What Vikrant Massey’s father told relatives when brother Moeen converted to Islam at the age of 17

The picture was shared on Instagram. (Etiquette: VikrantMassey ,

After the release of Vidhu Vinod Chopra 12th failedVikrant Massey, who plays real-life IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma, has garnered much praise for his performance. In a recent interview with Unfiltered by Samdish VeeranVikrant candidly shared the story of how his brother decided to change his religion and embrace Islam. The actor said, “My brother’s name is Moeen, I am called Vikrant.” You might wonder why the name Moeen? He converted to Islam and my family allowed him to change his religion. He said, ‘Son, if you find satisfaction in this, then go ahead.’ Vikrant said, ‘He converted at the age of 17, it is a big step. My mother is Sikhni, my father is a church-going Christian, he goes to church twice a week. From a young age, I have seen a lot of arguments related to religion and spirituality.

Vikrant Massey also told how his relatives reacted to this news. He said, “My close relatives questioned my father as to how he could allow this [brother’s conversion], He said this is not his job. ‘He is my son, he is answerable only to me and he has every right to choose what he wants.’ After watching this, I set out on my own quest and started wondering what religion really is. It is man-made.”

In the same interview, Vikrant Massey also revealed how he left a successful TV career to try his luck in Bollywood. He shared, “I earned a lot on TV. I bought my first house when I was 24. But all that adverse material was happening simultaneously on TV and I felt like coming out of this world and trying my luck in cinema. I realized that although I became financially secure, it did not help me sleep well. I realized this when I fulfilled all my financial responsibilities towards my parents and others.

“My parents were in shock when I told them that I was going to start working in films again. I was making a lot of money. At the age of 24, I was earning ₹35 lakh per month, especially for someone who comes from a middle-class background. I left TV when I had a contract worth Rs 35 lakh per month. I decided to do good and find peace,” said Vikrant Massey.

Vikrant Massey won the Critics Award for Best Actor at the 69th Filmfare Awards for his performance. 12th failed.