Ishaan Khatter's journey to the Cannes Film Festival wasn't a sudden rise to fame, but the result of years of dedication and a deep-seated love for cinema. The actor recently reflected on his early years, revealing that film festivals were his "education." Unlike some who may view movies as mere entertainment, Ishaan treated them as textbooks, immersing himself in the art form and diligently studying its nuances.

"For three years, I went to as many [screenings] as I could and watched as many films as possible. My record was six movies in one day. I was a learning glutton," Ishaan shared. This rigorous self-imposed curriculum involved not just watching films, but actively learning from them, taking notes in darkened theaters like a dedicated cinephile. He absorbed the language of cinema, studying composition, emotion, and narrative structure.

This commitment to learning the craft the "old-school way"—through consistent and quiet dedication—eventually led him to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This year, Ishaan attended Cannes with his film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan. For Ishaan, walking the red carpet at Cannes wasn't about the glamour; it was about realizing a long-held dream and stepping into a space he had envisioned for years. "Cannes is the place to be, it's the holy grail," he said. "I always dreamed of going there with my own film, and I was with a team I truly love and admire.”

His journey underscores the power of patience and passion in a fast-paced industry that often celebrates overnight success. Long before the flashing cameras, Ishaan was a young cinephile, quietly watching and learning. His story serves as a reminder that success isn't always about instant fame, but about the consistent effort and genuine love for the art.

Ishaan's career choices reflect a blend of artistic intuition and thoughtful intent. From his debut in Majid Majidi's Beyond the Clouds to his role in the romantic drama Dhadak, the British miniseries A Suitable Boy, the American miniseries The Perfect Couple and The Royals, he has consistently sought out roles that challenge him and allow him to grow as an actor. He wants to be known for his craft and has stated, “I was okay with people discovering me over time because I wanted to own my craft and be worthy of the work, and that was more important to me...I feel like I'm just getting started, but at the same time, I feel like I have some experience under my roster now, and that helps me make better choices.”

Homebound, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, sees Ishaan starring alongside Vishal Jethwa. Looking back, Ishaan sees his time spent at film festivals as invaluable in shaping his understanding and appreciation for cinema. It was an education that went beyond textbooks and classrooms, providing him with a practical and immersive understanding of the art of filmmaking.

Ishaan Khatter's journey, from watching six films a day to gracing the red carpet at Cannes, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning.