A Father’s Profound Choice: Vikrant Massey on Raising Vardaan Beyond Religious Divides
Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey, known for his compelling performances and thoughtful persona, has once again captured attention with a deeply personal revelation. During a candid conversation on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, Massey unveiled a progressive decision he and his wife, Sheetal Thakur, made for their newborn son, Vardaan: deliberately leaving the religion column on his birth certificate blank. This choice, he explained, stems from a profound belief in personal liberty and a rejection of man-made religious boundaries.
Why Religion is a “Personal Choice” for Vikrant Massey
Massey articulated his perspective on religion, emphasizing it as a “personal choice” and fundamentally “a way of life.” For him, spirituality transcends specific doctrines. “I think everyone has the right to choose their religion,” he shared, highlighting the diversity within his own home. Despite his nuanced view that religion is “man-made,” Vikrant actively engages with various faiths, finding solace and peace in prayer, visiting gurdwaras, and seeking blessings at dargahs. This inclusive approach underpins his vision for his son’s upbringing.
The Birth Certificate Decision: A Statement of Hope for Vardaan
The most striking revelation involved the official documentation for his son, Vardaan, who was born in February 2024. Vikrant and Sheetal purposefully left the religion section on the birth certificate empty, a decision that was fully supported by governmental processes. “The moment we got his birth certificate, I put a dash in the religion column,” he recounted, underscoring that it’s not a government mandate to specify a religion. His biggest fear? “I will be so heartbroken if I realise my son is treating anyone on the basis of the practices they follow.” This bold move is a testament to his commitment to raising a child free from prejudice and discrimination based on religious or caste affiliations.
A Family Rooted in Inter-faith Harmony
Vikrant Massey’s personal philosophy isn’t an isolated one; it’s deeply ingrained in his family’s fabric. As he previously shared in an interview with Sushant Sinha, his household embodies a rich tapestry of inter-faith relationships. His parents, who live with him and Sheetal, themselves have inter-faith marriages. He notes, “My maasi, who is a Sikh, is married to a Muslim man. My cousin is married to a Gujarati man. I have married a Rajput Thakur, so ours is a secular family.” This blend of traditions means his family proudly celebrates a spectrum of festivals, from Eid and Christmas with friends to Christmas with his father and upcoming Gurupurab celebrations.
Embracing Diverse Traditions and Spiritual Paths
The Massey-Thakur household is a testament to this inclusive spirit. While they had a traditional ‘naamkaran’ ceremony for Vardaan and maintain a temple within their home, these practices coexist seamlessly with their open-minded approach. It’s about respecting and appreciating every spiritual path without being confined to one. This multifaceted upbringing is designed to instill in Vardaan a similar sense of acceptance and universal love, fostering a generation that values humanity above all else.
Vikrant Massey’s Upcoming Ventures
Beyond his impactful personal statements, Vikrant Massey continues to impress audiences on screen. Fans eagerly anticipate his next cinematic outing, *Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan*. In this film, he shares the screen with industry veterans Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor’s daughter, Shanaya Kapoor, who is set to make her Bollywood debut. The movie is slated to hit theatres on July 11, adding another exciting chapter to Massey’s diverse filmography.
