Vikrant Massey takes long sabbatical from acting: What prompted him to take THIS big step? ETimes Decodes | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

In a news that has shocked Bollywood, Vikrant Massey announced yesterday that she is calling it quits from acting, at least from the time being. The year 2025 will be his last in the industry (for now), and post that he will be bidding the arclights goodbye, until the time feels ‘right.’ He said, “Hello, The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realise it’s time to recalibrate and go back home. As a Husband, Father & a Son. And also as an Actor. So coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time. Until time deems right. Last 2 movies and many years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between Forever indebted.”
How did the industry react?
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta reacted to Vikrant’s decision by recalling the time when Hansal Mehta left the industry. Gupta wrote on X ( formerly Twitter), “In 2008 Hansal Mehta left the film industry and Mumbai. Along with his family he shifted to a small village called Malawali in Lonavala. He recalibrated, reinvented himself and in 2012 came back with SHAHID his career best and has never looked back. He further continued, “Do you realize the guts it takes to do that? To walk away from it all in spite of having a family to look after and the possibility of never directing again? It takes guts, resilience and an insane amount of belief in yourself. Gupta lauded Vikrant for his guts to come to this decision and said, “In a way Vikrant Massey is doing the same. In these times of competition, insecurity, jealousy, rivalry it takes guts for an actor to take break and focus on his duties as a father, a husband and a son. He should be lauded not criticized. “
On the other hand, Dia Mirza wrote, “Breaks are best. You will be even more amazing on the other side.” Actor Patralekhaa added, “No way!! You are one of the finest actors we have.” His Sabarmati Report costar Raashii Khanna expressed shock and said, “What? No!”
See More: Vikrant Massey says he’s NOT retiring, people misread it: ‘Need a long break’
Not the first time
While to most working professionals, it might come as a shock that someone has decided to hang up their boots at the peak of their career (Vikrant is just 37), his decision is not an isolated one. Let’s take a look at some leading names in Bollywood and Hollywood, who suddenly decided to either take a break or bid goodbye…
Evangeline Lilly
Marvel actress Evangeline Lilly, star of the ‘Ant-Man’ franchise, announced her retirement from acting early this year. Sharing her thoughts in a heartfelt Instagram post, Lilly expressed the joy and peace she found in quitting from the film industry. In her note, she wrote, “Stepping away from what seems like the obvious choice (wealth and fame) can feel scary at times, but stepping into your dharma replaces the fear with fulfilment. I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
Zaira Wasim
The breakout star of Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ and ‘Secret Superstar’, Zaira Wasim shocked fans when she announced her decision to step away from Bollywood in 2019. Zaira cited her growing disconnection with her faith and personal beliefs as the reason for quitting the life of a starlet. She said, “Though I may fit here perfectly, I do not belong here.”
Jack Gleeson
Jack Gleeson, who became a household name as the villainous King Joffrey Baratheon in ‘Game of Thrones’, shocked fans when he announced his decision to retire from acting to focus on his studies. While he stayed away from the camera, Gleeson co-founded a theatre company and performed at local Irish events. However, his love for storytelling eventually reignited. In a quieter yet celebrated comeback, he returned to the screen in the BBC adaptation of ‘The Famous Five’.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis often hailed as one of the greatest actors, retired at the peak of his career. After completing his final film, ‘Phantom Thread’ (2017), the three-time Oscar winner made the decision and offered no further comment on the subject.

Imran Khan
The actor, whos is also Aamir Khan’s nephew, made his debut with the hugely successful Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, and later appeared in movied like Delhi Belly and Break Ke Baad. He however, decided to bid goodbye to acting post Katti Batti in 2013, despite enjoying huge popularity. The actor, who has worked on his mental health in the last decade that he has been missing in action, has now dropped hints about his return to acting, although an official confirmation is still awaited.
This apart, actors like Sean Penn, Vinod Khanna and others too took a long break to focus all their energies on other interests.
Just a break, it seems
While only time will tell the actual reason that prompted Vikrant to take such a drastic step at the peak of his career, speculations are rife. While some allege that the actor could not cope with the pressures of the industry despite his success, others argue that there might be some political angle to the same. Regardless, Vikrant’s decision seems to be well thought of, andtaken after careful consideration. On the other hand, it might turn out to be simply a ‘break’, and even if it is not, it is okay. According to psychologists, not all human beings are wired the same, and have different benchmarks for success. For some, especially in Bollywood, it could be the hunger to earn more and more, and seek more fame, and for others, it could just be going back to a warm house with one’s partner and kids. Vikrant’s decision could also be driven by the fact that he has recently become a father, and given the stressful nature of the job, this could have been the best solution, enabling him to witness his child grow up, and spending time with his ageing parents.
Too much of a thing is not good?
Other theories floating around are that given his recent spate of successes, such as 12th Fail, Sector 36, and others, the actor does not want to over expose himself. Vikrant, who has always taken the path less trodden, might be leaning towards avoiding the constant chatter around his movies, and does not want the audience to get tired of him, a fact that he has spoken about earlier as well.
Lauding his decision
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta came out in huge support of the actor, reiterating what Sanjay Gupta said. He said, “A break can never hurt anyone, and what Vikrant has done is admirable – one must always reflect. There are so many things to do in life, and one must not stick to one. Instead of not believing his decision, we must understand his point of view. Even I took a break for three years, and did not take up any projects at that time. As a person, we don’t really know what he wants. Let us all respect his decision.”
What do experts say?
Dr. Anjali Chhabria, leading psychiatrist and psychotherapist says that often, we associate a ‘break’ or ‘retirement’ with old people, however that is not always the case. She says, “This goes on to say that even young people can take a break and it is okay. Maybe Vikrant came here to make a point, and wants to go back to doing something else. Retiring could only mean retiring from that profession, and he could have other plans. It is a positive move, and displays a lot of maturity on his part.”
He further added, “This actually is a bit of an alien concept in India, but quite common abroad. Many young-middle aged people work for a couple of years, make enough money, then retire to pursue other passions – it could be farming, travelling or simply giving time to one’s family.”
“Also these young smart ones want a balanced life, and are clear about their ambitions.. know when to quit and not get carried away”, she signed off.