In a recent podcast interview with Smita Prakash, actor Vikrant Massey shared his thoughts on the media trial surrounding the untimely demise of Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020. Massey, known for his roles in various television shows and films, expressed his deep concern over the media scrutiny that followed Sushant’s death and its impact on the industry.
When questioned about the disturbing trend of suicides among actors in recent years, Massey revealed that it did affect him, particularly in the case of Sushant Singh Rajput. He highlighted the media frenzy that ensued after Sushant’s death, with speculations and unfounded theories circulating widely across news channels and social media platforms.
Reflecting on the situation, Massey shared his disbelief at the extent of machinations at play during that period, questioning the motives behind the intense media coverage. He revealed a personal connection with Sushant, citing their shared background in Shiamak’s dance academy and their simultaneous involvement in television projects.
Massey acknowledged the lack of unity within Bollywood, dismissing the notion of it being a “family” and instead describing it as a “community.” He drew attention to the absence of a collective voice from Bollywood stars during the media trial and boycott calls, emphasizing the challenges of navigating the complexities within the industry.
The actor also touched upon the prevalence of cancel culture, both in the industry and society at large, expressing concern over the stifling of voices and the fear of backlash for expressing personal beliefs. Massey cited his own experiences of facing pushback for expressing opinions, indicating a growing reluctance among individuals to speak openly on certain matters.
Shifting the focus to his professional endeavors, Massey briefly mentioned his recent project, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail,” which has been submitted for consideration at the Oscars as an independent entry. As the conversation delved into the challenges of expressing oneself in the public domain, Massey concluded by noting the pervasive influence of cancel culture in contemporary society, particularly on social media platforms.
