When Vikrant Massey announced in December 2024 that he was “going home” and stepping away from work, the news took many by surprise. His statement quickly led to widespread speculation, with discussions ranging from the challenges faced by outsiders in the film industry to the controversy surrounding nepotism.
However, the actor later revealed that the reason behind his decision was very personal, namely his newborn son, Vardaan, and what he described as ‘daddy guilt’.Vikrant thought about that stage of his life. In an interview with Parineeti Chopra on her show Mom Talks, he said, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my decision to take a break from work for the sake of my son would become national news. When Vardhan was born, by the grace of God, I was very busy.”
The number one reason I decided to back off was physical and mental exhaustion. You know how much we give ourselves emotionally, physically and mentally. As a first-time father, my attention was always at home. I didn’t even question what or why I was doing.
I just wanted to finish my commitments and spend as much time as possible with Vardhan and Sheetal Thakur. I’ve said this before, I was feeling a little lonely. “There was a void.”He also shared a moment that made him realize he needed to slow down.
“I remember when he went to his grandmother’s house and just started trying to say ‘daddy’. He couldn’t pronounce it, but he blew air. That’s when it hit me – it was time to go home. Two months later, I made the announcement. This became the biggest income of my life. I received more than I ever wanted.Talking about fatherhood, Vikrant added, “Compared to mothers, we parents do not even do a quarter.
But, just like new mothers, new fathers also feel strange when they step out of the house and leave their children behind. There is a requirement that men must be the breadwinners, and that is what drives us out of the home. It’s normal to envy the person who stays behind. We end up calling every 30 minutes just to see the baby’s face. I just want to tell new parents – it’s okay to feel weak and want to go home.
“Sharing her perspective, Sheetal spoke about how motherhood and fatherhood changed Vikrant.
“I’ve seen a man changed, though I can’t pinpoint when it happened. He moves through the world like a father now. I’ve seen him as a boy, my friend, my fiancé, my husband—but now, when I look at him, I see a father. He’s truly a father.”Back in December 2024, soon after the Sabarmati report was released, Vikrant took to social media to explain his decision. “Hey, the last few years and beyond have been great.
I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realize it’s time to recalibrate and come home — as a husband, father, son, and also as an actor.He also wrote: “So, come 2025, we will meet one last time – until time sees it right again. Two more movies and many more years of memories. Thank you again, for everything and everything in between. Forever indebted to you.”Vikrant and Sheetal welcomed their son Vardaan in February 2024. The actor was last seen in films like Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan and O’Romeo.
