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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UK PM Keir Starmer takes ‘China matters’ message on first Beijing visit
London (PTI): “Like it or not, China matters to the UK,” is the message British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is taking on his visit to Beijing on Wednesday, accompanied by a 60-strong business and cultural delegation.
Downing Street said the visit, which will also cover Shanghai, reflects the UK’s “clear-eyed and realistic” approach to China in terms of opportunities and challenges they pose by continuing to pursue cooperation while “maintaining guardrails” when it comes to the country’s national security.
The Labour Party government is keen to highlight its re-engagement with China with this first visit in eight years, coming close on the heels of a ministerial go-ahead for its controversial new “mega embassy” in London.
“For years, our approach to China has been dogged by inconsistency – blowing hot and cold, from Golden Age to Ice Age. But like it or not, China matters for the UK,” Starmer said in a pre-visit statement.
“As one of the world’s biggest economic players, a strategic and consistent relationship with them is firmly in our national interest. That does not mean turning a blind eye to the challenges they pose – but engaging even where we disagree.
“This is what our allies do, and what I will do: delivering for the public, putting more money in their pockets and keeping them safe through pragmatic, consistent cooperation abroad,” he said.
The UK PM is set to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Thursday for talks on trade, investment and national security, before travelling to Shanghai for a range of engagements with British and Chinese businesses.
Accompanied by a delegation of leading UK-based businesses, including Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover, sporting institutions, museums and theatre groups, Starmer is expected to push for access in areas such as the financial services sector, creative industries and life sciences.
“However, he will be clear that we will not trade economic cooperation for our national security. He will raise the areas where we disagree with China – being clear that we will always defend our national security and where viewpoints differ, frank and open dialogue is of vital importance,” Downing Street said.
Describing China as the world’s second largest economy, a crucial player in global supply chains and a growing military power, the UK said it is important to engage with its third-largest trading partner which supports 3,70,000 British jobs.
“We want to see trade flourish between us. From financial services to advanced manufacturing and the global energy transition, the UK’s strengths increasingly align with the rapidly evolving Chinese economy,” said Peter Kyle, the Business and Trade Secretary travelling with Starmer.
“The first duty of government is security, and we protect ourselves best through active engagement and pragmatic cooperation, not by shutting the door,” he said.
The visit follows the 2025 Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) that the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) claimed secured 600 million pounds in immediate benefits and the first UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) since 2018.
“The UK’s world-leading financial services sector is a cornerstone of our economy. With deep and liquid markets, and the FTSE hitting all-time highs, there are real opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with China which supports jobs for working people and growth for businesses across Britain,” said Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, also part of the ministerial delegation.
The Opposition Conservatives have criticised Starmer’s approach to China, amid human rights concerns and espionage fears. “Starmer has already surrendered to the Chinese Communist Party over their plan for a spy-hub super embassy in the heart of our capital,” said shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel.
“The evidence is overwhelming that China poses a serious threat to our national security and it is clear Starmer is going to China without any leverage. He lacks the backbone to stand up for Britain and is bending over backwards to appease Beijing,” she said.
Following his trip to China, Starmer is set to travel to Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to reinforce the UK-Japan partnership, said to be worth over 100 billion pounds and supporting 2,00,000 UK jobs.
