Hyderabad: Actor Vikrant Massey has offered a candid take on success, money, and self-growth, challenging the popular belief that financial security has little to do with happiness.
“Money does give happiness,” Massey said. “It gives confidence—and confidence leads to happiness.”
Reflecting on his 21-year journey in the entertainment industry, the actor described success as a long-term process shaped by consistency, adaptability, and repeated failures rather than shortcuts. Leaving home at the age of 16 to support his education, Massey said his early goal was simple—to earn enough to build stability. “I bought my house at 24, but over time my definition of success changed. Today, contentment matters more than milestones.”
Best known for his acclaimed performance in 12th Fail, Massey who was in the city for his first ever interaction with the members of FICCI Ladies Organisation, Hyderabad Chapter noted that success is often the compound effect of failures. “You have to work relentlessly. I don’t come from a film family, and for every role I must earn my place. Performance is the only currency that sustains you.”
On navigating a fast-changing professional landscape, Massey who was in conversation with Ms. Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad stressed the importance of continuous self-upgradation. “We update our mobile phones regularly, but we forget to update ourselves. Learn, unlearn, and relearn must become the new normal. Otherwise, it’s shape up or ship out.”
He also highlighted well-being as a non-negotiable measure of success. “No matter how expensive the clothes you wear, without energy from within, it doesn’t matter. Good health is a big success.”
Addressing the growing obsession with visibility and social media, Massey was clear that popularity does not replace competence. “I’m not a social-media person. I don’t believe that socialising or partying gets you work. What truly matters is what you do in front of the camera.”
Taking pride in his television roots, he pointed out that several of India’s most respected actors—including Shah Rukh Khan and Naseeruddin Shah—began their careers on television. “Your starting point doesn’t define your ceiling,” he said.
On a personal note, Massey shared that family remains central to his life. “My home is sacred to me. My mother is my greatest inspiration,” he said, adding that he admires former cricketer Rahul Dravid for his values and integrity.