huge encouragement for actors like us and will help us and our craft survive.”