Vikrant Massey’s ‘retirement from acting’ leaves fans shocked

On Monday morning, Bollywood was taken by surprise when Vikrant Massey announced his decision to retire from films. This comes just weeks after Massey received the ‘Personality of the Year’ award at the ‘55th International Film Festival of India’ (IFFI). After achieving well-deserved success with projects like ‘12th Fail’, ‘The Sabarmati Report’, ‘Haseen Dilruba’ and ‘Sector 36’, his announcement at the age of 37 has left fans and the industry in shock. Sharing the news on social media, Vikrant revealed that he plans to step away from acting after completing one last film. In an emotional message, he expressed that it’s time for him to ‘recalibrate and go back home’.

Fans and fellow actors have shared their sadness over Massey’s decision, though some speculate it might be a temporary break rather than a permanent retirement. Meanwhile, others remain skeptical, suggesting the announcement could be part of a promotional strategy linked to a brand or his upcoming project, ‘Zero Se Restart’, a follow-up to Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s ‘12th Fail’ or ‘Don 3’, where he’s playing the negative lead opposite Ranveer Singh.

In a heartfelt post on ‘Instagram’, he said he would meet his fans for ‘one last time’ in 2025. “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 and son. And also, as an actor,” he wrote.

“So coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time. Until time deems right. Last two movies and many years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between,” he continued. He added ‘forever indebted’ at the end of the note.

Actors like Raashi Khanna (‘The Sabarmati Report’), Bhumi Pednekar (‘Bhakshak’) and Esha Gupta (‘Rustom’) shared heartfelt reactions to Vikrant Massey’s announcement, dropping heart emojis in the comments. Actor Dia Mirza wrote, “Breaks are best. You will be even more amazing on the other side.” Actor Patralekhaa wrote, “No way!! You are one of the finest actors we have.” However, many fans suspect the news might be a PR move for ‘Zero Se Restart’ or other brand-related promotions. If true, critics argue it would be an ill-conceived strategy. The actor is presently shooting for ‘Yaar Jigri’ and ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’.

Interestingly, Massey’s surprising decision coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending a special screening of ‘The Sabarmati Report’ at the Balyogi Auditorium in New Delhi on Monday.

At 37, Massey cited a desire to prioritize family time as his reason for stepping away. If this isn’t a PR stunt and he truly retires after 2025, then he will join a list of stars who retired early despite good careers including Twinkle Khanna, Mayuri Kango (‘Papa Kehte Hain’), Asin (‘Ghajini’) and Zaira Wasim (‘Secret Superstar’), all of whom left the industry, leaving fans stunned.