Vikrant Massey to play Laxmi's former partner in Deepika Padukone-starrer 'Chhapaak'

Deepika Padukone is all geared up for her next project that is based on the biopic of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Helmed by Raazi director Meghna Gulzar, the movie will mark as Deepika’s debut production. The movie is titled Chhapaak and according to a media report, Mirzapur fame Vikrant Massey has bagged the role opposite the Piku star.

Also Read | Deepika Padukone remembers her first special encounter with Ranveer Singh

In a report published in Mumbai Mirror confirms that Vikrant of Balika Vadhu will be seen portraying the part of Laxmi’s former partner Alok Dixit opposite Deepika.

Talking about Vikrant’s role, Meghna told the daily, “The cast is slowly coming together. Vikrant is somebody I’ve wanted to work with since Raazi, after seeing him in A Death in the Gunj. In the film, he plays a North Indian boy who used to be a professional before he decided to become an actor, then, started a campaign against acid violence which is how he came to meet Laxmi in real life. I speak for both Deepika and myself when I say that we are both really excited to have Vikrant play this part.”

Hailing from a television background, Vikrant has established his charm in many Bollywood movies. He became popular for his work in several films such as Dil Dhadakne Do, Lootera, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Half Girlfriend and is currently working in a web series Broken But Beautiful. His work in Mirzapur was widely applauded by the critics as well as the audiences across the country.

The leading lady will be seen donning different looks for the film owing to the several reconstruction surgeries of the character. Laxmi was studying in a school when she was attacked by a man who had proposed her for marriage. Going by several media reports, the movie is expected to go on the floors in March 2019.

Also Read | Sonu Nigam is at it again! Says, ‘Wish I were from Pakistan’

In an interview to HT, Laxmi had said, “I believe art is art. I am so happy that Deepika is playing the role. I have no right to judge her. How can I judge someone for something which I can’t do! She has played wonderful characters on screen and I believe she will give her best. I want to thank Deepika ji, Meghna ji and the entire team who will be working together on the film. I am glad that the movie will spread awareness and will help people who are victims of such incidents to come out of it. They will get inspired that if she can do it than why not us.”

Chhapaak, along with being Deepika’s debut in the field of production, will also be her first film, post her marriage to Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. The couple has been at the centre of the limelight since they tied the knot on November 14 and 15 at Lake Como, Italy, in presence of close friends and family.