Vikrant Massey, the renowned actor, recently reflected on the rigorous working conditions he faced during his early career in television. He disclosed that there was a period when he worked for an astonishing 110 hours continuously without taking a break. In a conversation on the YouTube podcast, “Unfiltered by Samdish,” he elaborated on the demanding nature of his schedules while acting in popular daily soaps such as “Balika Vadhu,” “Dharam Veer,” and “Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo.”

According to Massey, the shooting hours back then were often exhausting, with artists working between 18 to 20 hours daily. He noted that his relentless schedule often blurred the lines between day and night shoots, leaving no sense of time for the cast and crew. He remarked on how scripts were frequently adjusted to ensure his continual presence on screen during these hectic production stretches.

Massey shared a lighter anecdote from those times, highlighting a moment when a colleague, arriving at the set at 10 am, became frustrated and left by evening, despite his lengthy working hours. This encapsulated the stressful reality of television production during that era.

Concerns Over Content and Career Choices

Beyond his demanding work schedule, Massey also addressed the issue of the content being produced in the television industry. He expressed his discomfort with the regressive themes prevalent in many television productions, which weighed heavily on his conscience. Despite achieving financial stability and accumulating wealth through his television career, he yearned for more meaningful and progressive storytelling.

The actor revealed that he earned substantially during his time on the small screen, even purchasing his first home at the age of 24. Despite this success, he felt the necessity to step away from television to pursue opportunities in cinema, hoping to engage with more fulfilling narratives. He articulated a poignant realisation that although he was financially secure, it did not guarantee peace of mind.

Massey acknowledged that after fulfilling his financial obligations to his family and others, he recognised the need for a career shift, leading him to leave television behind during its peak of success for him.

Transitioning from Television to Film

The transition from television to films was not without its challenges, as Massey faced skepticism from his parents. They were taken aback when he announced his intentions to restart his career in cinema, especially given the lucrative contracts he was exiting. He was earning approximately Rs 35 lakh per month at the time, a considerable sum for someone from a middle-class background, which further complicated his decision.

He candidly stated that his departure from television occurred when he was under a contract worth Rs 35 lakh per month, demonstrating the magnitude of his leap of faith. Massey emphasised that he sought to pursue quality work and find inner peace, an undertaking he deemed more valuable than financial gain.

Recently, Massey featured in director Vishal Bhardwaj’s film “O’Romeo,” released on February 13, 2026, alongside a talented ensemble cast. Looking ahead, he is set to star in Netflix’s upcoming series “Musafir Cafe,” which will also showcase actors Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana. His journey from a rigorous television schedule to meaningful cinematic roles continues to manifest as a significant chapter in his career.

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