'12th Fail' actor Vikrant Massey: 'My brother converted to Islam, my family let him change his religion because...'

Vikrant Massey, riding high on the success of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail, revealed in an interview with Samdish how his brother changed his religion and his family allowed him to do so.

Massey said, "My brother’s name is Moeen, I am called Vikrant. You’d wonder why the name Moeen? He converted to Islam, my family let him change his religion. They said, ‘Beta, if you find satisfaction this, then go ahead.’ He converted at the age of 17, it is a big step."

The actor added, "My mother is Sikhni, my father is 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 continued, “My father was questioned by my extended relatives about how he could ‘allow’ that (brother’s conversion). He said that was none of their business. ‘He is my son, he is only answerable to me and has all the rights to choose what he wants.’ After seeing this, I went on my own quest, wondering what exactly is religion. It is man made.”

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Massey on Hindu culture

Especially in the Hindu culture, I do believe in them. It is only because of my cultural affiliation; it doesn’t need to be religious. This is the culture of the majority people of my country. Diwali is celebrated only in India, so I celebrate it as well. It is my muscle memory, my childhood memory.

Talking about 12th Fail , the film is directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and also features Medha Shankr in a prominent role.