At the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Vikrant Massey was honoured for his performance in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, which also won the Best Feature Film award. For the 38-year-old actor, the moment felt surreal and hasn’t fully sunk in yet. “I think it will take a couple of days for me to really sit and process everything that’s happened. But it’s a wonderful feeling—not just for me, but for my family and well-wishers; they’re all very happy,” Massey told PTI.

“During the ceremony, the only thing on my mind was to follow protocol, especially since you stand with the President of India. I wanted to make sure I did everything right within the brief 20 seconds and also get a good picture to hang at home.” Massey shared the stage with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was recognised for the blockbuster Jawan. He also interacted with Rani Mukerji, awarded Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023.

“It feels incredible to be honoured alongside talents like Shah Rukh sir. He’s inspired countless people, and sharing the stage with him, Rani ma’am, Mohanlal sir, and other brilliant artists from across the country is truly special,” Massey said. Speaking about his interactions with these icons, Massey described them as “excited and happy,” adding, “It was amazing to see Shah Rukh sir and Rani ma’am—both with over 30 years in the industry—still so enthusiastic and driven. Their passion and desire to improve, even after such immense success, is deeply inspiring.”

Both Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji praised Massey’s performance in 12th Fail, which is based on Anurag Pathak’s bestselling book chronicling the lives of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi. Released in October 2023, the film was a box office hit and earned critical acclaim. Massey reflected on the film’s potential, saying, “When Vidhu sir and I first came across this story, we recognised its tremendous potential. It’s an underdog story, so deeply rooted in Indian resilience. We wanted to share it because it can inspire people.” He added, “Awards can’t be planned. You don’t make art with the intent to win accolades; you create because of the story and the impact it can have.”

Massey, who started his career in television with shows like Dharam Veer and Balika Vadhu, is known for his quiet intensity and versatility. His film journey began with Vikramaditya Motwane’s Lootera, followed by acclaimed roles in A Death in the Gunj, Dil Dhadakne Do, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Chhapaak, and web series like Mirzapur, Sector 36, and Cargo.

“Realising your dreams is a blessing. Starting from television in 2004, it’s heartwarming to see people enjoy my work on screens of all sizes—mobiles, laptops, and cinema halls,” he said. Reflecting on the National Award’s impact, Massey said it instills a deeper sense of responsibility. “My worldview and process remain unchanged. But it motivates me to return to my basics, stay sincere, and continue telling stories that inspire, give voice to the voiceless, and represent the common man authentically.”