By choosing unconventional but meaty roles, Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey has carved a niche for himself. On his recent visit to Birmingham, as a friend of Longines, he witnessed India bagging the gold at the Commonwealth Games and more. In a chat with Travel+Leisure India & South Asia, Massey shares his experience. By Simrran Gill
Excerpts from the interview with Vikrant Massey:
T+L India: Can you take us through your recent trip to Birmingham where you witnessed the Commonwealth Games?
Vikrant Massey: It was a moment of honour and pride for me to be there. Firstly, to represent Longines from India. And secondly, to be there as an Indian. I was lucky enough to witness the table tennis match and the gold medal that we won.
T+L India: How is it being associated with Longines?
Vikrant Massey: It’s a dream come true! Longines is a brand soaked in history, heritage, precision, and tradition. I think we all know they have been the master watchmakers for the last 190 years. There’s so much that I’m getting to learn about in terms of their tradition, what they stand for, the amount of hours they put in, and I think it’s definitely rubbing on to me. This association is going to change me as a person, I think it already has in some way.
T+L India: How was your experience at the Longines House?
Vikrant Massey: It was wonderful, there was so much love and warmth, which was infectious. There’s a small museum where they’ve kept certain timepieces and how they’ve evolved in the world of timekeeping.
T+L India: What does travel mean to you and what kind of a traveller are you?
Vikrant Massey: Travel is one of the most essential components of life. I think I’m a bit of everything— I could be an impulsive backpacker who’s trekking 14 kilometres a day or a laid-back person who’s just putting up a bedsheet in the park and spending his day there.
T+L India: Which is the one wristwatch you absolutely swear by?
Vikrant Massey: It has to be the La Grande Classique de Longines. It’s minimalist and a class apart. It’s one of the slimmest and lightest watches in the world. Apart from that, it is an old school watch and you cannot go wrong with it.
T+L India: What projects are you currently working on?
Vikrant Massey: I have a few films up for release. There is Gaslight with Pawan Kripalani and Tips. I’ve collaborated with Sara Ali Khan and Chitrangada Singh on this one. Then there is Blackout that is also up for release.
T+L India: What are three essentials that you carry when you travel?
Vikrant Massey: A Swiss knife, watch, and a book.
T+L India: Which destination has left an indelible mark on you?
Vikrant Massey: It has to be Italy. People there are not in a mad rush and take life as it comes unlike in Mumbai where people are working 18 hours a day. So, it was a great disconnect from the mundane life, and I understood how important it is to enjoy life. I think the place also gave me a perspective on how to spend time by myself.
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