Bollywood News

Constantly reinventing himself, Ishaan Khatter features in the October-November issue of Femina, offering us a glimpse into a mind that’s curious, restless, and quietly determined. From early promise to emerging as one of the most intriguing voices of his generation, Ishaan has built a career defined not by predictability but the ability to dance between genres, languages, and emotions with a rare ease.

In a heartfelt and candid conversation in the Cover Story, Ishaan opens about balancing fame and freedom and why staying grounded matters more than ever. The conversation traces his recent milestones, from walking the red carpet at Cannes for Homebound, India’s official entry to the 98th Academy Awards, to his breakout turn in The Royals, which turned him into the internet’s beloved ‘royal boyfriend.’

About the sudden wave of fandom, Ishaan admits with a laugh, “The internet took me by surprise… I love my audience and I’m fully grateful for them. And, to speak of the female audience, I love them, and I’m happy to deliver whatever they need.”

Behind the charm lies discipline and depth. Ishaan adds, “Working hard is a part of who I am.” Whether it’s social media or cinema, Ishaan admits that authenticity takes work. “I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t feel like work on some days. But I do enjoy curating my social media and creating a vibe that feels like me. Beyond that, I don’t think too much about it. I enjoy it and take it one day at a time.”

Ishaan also speaks about Homebound. “Everything about it, including Neeraj Ghaywan, the story, the intention, and the character, attracted me towards the film. While filming it, I didn’t have a single thought about how to curate the character such that it would be acceptable to a global audience. I was just trying to be true and authentic to the character himself, and that was all.”

Between his global acclaim and digital magnetism, he remains the boy who simply loves cinema: “I’m chasing great characters and stories that either have something meaningful to say or are riotously entertaining,” he says, referencing Beyond the Clouds, Dhadak, The Perfect Couple, and The Royals, among others.

Ishaan also speaks with tenderness about his family and his brother, actor Shahid Kapoor in particular, vulnerability and mental health, and legacy: “I want to be remembered as a courageous and honest actor who often challenged the status quo and came out trumps… I want to be an audience favorite.”

Catch Ishaan Khatter in candid conversation in Femina’s October-November 2025 issue.