Exclusive! Vikrant Massey: Youngsters are drawn to crime due to peer pressure

Actor Vikrant Massey, who is the host of the crime-based fiction show titled Crimes Aaj Kal, exclusively spoke to OTTplay about how the extensive use of social media, coupled with new-age parenting, has a negative impact on young minds, who unknowingly get pulled into the world of crime.

When we asked Vikrant about the role that parenting plays in youngsters not getting influenced too much by negative online content, the actor said, "Parenting doesn't come with a manual, and it changes from one generation to the next."

"For instance, my mother used to scold me when I failed an exam. I would listen to whatever she said without taking it too hard, then move on, study, play, and be normal. Today, you cannot raise your voice or hands at children because that is considered verbal and physical abuse. So, it is a complicated matter and a catch-22 situation. Having said that, these days, teenagers spend money on either instant gratification or as a result of peer pressure, and that is when things can start to go wrong," the actor said.

"There are many times when youngsters pressurise their parents, asking for money to buy expensive bikes just to appear to be cool dudes. But how can someone take an extreme step for cheap thrills? So, I strongly believe that as a celebrity, I need to spread the word and influence my young audience to understand that life is way more beautiful than just running after expensive things," explained the actor, who will soon be seen in multiple projects this year, including Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, Mumbaikar, and Yaar Jigri.

Crimes Aaj Kal is available to stream on Amazon miniTV.-