Mumbai, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actor Vikrant Massey has revealed that he earned around Rs 300 from filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra during the making of the acclaimed film 12th Fail, describing the small monetary reward as a memorable form of appreciation.
Speaking to Shekhar Suman on Shekhar Tonite, Massey recalled his experience of working with Chopra and the unusual circumstances surrounding his association with the filmmaker.
Massey said Rajkumar Hirani had recommended his name to Chopra, who had watched his film A Death in the Gunj and his series Mirzapur. However, their first meeting was far from a conventional audition.
According to Massey, Chopra appreciated his work but questioned whether audiences would pay to see him in theatres after watching him for free on television. The filmmaker also told him that he could not watch more than one episode of Mirzapur.
Massey said he took the criticism positively and told Chopra that he wanted to work with him.
During his audition, Massey sat in the same position seen in the opening shot of 12th Fail. Chopra was impressed and, Massey recalled, said he wanted to direct him. The filmmaker subsequently involved the actor in the development of the film and its script.
Massey said the opportunity to participate in the project from its development stage was unusual for an actor, who typically joins a production only a few months before filming begins.
“I really enjoyed being part of that process,” Massey said, adding that he believed the experience was one of the key reasons he was able to deliver his performance in the film.
The actor also described Chopra as a strict filmmaker who nevertheless became a father figure to him in the industry. Massey recalled being scolded before filming began but said Chopra did not reprimand him during the shoot.
Instead, Chopra would reward actors with Rs 10 or Rs 20 whenever they delivered a good take. Massey said he eventually earned about Rs 300 in this way.
“For me, that appreciation was the real wealth,” he said, adding that he would always value the relationship and experience.
Shekhar Tonite airs on YouTube.
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