Vikrant Massey’s sudden retirement announcement on December 1 shocked fans, as the actor shared his intention to step back from acting to prioritize his roles as a husband, father, and son. While his heartfelt decision made headlines, an earlier statement from Vikrant expressing concerns for his 9-month-old son, Vardhaan, has resurfaced, sparking widespread discussion.
Fears for His Son’s Safety
During a promotional interview for his controversial film, The Sabarmati Report, Vikrant opened up about receiving threats. The film, which delves into the sensitive subject of the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, stirred strong reactions. Vikrant revealed that the threats extended to his infant son, leaving him deeply worried.
In an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, he shared:
“Mujhe mere social media, WhatsApp pe threat aa rahe hain. Yeh log jaante hain ki main 9 mahine pehle ek bacche ka pita bana hoon. Mera baccha jo theek se chal bhi nahi pata, uska naam beech mein liya ja raha hai. Uski suraksha ke liye mujhe chinta mein daala ja raha hai. Hum kis samaj mein jee rahe hain? Afsos hota hai, dar nahi lagta. Agar dar lagta, toh hum yeh film banake bahar laate hi nahi.”
(Translation: “I’ve been receiving threats on social media and WhatsApp. These people know I became a father 9 months ago. They’re dragging my infant son into this. I’m worried for his safety. What kind of society are we living in? It’s disheartening, though not scary. If I were scared, we wouldn’t have made this film and brought it to the public.”)
The Viral Impact
The resurfaced comment has struck a chord with fans and the public, highlighting the challenges actors face when addressing sensitive issues. Vikrant’s courage in choosing to speak out against threats has been praised, though many expressed concern for the safety of his family.
Balancing Courage and Responsibility
Vikrant’s candid remarks underline the pressures of navigating stardom, personal safety, and a sense of responsibility to speak the truth through his work. As his retirement and this statement continue to trend online, they offer a poignant reminder of the personal cost of public life.