In today’s entertainment industry, talent and box office numbers alone don’t define an actor’s success or relevance. Carefully curated public relations (PR) strategies have become essential in shaping a celebrity’s image and sustaining visibility. However, not every actor finds comfort in this system.

In a candid conversation with Rhea Chakraborty on her podcast, actor Vikrant Massey got real about his short-lived attempt at playing the PR game—and why he ultimately chose to walk away from it.

Vikrant Massey on Not Following Bollywood’s PR Playbook

Talking about how he chooses not to rely on PR gimmicks to stay relevant, Vikrant shared, "There are days when I actually sit back and question my choices also. There are days when I probably fall weak, and sit with that thought for 2-3 days, am I doing the right thing, should I go and position myself in a certain way? Should I actually go out there and get clicked by paps? To each their own, voh zaruri bhi hai kyunki uska ek traction hai (That is also important because it has its own traction)."

“I Tried and I Failed”: Vikrant Reflects on His Short PR Phase

Opening up further, Vikrant admitted that he gave PR stunts a shot, but it never felt authentic.

"I tried for 4-5 months, probably half a year. I started attending parties, I started renting out clothes, and they are so expensive. Itna paisa lagta hai ek hi baar kapde pehanane ke liye (It costs so much to wear clothes one time). 50-60K a day, per event. My wife, who was my girlfriend then, said Why?"

"For 4-5 hours, you are wearing big designer's clothes, voh pure mahine ka kharcha hai humara (that is our monthly expense). I tried and I failed and I realised how uncomfortable I was. I was not being myself. I was always conscious wearing those ultra expensive clothes ki kuch ganda naa hojaaye (clothes don't get dirty) because I had to return them."

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Vikrant Massey (@vikrantmassey)

PR and Paparazzi Culture in Bollywood

From airport looks to dinner dates, today’s Bollywood stars are often seen working with PR teams to stay constantly visible in the public eye. For many celebrities, photo ops and designer wardrobes have become part of a well-oiled image-making machine. But Vikrant Massey’s experience sheds light on how some actors feel alienated by these practices and choose authenticity over appearances.

Vikrant Massey’s Next: Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

On the work front, Vikrant Massey will next be seen in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama that introduces Shanaya Kapoor—daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor. Directed by Santosh Singh and penned by Mansi Bagla, the film revolves around the love story of two visually impaired individuals navigating the complexities of modern relationships.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Zee Studios (@zeestudiosofficial)

Backed by Zee Studios and Mini Films, the movie is slated to hit theatres on 11 July.