Hailing from a family of performers, acting runs in Ishaan Khattar’s blood. Yet, he remains very grounded. “We had a middle class upbringing. Shahid turned into a star when I was very young, but I was brought up in a normal atmosphere. Our priorities were arts and culture,” says the young actor.
Admitting his love for acting right from his childhood days, Ishaan says, “I am lucky that I got this opportunity and I will work hard. My first film — Beyond the Clouds with Majidi sir happened only after an audition. Perhaps, if he knew my background, he wouldn’t have chosen me, as he did not want an actor with any kind of baggage.”
As for upcoming release Dhadak, Ishaan explains, “It feels good when you get recognition but that does not mean that I am highly talented. Every role is different and challenging and the credit goes to the director.” He adds, “I love films and want to do a lot of work. I enjoy going to the sets. We hope people like Dhadak too.”
Talking about his mother, Neelima Azim, Ishaan says, “When my mother watched the trailer of Dhadak for the first time, she turned emotional,” and adds, “I get emotional if something happens to my brother and my mom…especially if they fall sick. Mom aur bhai ko lekar mujhe ghabrahat ho jati hai ….yadi kuch ho jaye unhe toh?”
It’s apparent that Ishaan shares a great bond with Shahid Kapoor as also niece Misha. “No sooner did she watch the Jhingat song on television, she instantly murmured Chachu,” says Ishaan, adding, “I love her and call her pet names like mishipops, mishki etc. It’s wonderful to be in her company.”
Sharing some nostalgic moments with his brother Shahid Kapoor, Ishaan recalls, “I went to different film sets with my brother, the first one being Ishq-Vishq. It was fun as well as a great learning experience. Bahut kuch meine unko (Shahid) dekh kar seekha hai.”
Narrating an incident from the sets of Udta Punjab, Ishaan reveals, “We were so busy with our work that we would hardly see each other. Towards the end, I got typhoid and didn’t have time to rest even though I was so sick. But Shahid took care of me for almost two days even though he was busy shooting.”
So has there ever been any kind of sibling rivalry between the half-brothers? “I have grown up with him and the concept of half-brother has never been there. So why should there be rivalry between us?” asks Ishaan, adding, “He’s my flesh and blood and I have always learnt from him. I love him dearly and he’s been my primary male influence. For us, family is above all else.” Stating that he is open to working wirh South, Ishaan says, “I would love to work with Sandeep Reddy, but I would like to learn the language first.”
The young actor lists Shahid as his biggest inspiration along with Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor “who have done such wonderful roles.”
