Vikrant Massey: Death in Gunj had a huge impact on my emotional health

Actor Vikrant Massey recently shared how his character Shutu in A Death in the Gunj had a profound impact on his mental and emotional health. The actor said that portraying the character of a vulnerable, sensitive young man struggling with loneliness and rejection left a lasting emotional mark on him.

Directed by Konkona Sen Sharma, A Death in the Gunj (2016), a touching and atmospheric film set in 1979. Massey’s portrayal of Shutu, a character grappling with inner turmoil in the midst of a seemingly ordinary family vacation, resonated deeply with audiences and showcased his ability to bring raw emotion to the screen.

But as Massey revealed in a recent interview with India Today Digital, the process of portraying such a complex character came with some challenges.

“In the past, I would take my characters home with me. Be it Death in the Gunj, Chhapaak or Love Hostel, I didn’t have better equipment back then and took those films home with me. And they affected me,” Massey admitted, “especially Death in the Gunj, which had a huge impact on my emotional and mental health.”

Massey went on to discuss how he approaches his more recent work, particularly his role in technology. Netflix movie Sector 36. The actor was determined not to bring the weight of his character home for this film.

“In Sector 36, I was very aware that this guy (character) wouldn’t be able to come home. I had three and a half months to prepare before shooting. As I was planning the schedule and the shooting segment, it was clear that I couldn’t let this character follow me home. “I’m naturally very sensitive, so I knew this character had to stay on the sets,” he said.

Throughout the 37-day shoot in Delhi, Massey adhered to a strict routine: staying in the hotel, working on set and focusing on the film before returning to his family. This isolated, start-to-finish shooting process helped him maintain a certain emotional distance from his character.

Despite this effort, Massey acknowledged the inevitable emotional resonance his roles can leave behind.

“As an actor, these stories and characters come home with you. You are constantly evolving as a person and I learn something new about myself with every role. That’s just the nature of the business; “This is an occupational hazard,” he explained. “You have to deal with it,” Vikrant concluded.

Vikrant Massey is now gearing up for the release of Sabarmati Report, which also stars Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra. The movie is released on November 15.