when Vikrant Massey When he announced in December 2024 that he was “coming home” and stepping down from work, the news caught many by surprise. His statement quickly sparked speculation, with discussions ranging from the challenges faced by outsiders in the film industry to the ongoing nepotism debate. However, the actress later revealed that the reason for her decision was very personal – her newborn son, Vardaan, and what she described as “daddy guilt”.Vikrant reflected on that phase of his life. He said in an interview Parineeti Chopra for her show Mom Talks, “I never thought that my decision to take time off from work for my son would become national news. When Vardaan was born, by the grace of God, I was very busy. The first reason I wanted to retreat was my physical and mental exhaustion. You know how much we give emotionally, physically, mentally. As a first time dad, my focus was always on the home. I didn’t question what or why I was doing it. As I wanted to wrap up my commitments and spend as much time as possible with Vardaan Sheetal Thakur. I’ve said this before, I was feeling a little lonely. There was a gap.”He also shared a moment when he realized he needed to slow down. “I remember he went to his nani’s (grandmother’s) house and started trying to say ‘daddy’. He couldn’t pronounce it, but he blew it out. Then it hit me: it was time to go home. Two months later, I made the announcement. This has become the biggest profit of my life: I received more than I wanted.’Opening up about fatherhood, Vikrant added, “Compared to a mother, we fathers don’t even do a quarter. But like new moms, new dads also feel weird when they go out, leaving their baby behind. It stipulates that men must be providers; that’s what drives us out of the house. It’s natural to envy someone who manages to hold back. In the end we call every 30 minutes to see the baby’s face. I want to say to new dads, it’s okay to feel vulnerable and want to come home.“Sharing her perspective, Sheetal explained how motherhood—and fatherhood—has transformed Vikrant. “I’ve seen a changed man, although I can’t tell when it happened. He moves around the world like a father now. I’ve seen him as a boy, my boyfriend, my fiancé and my husband, but now, when I look at him, I see a father. He’s really become a father.”In December 2024, shortly after the release of the Sabarmati Report, Vikrant took to social media to explain his decision. “Hi, the last few years and the years since have been amazing. I thank each and every one of you for your unfailing support. But as I move forward, I realize it’s time to recalibrate and come home—as a husband, father, and son, as well as an actor.”He also wrote: “So in 2025 we meet one last time until time feels right again. Two more movies and many years of memories. Thanks again for everything and everything in between. Forever in debt.”Vikrant and Sheetal welcomed their son Vardaan in February 2024. The actor was last seen in films like Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan and O’Romeo.
