Neelima Azeem, the mother of actors Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, has recently shared insights into the distinct personalities of her two sons. In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, Azeem reflected on how Shahid and Ishaan's journeys and characteristics differ.
According to Azeem, Shahid is very sensitive and soft. She noted that while he now has a tough exterior, he will always be that soft, sensitive, dreamy boy. Despite his gentle nature, Azeem emphasized Shahid's resilience, stating that he has paved his own way and is a tough chap. She also recalled visiting the sets of his debut film, Ishq Vishk, highlighting her involvement in his early career. Azeem clarified that her presence on set was driven by an artistic connection rather than overprotectiveness.
In contrast, Azeem described Ishaan as exploratory, adventurous, and possessing a curious mind. While also soft, she believes he is stronger in some ways. Ishaan is very independent and prefers to travel and manage his affairs alone. Azeem drew a distinction between her sons, noting that Shahid is a family man who loves to be surrounded by his own people. While Ishaan is also deeply affectionate towards family, his social circle extends further, and he enjoys spending time with friends. She added that Shahid has always yearned for family more than friends, while Ishaan hangs out a lot with his friends, brother and her.
Azeem also shared her perspective on raising her sons with such different emotional compasses. She highlighted that Ishaan hates lies, while Shahid hates bad behavior. Shahid is extremely organized, tidy, independent in his work and a perfectionist, while Ishaan is breezier. She also noted that Shahid is a stickler for punctuality, while Ishaan is extremely punctual when it comes to work but highly unpunctual in his personal life.
Azeem has emphasized that both sons have very strong and individual characteristics. She takes joy in seeing her sons come together as a family, especially with Shahid's wife, Mira Rajput, and their children, Misha and Zain. Azeem is proud to have raised them with strong values and emotional depth.
In the interview, Azeem gracefully avoided questions about Shahid's past relationships and Ishaan's current romantic life, emphasizing her respect for their privacy. She acknowledged that while her sons share everything with her, she would never disclose their personal matters to the media.
Azeem also reflected on her personal life, including her separation from Shahid's father, Pankaj Kapur, when Shahid was three years old. She stated that they were very different people and that the vibration between them didn't have the same frequency. Azeem later married Rajesh Khatter, with whom she had Ishaan. She met Khatter on the sets of Phir Vahi Talash. She has no regrets about her decisions and cherishes every moment with her sons.
Both Shahid and Ishaan have established themselves as accomplished actors in the Bollywood industry. Shahid starred in the 2025 release Deva and is preparing for O' Romeo and Cocktail 2, while Ishaan starred in Homebound and the series The Royals.
