Actor Vikrant Massey, known for his impressive role in 12th Fail, is currently starring in The Sabarmati Report. This film tackles the contentious events surrounding the 2002 Godhra riots, which have often been linked to former Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, now the Prime Minister. At a promotional event, Souvik Ghosh shares Vikrant’s insights on the film, the incident, and his partnership with producer Ekta Kapoor.
Excerpts
Q. Can you describe your collaboration with Ekta Kapoor?
A. My partnership with Ekta ma’am is truly special, especially since this marks our eighth project together. She was instrumental in giving me my first break in films. After I struggled to secure roles, she once again supported my return to the big screen. I’m grateful for her continuous belief in my work.
Q. How connected do you feel to the themes presented in the film?
A. I deeply resonate with the subject matter explored in The Sabarmati Report, which is why I was eager to be a part of it. I take great pride in this project. One of the crucial aspects that drew me in was the extensive research provided to back the narrative. While preparing for my role, I realized that many young people, including some in my own circle, were unaware of the incident. Although information is readily available online, it seems we often overlook it, choosing instead to skim through headlines. This event was pivotal, akin to our 9/11, reshaping our nation’s socio-political landscape overnight. Discussions often focus on the riots but neglect the roots of this incident.
Q. Have you faced any threats for taking on this film?
A. Yes, I have received threats, which I’m handling appropriately. Actors often channel their views through their roles, and I want to stress that this film is based purely on factual accounts. It’s unfair for anyone to assume its stance without viewing it first.
Q. How would you personally respond to the incident?
A. There are countless documentaries, films, and reports available online regarding this incident. The information regarding whether it was a conspiracy or not is out there; the film delves into this subject matter specifically. I urge viewers to consider why, despite the availability of facts over the past 22 years, the incident remains largely unaddressed in discussions.
Q. The trailer features a debate in Hindi and English. How do you perceive the influence of English in the film industry?
A. We’re all grappling with identity issues, especially in today’s toxic social media landscape. I’ve noticed many young actors feel embarrassed about their roots shortly after moving to Mumbai. I encourage everyone to embrace their narratives and backgrounds. It perplexes me why some feel ashamed of who they are. However, it’s encouraging to see changes, with Hindi and several regional languages gaining recognition in various central and state examinations.
(IBNS-TWF)
