Ishaan Khatter, son of actors Rajesh Khattar and Neelima Azeem, and half-brother to Shahid Kapoor, has carved a unique path in Bollywood since his debut. Known for his dedication to authenticity and versatility, Khatter's career choices have been marked by a willingness to experiment and challenge conventional norms, as evident in his transition from royal roles to more grounded, homebound characters.
Khatter's journey began with Majid Majidi's Beyond the Clouds (2017), where he played a drug dealer. This role won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, setting the stage for his subsequent projects. His first commercial success came with Dhadak (2018), a romantic drama that resonated with audiences, though it received mixed reviews for its adaptation of the original film. Critics noted Khatter's "soulfulness" and expressive face, setting him apart from the typical Bollywood persona.
In 2020, Khatter starred in Mira Nair's adaptation of Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy, a British miniseries where he portrayed Maan Kapoor, a politician's son in love with a courtesan, played by Tabu. Khatter was drawn to the project due to its depiction of an older woman-young man romance, which he hoped would challenge social stigmas.
His recent work includes the American Netflix limited series, The Perfect Couple (2024), where he played a character that, according to some critics, had a subplot of minimal significance. He also starred in The Royals (2025), a Netflix series where he played a reluctant heir, Aviraj Singh, opposite Bhumi Pednekar. Some critics found the chemistry between the leads unconvincing.
Looking ahead, Khatter is set to appear alongside Vishal Jethwa in Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound, which will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This marks a significant moment for Khatter, as he collaborates with a director known for his sensitive and humane filmmaking approach. Ghaywan's immersive style has reportedly had a transformative effect on the cast, fostering an environment of respect and equality on set.
Khatter himself has expressed his excitement for Homebound, calling it the most challenging role of his career. He has also spoken about the special connection the film has to Martin Scorsese, who serves as an executive producer. The film's selection for Cannes' "Un Certain Regard" category is a testament to Ghaywan's talent and the film's potential impact.
In addition to Homebound, Khatter's upcoming projects include Bhool Chuk Maaf, Lilo & Stitch, Agar Magar Kintu Lekin Parantu, and Karate Kid. He also expressed a desire to return to the big screen and is looking for the right commercial film to do so.
Throughout his career, Khatter has maintained a grounded perspective, attributing his sense of normalcy to the people around him who "hold up a mirror" and keep him in check. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-expression, striving to stay true to himself in an industry that often pressures individuals to conform. He is not afraid of a slow and steady journey, prioritizing excellence over fleeting relevance.
