‘People still ask me, why did you retire?’: Vikrant Massey

In December 2024, Vikrant Massey did what was an anomaly in the cut-throat business of Bollywood — the actor announced that he was taking a break from movies. Expectedly, it sparked shock among his fans and colleagues. Six months on, he is promoting his next, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. That has left many confused, who misconstrue that Massey had retired. He begins, “People still ask me, ‘Why did you retire?’”

The actor is amused that his announcement was misunderstood by so many. “Which part of my post did people not understand? Maybe they are not used to seeing actors taking a break, but I want to better myself. I wanted to take that break. I had mentioned in my post that there are two films I’d be working on, one of which was Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. Two months after announcing my break, I started shooting for it,” he says.

(L-R) Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

Massey reveals he had turned down many projects leading up to the announcement. “Post 12th Fail [2023] and The Sabarmati Report [2024], a lot of films were coming my way. I can’t do 10 films a year. So, that post was to convey to filmmakers that I needed some time off. Many were shocked to hear a no from me.”

More importantly, slowing down was crucial for the actor’s sanity. With seven releases in the past two years, including successes in 12th Fail and Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024), he felt the need to pause. “It was not something I decided overnight. There was a burnout. I wanted to spend time with my family. Also, I [saw] the love coming in from the audience. I want to be worth their time. But when I’m getting burnt out, how can I face the camera and keep repeating the same thing?” 

The actor wrapped up Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, co-starring Shanaya Kapoor, in March. White, a biopic on spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is due to roll only in August, giving him enough time to re-energise himself. So, where does that leave Don 3? “It’s too early to talk about it,” he smiles.

Break ke baad

After the dismal run of Zero (2018), Shah Rukh Khan took a hiatus, returning after over four years with the blockbuster Pathaan (2023)

Distraught after Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) tanked, Aamir Khan took time off to reassess his career. The result — the sparkling Sitaare Zameen Par this year.

Late Sridevi had stepped away from the screen after tying the knot with Boney Kapoor in 1996. She returned in 2012 with English Vinglish.

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