Playing Sanjay in 14 Phere was easier than playing Rishu in Haseen Dillruba, says Vikrant Massey

Vikrant Massey’s character in the recently released Haseen Dillruba (2021), Rishu, goes to extreme lengths for his lady love. His character, Sanjay, in the upcoming Zee5 film 14 Phere is the opposite.

Massey believes playing Sanjay was a much more comfortable experience. “Playing Rishu literally sucked my blood," he said, laughing, at an online press conference for the upcoming film. "So I would definitely say this was way easier. Also because I identify a lot more with this character; and it’s a middle-class family. Rishu was very taxing physically and emotionally.”

Describing 14 Phere, he said, “It’s a family entertainer. We are getting to see such a film after a long time. Manoj-ji [Manoj Kumar Kalwani] has written such a fine story. And it will come on Zee5, which has the widest reach in the country.” 

In the last few years, Massey has played a wide range of characters in projects such as Criminal Justice (Season 1), Mirzapur (Season 1), both seasons of Broken But Beautiful, Cargo (2020), Ginny Weds Sunny (2020), Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare (2020) and Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi (2021). 

Asked how he chooses his projects, Massey said, “My very first criterion is the script. The script is the most important thing. As I am an actor and I don’t know anything else; I also see if I get to play anything complex through which I can challenge myself and also entertain. So I see if there is an amalgamation of these two things.” 

14 Phere is set to be premiered on Zee5 on 23 July.