Vikrant Massey On Working With Deepika Padukone: “There Were Days When She Would Respond Like Malti Even Off-Camera”

Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey plays the male lead in upcoming film “Chhapaak“, which addresses the crime of acid violence on women. He hopes the film will start a conversation on the heinous crime.

“I just hope with this film a conversation starts on why acid attacks happen on women, and what actions need to be taken to stop the heinous crime. It is not that we do not know, it is just that we ignore,” Vikrant told IANS.

The story of the film is inspired by acid-attack survivor Lakshmi Agarwal, who became a victim to the crime in 2005. She later became the Indian campaigner of Stop Sale Acid.

The film stars Deepika Padukone, whose character Malti is based on Laxmi. Vikrant essays Amol, a journalist who eventually becomes Malti’s love interest.

“Seldom has it happened that we look beyond appearance when it comes to a love story. In our cinema, we always prioritise vanity and the beauty of the girl. Here is a love story where the boy and the girl falling in love because of the individuals they are. This part of the narrative is very special,” shared Vikrant.

On collaborating with Deepika for the first time, Vikrant said: “I do not know what process she follows to create a character but from my observation I can say she internalises the character she portrays on screen and, at times, it takes a toll on her. I know that the character of Malti is special for her and it impacted her as a performer.”