‘People threatened me openly’: Vikrant Massey recalls threats after ‘The Sabarmati Report’

Mumbai: Actor Vikrant Massey has opened up about the online abuse and threats he faced following the release of his film The Sabarmati Report, recalling how his personal details were leaked online during a difficult period in his personal life.

Speaking to Shekhar Suman on his YouTube show Shekhar Tonite, Massey discussed the response to the film, which was based on the burning of the Sabarmati Express in Godhra. He said he faced intense abuse after the film's release and that people also shared his personal information online.

Recalling the experience, Massey said, "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. I had to listen to a lot of abuses. My WhatsApp number was leaked. My car number was leaked. People threatened me openly."

The actor said the situation was particularly difficult because his son had been born around the same time.

"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," he added.

Massey said his perspective changed over time and that he became less concerned about what others said about him.

"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," he added.

The actor also reflected on his decision to take a break from acting after a successful run with films including 12th Fail, Sector 36 and The Sabarmati Report. Despite his career gaining momentum, Massey said he was spending increasing amounts of 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.

He also spoke about meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the recognition he received after the film.

"I was having an unbelievable stage. I was recognised by the PM. He watched the film. I was overwhelmed with the entire experience. 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?'" he said.

Massey was most recently seen in the Netflix series The Musafir Cafe.