Ishaan Khatter has been on his acting journey for over eight years, during which only three of his films have reached theaters. Instead of feeling anxious about this slow progression, Ishaan is choosing to embrace it, emphasizing that the pursuit of his craft is more about achieving excellence than maintaining relevance.

In a recent interview, Ishaan openly discussed his path in Bollywood and his efforts to redefine masculinity on screen.

Reflecting on his Bollywood journey, Ishaan, who hails from a family of actors—his father being Rajesh Khattar and his mother Neelima Azeem—made his film debut in Majid Majidi’s Beyond the Clouds (2017). Throughout his eight-year career, he has worked diligently to maintain his authenticity.

“The most important lesson for me at this moment is to remain true to myself—valuing authenticity and expressing my thoughts without any facade. This has been my goal from the beginning, but as I progress, it has become increasingly vital. Additionally, I’ve learned to avoid overthinking—focusing on doing more and contemplating less,” Ishaan shared.

His filmography includes a variety of projects such as A Suitable Boy, Dhadak, Khaali Peeli, Phone Bhoot, Pippa, and The Perfect Couple. While some of these films have connected with audiences, others did not achieve the anticipated success. Nonetheless, Ishaan remains undeterred by the pressures of the Bollywood landscape.

Ishaan expresses, “For me, the journey is centered not on relevance but on achieving excellence, which requires time. As I progress, I intend to prioritize this pursuit, as excellence is something I can genuinely claim as my own. It transcends merely being in the right place at the right moment; it involves diligent effort and earning my achievements.” He recently participated as a model in a fashion show in Guwahati, part of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour.

The brother of Shahid Kapoor adds, “I embrace a gradual and steady path. I possess a strong drive, and when my passion ignites, I act with fervor. However, if something fails to inspire me, I am prepared to pause and wait. This approach demands patience, but I consider these qualities to be invaluable.”

On redefining masculinity onscreen

Regarding his aim to redefine masculinity on screen, Ishaan states that he is committed to choosing roles that reflect his values.

“I believe the most significant contribution I can make is through the characters I portray and the narratives I choose to tell. By engaging with scripts and roles that resonate with my personal beliefs and sensibilities, I can present my interpretation of masculinity on screen. Through these performances, I aspire to convey my perspective in a manner that is both authentic and impactful,” he explains.

Discussing his ability to connect with both men and women, Ishaan remarks, “I simply want to continue on my current path. I believe that if you remain true to yourself and avoid pretending to be someone else, people will eventually recognize and value that authenticity. It takes time—I have been in the industry for seven years, with only three films released, yet I have been fortunate to engage in diverse projects that have reached various audiences.”

“Looking ahead, my goal is to keep evolving, take on more projects, connect with a wider range of people, and maintain my authenticity. I aim to approach my work with seriousness, but I don’t want to take myself too seriously,” he concludes.

On navigating the challenges of fame

Ishaan attributes his ability to remain grounded amidst fame to his openness to life and his refusal to isolate himself. He takes a moment to acknowledge the individuals in his life who help maintain his perspective and provide a sense of normalcy.

"I believe that engaging with life openly and avoiding self-isolation—something that is ultimately a choice—naturally keeps one grounded. Rather than taking credit for this myself, I feel extremely fortunate to have people around me who reflect my reality and help me stay grounded. It is because of them that I can maintain a sense of normalcy, even while participating in activities that often feel anything but ordinary," Ishaan explains.

Regarding his future endeavors, Ishaan assures us that his upcoming projects will be exhilarating.

"I can confidently say that I have 'The Royals' debuting on Netflix very soon—an exciting, entertaining series filled with intrigue. This role allows me to explore a character unlike any I have portrayed before, making it particularly special. Additionally, I have a feature film in collaboration with a director I have admired for over ten years, a project I have always dreamed of being part of, making it feel like a dream realized. Both projects have already been filmed and are scheduled for release later this year, so I am eagerly anticipating sharing them with everyone," he concludes.

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