Vikrant Massey Opens Up on Burnout, Family and Return with O'Romeo
Vikrant Massey says the viral post was about burnout, not retirement.
Coming on the heels of the massive success of 12th Fail, a social media post by National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey had sparked widespread speculation that he was stepping away from cinema permanently. The brief message, shared on X, led many to believe the actor was announcing his retirement, triggering concern and debate among fans and industry observers.
Addressing the confusion, Massey has now clarified that the decision was never about quitting films but about taking a much-needed pause. Speaking to Times Now during the channel’s 20th Anniversary Special Broadcast, the actor explained that the limitations of social media led to his words being misunderstood. He said he was experiencing severe burnout at the time and only intended to step back temporarily to recover.
Massey elaborated on the intense emotional and mental demands of acting, noting that the toll goes far beyond long working hours. He explained that portraying emotions repeatedly across projects can be exhausting and draining. Reflecting on a phase when he worked on four films in a single year, including 12th Fail, Sabarmati Express, and Sector 26, he admitted that the workload left him feeling creatively fatigued.
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The actor also revealed that he began sensing repetition in his performances, prompting him to reassess his craft. Rather than continuing on what he described as “autopilot,” Massey chose to step back and return to the drawing board, viewing the break as essential for long-term artistic growth rather than a setback.
Beyond professional pressures, Massey said his personal life played a decisive role in the decision. His son, Vardaan, was born during a particularly hectic period, and the actor recalled witnessing several of his child’s early milestones through videos sent by his wife, actor Sheetal Thakur. Missing moments such as hearing his son say “Papa” for the first time became a turning point, leading him to question the true cost of success.
During his seven-month break, Massey prioritized family life, focusing on being present as a husband and father. On the professional front, he is set to return with Vishal Bhardwaj’s romantic thriller O’Romeo, slated for release on February 13, 2026. He will also make his debut as a producer with the Netflix series Musafir Cafe, which he has described as the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
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