The clarification comes weeks after Massey’s post on X on December 2, 2024, triggered speculation that the National Award-winning actor was quitting the industry. Addressing the confusion, he said the limitations of the platform led to misinterpretation of his message. “I was extremely exhausted at that time. I only wanted to take a break, but many things were misunderstood,” he said.
Massey explained that the break followed an intense work schedule that saw him complete multiple projects in a short span. He noted that acting demands not only physical stamina but also deep emotional investment, which can lead to burnout. “When you shoot four films in a year, the fatigue is not just physical. It is mental and emotional,” he said, referring to projects such as 12th Fail, Sabarmati Express, and Sector 26.
During the seven-month hiatus, Massey said he took time to reassess his craft. He revisited his previous films to identify areas for improvement and reflected on the kind of roles he wants to pursue going forward. He also prioritised family life, particularly spending time with his son, Vardaan, who was born on February 7, 2024.
The actor said the break helped him realise the personal cost of continuous work. He recalled missing key moments in his son’s early life, including hearing him say “Papa” for the first time. “Work will always be there, but these moments don’t return,” Massey said, describing the period as a necessary pause to regain balance and perspective.
Massey, who won the Best Actor award for 12th Fail, sharing the honour with Shah Rukh Khan, said the recognition was deeply gratifying but also came at the end of a demanding phase. He stressed that the break allowed him to return with renewed focus rather than creative fatigue.
On the professional front, Massey remains active with several projects lined up. He will next be seen in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O Romeo, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, scheduled for release on February 13. He is also set to appear in the Netflix series Musafir Cafe, which marks his debut as a producer.
