Vikrant Massey, the Bollywood actor known for his versatility, has revealed the hardships he faced early in life to ensure he could continue his education. In a recent interview, the actor, now 38, shared that at the young age of 16, he juggled two jobs, enduring 16-hour workdays to fund his schooling.

Born in 1987 into a middle-class family in Mumbai, Vikrant's father was the sole breadwinner, while his mother was a homemaker. He attended St. Anthony's High School in Versova and later R. D. National College of Arts & Science in Bandra. Financial constraints were a constant reality, with his father's salary often running out by the middle of the month. This situation motivated Vikrant to take responsibility for his education.

"I was just 16 when I was changing four local trains every day, working 16-hour days and often living off only Parle-G and water to survive," Vikrant recalled. He revealed that he worked as a barista and as an assistant instructor with Shiamak Davar's dance troupe. The actor faced the camera for the first time on December 19, 2024, driven by the need to earn money.

Vikrant's journey wasn't without its challenges. He navigated crowded local trains, long hours, and a basic diet to make ends meet. Despite these difficulties, he remained focused on his goal of continuing his education. He drew inspiration from his own struggles for his role in the film "12th Fail".

Vikrant's father's early struggles also influenced his drive. His father faced financial hardship due to a family dispute in the 1970s. Witnessing his father's resilience and dedication despite these challenges instilled in Vikrant a strong work ethic and a desire for financial stability.

Vikrant's career began with television shows like "Dhoom Machaao Dhoom," "Dharam Veer," "Balika Vadhu," and "Qubool Hai". He transitioned to Bollywood with roles in movies like "Lootera" and "Dil Dhadakne Do". His breakthrough came with the independent drama "A Death in the Gunj". He further gained recognition for his work in streaming series such as "Mirzapur," "Broken But Beautiful," and "Criminal Justice". A significant turning point in his career was the biographical film "12th Fail," which earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.

Vikrant's story is one of perseverance and determination. From working two jobs to make ends meet to achieving critical acclaim for his performances, he has overcome numerous obstacles to establish himself as a respected actor in the Indian film industry.