Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey recently shared his experience of facing online abuse and threats after the release of his 2024 film The Sabarmati Report. In a conversation with Shekhar Suman on his YouTube show Shekhar Tonite, the actor revealed that his personal information, including his WhatsApp number and car registration number, was leaked online. He also spoke about how the threats affected him during a vulnerable time when his son was just six months old.
Massey, known for his roles in 12th Fail, Sector 36, and The Sabarmati Report, has built a strong reputation in the industry. But the attention that came with these successful projects also brought a dark side. The actor opened up about the emotional and mental toll the online harassment took on him.
The Backlash After ‘The Sabarmati Report’
The Sabarmati Report, directed by Dheeraj Sarna, was released in theatres on November 15, 2024. The film is based on the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, where the Sabarmati Express was set on fire, resulting in the deaths of 59 people. Massey played journalist Samar Kumar, who investigates the events surrounding the tragedy.
The film drew strong reactions from some viewers and critics who labeled it as propaganda. Massey, however, remains proud of the work.
“I did a film called The Sabarmati Report and I am extremely proud of that film. When I did that film, people used the word you used — propaganda. People called that film propaganda. We made it on the Godhra train burning. We made it on the burning of the Sabarmati Express.”
WhatsApp Number and Car Details Leaked
The actor recalled the intense backlash that followed the film’s release. He said he had to endure a lot of abuse, and his personal details were shared online without his consent.
“I had to listen to a lot of abuses. My WhatsApp number was leaked. My car number was leaked. People threatened me openly.”
Massey said the threats came at a time when he was already dealing with the challenges of being a new father. His son, Vardaan, was only six months old.
“My son had just been born then. He was just six months old. I was heavily impacted and I openly said this in the media.”
The actor admitted that the experience had a serious effect on his emotional and mental well-being.
Learning to Ignore the Negativity
Over time, Vikrant Massey said he changed his perspective on the online attacks. He stopped allowing the opinions of strangers to affect him and focused on what truly mattered.
“However, over time, I realised that they are all cowards and it doesn’t matter to me what people talk about me. What matters is that my own people are my responsibility. I am answerable to them.”
The actor also spoke about how his relationship with fame changed after the success of 12th Fail. While he is grateful for the recognition, he admitted that it also brought more fear and responsibility.
“After 12th Fail, the fear has increased. Responsibilities have increased. I am living in a strange crux. I know I want to be an actor. I am very grateful for being an actor. However, I am yet to learn to accept fame.”
Taking a Break at the Peak of Success
During the same conversation, Vikrant Massey also addressed his decision to announce a break from acting at the height of his success. He had a strong run with 12th Fail, Sector 36, and The Sabarmati Report in 2023 and 2024. But despite the professional highs, he felt a void because he was spending too much time away from his family.
“I had a great run in 2023 and 2024 due to 12th Fail, Sector 36, The Sabarmati Report. Around this time, I was away from my house and my son was born. I was finally feeling the fame, but there was a void. I was missing my family and my son.”
He recalled an emotional moment when his son started saying “Papa” and he could not be there.
“When my son started to say ‘Papa’, and I couldn’t be there, I would cry and think, ‘I did wish for success, but at what cost?’”
Massey also mentioned being recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who watched the film. While he was overwhelmed by the experience, the time away from his family made him question the price of his success.
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Recent Work and What’s Next
Vikrant Massey was most recently seen in the Netflix series The Musafir Cafe. The show has been renewed for a second season, and Massey is set to reprise his role as Chander alongside Vedika Pinto, Mahima Makwana, and other cast members. The second season is currently in production.
The actor’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about online abuse and the impact of social media criticism on public figures. Massey said the experience taught him to prioritize his own responsibilities and relationships over the opinions of those attacking him online.
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