Vikrant Massey’s First National Award: The Rise of a New Star

The 71st National Film Awards 2025 brought many memorable moments, but one of the highlights was actor Vikrant Massey’s first National Film Award. For his extraordinary performance in 12th Fail, Vikrant was honoured with the Best Actor Award, a recognition that not only celebrated his craft but also marked him as one of Bollywood’s brightest stars.

Sharing the award with veteran superstar Shah Rukh Khan made the moment even more special. While SRK’s win was historic in its own right, Vikrant’s achievement signified the rise of a new star who has carved his journey through perseverance, talent, and simplicity.

In this blog, we celebrate Vikrant Massey’s award, his cinematic journey, and the personal values that make him a true role model.

Vikrant Massey’s National Award Win

Vikrant Massey’s role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail touched the hearts of millions. Based on the real-life story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, the film portrays a young man’s fight against poverty, repeated failures, and systemic challenges to finally achieve his dream of becoming an IPS officer.

Massey’s performance was authentic, raw, and inspiring. He brought Manoj’s struggles to life with subtle expressions, emotional depth, and a sincerity that resonated with audiences across India. His portrayal wasn’t just acting; it was a reflection of hope for countless students and dreamers.

The award jury praised his ability to embody resilience and vulnerability in equal measure. Receiving the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) and cash prize alongside Shah Rukh Khan was the crowning moment of his career so far.

Congratulations poured in from fans, industry peers, and critics. For many, Vikrant’s win was a symbol of how Indian cinema is opening its doors to new-age actors and real, relatable stories.

Journey from Television to Films

Vikrant’s story is one of steady progress and passion for the craft. Born on April 3, 1987, in Mumbai, Vikrant grew up in a middle-class family. Unlike many Bollywood stars, he had no filmi background. His love for acting began with theatre and dance in school.

He started his career on television, with early appearances in shows like Balika Vadhu and Dharam Veer. These roles gave him exposure, but Vikrant knew his real calling was cinema. His transition from TV to films was not instant — it took years of struggle, auditions, and small parts before he started getting recognition.

This slow and steady climb has made him deeply relatable to audiences. He represents the self-made artist, someone who didn’t have shortcuts but believed in hard work.

Movies That Defined His Career

Over the years, Vikrant Massey has built an impressive filmography. Each role has shown his versatility and ability to connect with audiences:

• A Death in the Gunj (2016) – His breakout film, where he played Shutu, a shy and troubled young man. The performance won him critical acclaim.
• Chhapaak (2020) – Starring alongside Deepika Padukone, Vikrant played Amol, an activist supporting acid-attack survivors. His sensitive portrayal stood out.
• Haseen Dillruba (2021) – A thriller where Vikrant’s performance as Rishabh “Rishu” Saxena displayed his range, balancing romance and suspense.
• Cargo (2020) – A science-fiction drama on Netflix, where he played a space scientist, proving his willingness to experiment with genres.
• 12th Fail (2023) – His career-defining role as Manoj Sharma. This performance not only earned him a National Award but also established him as one of the finest actors of his generation.

These films show that Vikrant doesn’t chase formula blockbusters. Instead, he chooses stories that matter, characters that have depth, and roles that stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

A Life of Simplicity

What sets Vikrant Massey apart from many Bollywood stars is his grounded personality. Despite his growing fame, he leads a simple, humble life. He has often spoken about valuing authenticity, privacy, and family over glamour.

Married to his longtime partner Sheetal Thakur, Vikrant often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media — warm, relatable moments that resonate with fans. His lifestyle reflects his values: hard work, modesty, and balance.

Unlike many celebrities, Vikrant doesn’t project extravagance. Instead, he believes in letting his work speak for itself. This simplicity has endeared him to fans who see him as one of their own.

The Importance of 12th Fail

12th Fail is not just another Bollywood film. It is a story of hope, resilience, and perseverance. It highlights the struggles of students preparing for UPSC exams, one of the toughest academic challenges in India.

By playing Manoj Sharma, Vikrant Massey didn’t just act — he became a mirror for thousands of young Indians who dream of achieving something greater despite failures. His performance turned 12th Fail into a national movement, inspiring coaching institutes, parents, and students alike.

The film’s success at the box office, combined with Vikrant’s National Award, proved that meaningful cinema can also achieve commercial success.

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Why His National Award Matters

Vikrant Massey’s National Award win is significant for several reasons:

1. Recognition of Talent – It shows that even actors without a filmi background can rise to the very top.
2. Shift in Bollywood – It highlights the industry’s move toward realistic stories and relatable characters.
3. Inspiration for Youth – His journey inspires ordinary Indians to believe that passion and persistence can break barriers.
4. Encouragement for Parallel Cinema – Vikrant’s win will encourage more filmmakers to create meaningful films.

Reactions from the Industry

After the announcement, congratulations poured in:

• Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra praised Vikrant for “giving his heart and soul” to 12th Fail.
• Fans on social media trended hashtags like #ProudOfVikrant and #12thFailSuccessStory.
• Many actors and colleagues applauded his journey from television to winning one of the most prestigious awards in Indian cinema.

This wave of appreciation reflects the love Vikrant has earned not only as an actor but also as a person.

Winning the National Award has opened a new chapter for Vikrant Massey. While he has always been respected by critics, this recognition has firmly placed him in the league of India’s top actors.

Industry watchers believe he will now receive more lead roles, bigger projects, and opportunities to represent Indian cinema globally. Yet, if his past is any indicator, Vikrant will continue to choose roles with substance over flashy commercial projects.

The Vikrant Massey National Award win is not just about one performance — it is about celebrating authenticity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. From television sets to winning the country’s most prestigious acting award, his journey is a testament to what dedication and passion can achieve.

In a world where stardom often overshadows craft, Vikrant Massey shines as an actor who believes in the magic of performance and the honesty of simple living. His rise marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bollywood — one where content, talent, and truth matter more than ever.

Congratulations to Vikrant Massey, the new star of Indian cinema.

Vikrant Massey – Wikipedia

Shah Rukh Khan National Award: A Dream Fulfilled

Vikrant Massey’s First National Award: The Rise of a New Star

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