The world of glamour and glitz is hard to resist. They often say fame is one of the most addictive things. Yet, in the face of such temptation, several Bollywood stars choose to step away from the spotlight at the peak of their career. It is one of the bold and courageous moves made by celebrities whose priorities shifted from fame to something more important. Some moved away for personal reasons, some chose an alternative career, while others simply disappeared without even saying goodbye. Let’s take a closer look at the accounts of some Bollywood actors who chose to retire when their careers were soaring.
Vikrant Massey
Vikrant Massey is one of Bollywood’s most versatile stars, and his range impressed everyone. His recent releases, such as 12th Fail, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba, and The Sabarmati Report, helped him etch his name deeper in the hearts of fans. However, he shocked his fans when he announced that he had decided to step away from the world of cinematic adventures.
His professional graph was on an upward climb when he decided to take a break. He took to his social media handle to share the reason behind his decision, when he 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 years of memories. Thank you again. For everything and everything in between. Forever indebted.”
Though initially, it appeared he was announcing his retirement, he later clarified that he was only talking about taking a break.
Zaira Wasim
Remember the ‘Dangal’ fame Zaira Wasim? The girl rose to fame right after her debut film. Thereafter, her work in ‘Secret Superstar’ and ‘The Sky Is Pink’ helped her earn more recognition. However, at the age of 18, Zaira shocked the industry by announcing her retirement, citing religious reasons.
She decided to step away from Bollywood because she felt it was interfering with her religion. She wanted to focus on her spiritual journey. Her choice sparked nationwide debates, but she remained firm in her decision. She shared her decision in a very long post on her social media account. Though there were speculations that she didn’t write the post herself and that something was fishy, she reaffirmed that it was her decision and that her account was not hacked.
Vinod Khanna
One of Bollywood’s most famous actors of the 1970s, Vinod Khanna, left the industry when he was at the peak of his stardom. With hit films like ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh,’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony,’ and ‘The Burning Train,’ he was one of the biggest superstars of his time. However, he took a drastic step by renouncing his career to join the spiritual community of Rajneesh (Osho) in the United States. For years, he lived in the ashram, embracing a life of spirituality before returning to Bollywood in the late 1980s. His brief hiatus remains one of the most talked-about retirements in Bollywood history.
Jaya Bachchan
Jaya Bachchan is a name that needs no introduction. She was one of the most beloved and popular faces of Bollywood, but she decided to step away from the world of fame to focus on her family life. After getting married to Amitabh Bachchan in 1973, she decided to focus on her family and motherhood, taking a long break from films.
However, a talent like her wouldn’t stay away from the cinematic world for long. She made a comeback with ‘Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa’ in 1998, and ever since has been selective about her projects. She later did a couple of Karan Johar’s films, playing motherly roles in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ and ‘Kal Ho Na Ho.’ Her last outing was ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’
Sridevi
Bollywood’s first female superstar, Sridevi, is also one of the actors who took a long break from the world of glitz and glamour as she wanted to concentrate on her family. She ruled the industry with films like ‘Chandni,’ ‘Mr. India,’ and ‘Nagina.’ When she married producer Boney Kapoor in 1996, she was at the peak of her career, and then she took the bold move of distancing herself from Bollywood.
However, like Jaya Bachchan, she made a comeback. For 15 years, she dedicated herself to raising her daughters, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor. Then, in 2012, she triumphantly returned to cinema with ‘English Vinglish’ and continued to act selectively until her untimely demise in 2018. Her last movie as a lead was Mom, and she had a posthumous cameo in ‘Zero.’
Asin Thottumkal
With films like ‘Ghajini,’ ‘Ready,’ ‘Housefull 2,’ and ‘Bol Bachchan,’ under her belt, Asin Thottumkal enjoyed immense success. However, after she got married in 2015 to businessman Rahul Sharma, she decided to step away from films. She properties her family and personal life and distanced herself from the film industry. Unlike a few other actors who made occasional comebacks, Asin has stayed firm in her decision to embrace life away from the entertainment world.
Imran Khan
Imran Khan, Aamir Khan’s nephew, made a dream debut in 2008 with ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’. He quickly became a heartthrob and then with films like ‘Delhi Belly,’ ‘I Hate Luv Storys,’ ‘Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu,’ he had great prospects ahead.
However, things later changed and after facing a string of flops, Imran decided to step away from the industry in 2015. He stayed away from the limelight for years but he is now ready to make a comeback. He will be seen with Bhumi Pednekar in his comeback movie.
Conclusion
Bollywood has witnessed numerous actors exit the industry at the peak of their careers, leaving fans eager for their comeback. These departures, influenced by personal decisions, spiritual journeys, or changes in focus, have contributed to their legacies. While some have returned to the spotlight, others have firmly chosen to remain absent. Their experiences highlight the notion that fame is temporary, and personal fulfillment frequently outweighs the allure of stardom.