Vikrant Massey has built a strong reputation through his work in television, films and streaming projects. The actor has received widespread appreciation for performances in films such as 12th Fail, Sector 36 and The Sabarmati Report. However, his work on The Sabarmati Report also brought a difficult experience, as he faced online abuse and threats after the film was released.
During a conversation with Shekhar Suman on his YouTube show Shekhar Tonite, Vikrant spoke about the growing negativity on social media and how it affected him personally. The actor explained that online trolling was not simply something he could ignore because it had an impact on his emotional and mental health.
“I do agree with you on the fact that toxicity on social media has increased a lot lately. Because it had an impact on me — on my emotional health, on my mental health.”
Vikrant then recalled the reaction he faced after working on The Sabarmati Report. The film is based on the 2002 Godhra train burning and the events surrounding the burning of the Sabarmati Express. While discussing the criticism, he said that some people labelled the film as propaganda and targeted him personally.
“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 became even more difficult because he had recently become a father. His son Vardaan was only a few months old at the time, making the threats especially disturbing for him. Vikrant said the experience had a deep emotional effect and that he had previously spoken about it publicly.
Over time, however, the actor said he changed the way he looked at the criticism and threats. He explained that his focus is now more on the people close to him and the responsibility he has towards his family.
“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.”
Vikrant’s comments highlight the personal impact that online abuse can have on public figures, particularly when criticism crosses the line into threats and the sharing of private information.