Vikrant Massey announces temporary break from acting
Mumbai: Actor Vikrant Massey, known for his performances in films like 12th Fail and The Sabarmati Report, announced on December 1 that he is taking a temporary break from acting. The news, shared through an Instagram post, has left fans and the film industry surprised.
In his heartfelt post, Massey expressed his need to "recalibrate" and reflect on his journey. He wrote about cherishing the memories from his last two films and the impact they had on him. The actor, however, did not specify how long this break would last, leaving his return to acting uncertain.
In the note on Instagram, Vikrant Massey wrote, “Hello, The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realise it’s time to recalibrate and go back home. As a Husband, Father & a Son. And also as an Actor. So coming 2025, we would meet each other for one last time.Until time deems right. Last 2 movies and many a years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between. Forever indebted!”
The announcement follows the recent release of The Sabarmati Report, which has received mixed responses but has failed to make a mark on the box office despite tax relaxations.
Critics had pointed out that The Sabarmati Report lacks balance and depth in its portrayal of the events surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning and its aftermath. The film has been criticised for presenting a skewed narrative that oversimplifies a complex tragedy, reducing it to a one-sided story. Critics argue that by ignoring the nuanced reportage of both the Godhra tragedy and the ensuing riots, and instead framing the media landscape as a binary battle between honest, pro-Hindu Hindi journalism and elite, mendacious English journalism, the film undermines its own credibility. Many have also noted its overt attempts to align with the current political establishment, glossing over the role of local publications and selectively dramatizing facts to suit a particular agenda.
Additionally, Massey was honoured with the prestigious Indian Film Personality of the Year award at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, recognising his contributions to Indian cinema.
Vikrant Massey’s recent announcement has left his fans surprised and emotional. One fan commented, “I hope it’s not true,” while another expressed, “Why would you do that? There are hardly any actors like you. We need good cinema.” A third fan shared, “Please don’t do this…I relate your 'Broken but Beautiful' so much with my life. Seeing this post feels like Elina left Samsang, and now Veer is leaving me with those memories.”
Another admirer praised his acting, saying, “You’re my favourite actor. Your eyes are so expressive when you act. We will wait for you to come back soon.” Many fans have extended their best wishes, hoping for his strong return.
Vikrant is currently working on two films, Yaar Jigri and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. After rising to fame with Balika Vadhu, his career reached new heights with 12th Fail.
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Why was Indira Gandhi's 1973 budget called the 'Black Budget'?
New Delhi: The Union Budget for 2025 is set to be presented in Parliament on February 1 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. As the nation awaits the financial roadmap of the third term of Narendra Modi-led government, a look back at the 1973-74 budget reveals one of India's most financially challenging periods.
The 1973-74 budget, presented by then-Finance Minister Yashwantrao Chavan under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is often referred to as the ‘Black Budget’ due to its unprecedented fiscal deficit of ₹550 crore. This was a significant sum at the time, reflecting the severe economic strain India faced in the aftermath of the 1971 war with Pakistan.
The war had drained government resources, and a series of natural disasters, including drought, led to a sharp decline in agricultural production. This worsened the financial crisis, with declining revenues and rising expenditures. Presenting the budget, Chavan acknowledged the economic distress, stating that the drought had caused a major drop in food grain production, which contributed to the widening deficit.
In response, the government allocated ₹56 crore for the nationalisation of coal mines, insurance companies, and the Indian Copper Corporation. The move aimed to strengthen the energy sector and ensure state control over key industries. However, the large deficit forced the government to implement cost-cutting measures and financial discipline in subsequent years.
As the Modi 3.0 government prepares to unveil the 2025-26 budget, various sectors are putting forth their demands, including tax reliefs and economic stimulus measures. Social media is rife with memes attacking the Finance Minsiter for the tax policies and it's impact on the middle class. The government’s first estimates project a 7.3% GDP growth for 2023-24, shaping expectations for the upcoming budget.
