It has been over eight years since Ishaan Khatter began his acting career, during which he has only had three movies released in theaters. Instead of feeling anxious, Ishaan is embracing his slow progress. He believes that the journey is more about doing great work than just being popular.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Ishaan shared his story in Bollywood and his goal to change how masculinity is shown on screen. Ishaan, who comes from a family of actors, made his film debut in 2017 with “Beyond the Clouds.” Throughout his eight-year career, he has worked hard to stay true to himself.
Ishaan says, “The biggest lesson for me is to be honest. It’s essential to express myself without pretending. I’ve learned not to overthink and to take action instead.” His films include “A Suitable Boy,” “Dhadak,” and “Phone Bhoot.” Some did well, while others didn’t get the response he hoped for. Still, he remains calm about the pressures of the film industry.
“For me, it’s not about being popular; it’s about doing excellent work. That takes time. I choose to focus on that because excellence is what I can truly own. It’s not just about luck; it’s about working hard and earning it,” Ishaan explains. Recently, he participated in a fashion event in Guwahati as part of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour.
Ishaan, the brother of famous actor Shahid Kapoor, adds, “I’m okay with having a slow journey. I have passion inside me, and when I feel excited, I put my all into it. But if something doesn’t interest me, I’m willing to wait. It takes patience, but I believe these qualities are crucial.”
On changing how masculinity is shown in movies, Ishaan says, “I want to show my version of masculinity through the roles I choose. I think the most meaningful way to impact is by telling stories that match my values and beliefs.” He hopes to connect with both men and women through his characters.
“I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. If you stay true to who you are, people will notice and appreciate that. I’ve been working for seven years with just three films out, yet I’m grateful for the variety of work I’ve done,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Ishaan wants to keep growing, take on more projects, and maintain his authenticity. He emphasizes the importance of taking his work seriously but not taking himself too seriously.
Ishaan stays grounded despite fame by engaging openly with life and not isolating himself. He is thankful for those around him who keep him balanced. “If you live openly and don’t shut yourself off, life keeps you grounded. I’m lucky to have people who help me stay normal even while I’m doing things that feel unusual,” he says.
Regarding his future projects, Ishaan is excited. “I have a fun and entertaining series called ‘The Royals’ coming to Netflix soon. It’s a chance for me to play a unique role, and I can’t wait to share it. I also have a film with a director I’ve admired for a long time, which feels like a dream come true. Both projects are ready and will release later this year,” he concludes.
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