Ishaan Khatter has officially levelled up from being “Shahid Kapoor’s little bro” to Bollywood’s freshest chocolate boy, thanks to his Netflix smash hit The Royals. With that killer smile, smouldering screen presence, and a swagger that screams leading man energy, Ishaan’s carved out his own path in showbiz. But did you know big brother Shahid never wanted Ishaan to follow in his filmi footsteps?
Ishaan Khatter reveals why Shahid Kapoor didn’t want him to follow in his steps
While most celeb siblings dream of a copy-paste career, Shahid Kapoor was crystal clear: Ishaan needed to write his own script. In a recent chat with ZoomTV, Ishaan confessed that Shahid never encouraged him to hop onto the acting train just because he did. Ishaan stated, “I don’t think he (Shahid Kapoor) ever wanted me to follow in his footsteps. I think he always wanted me to be my own person and I also subliminally always wanted that So it was like never a conversation and this and that. It was just like we were doing our own stuff.”
Shahid’s protective instincts weren’t just emotional fluff. Having surfed through Bollywood’s waves, from Vivah innocence to Kabir Singh chaos, he knew the journey ain’t for the faint-hearted. So naturally, he made sure Ishaan understood that this business comes with rejection, hustle, and a whole lot of waiting.
Ishaan recalls the sweetest moment
The big moment? Ishaan’s international debut in Beyond the Clouds. Shahid didn’t visit set, didn’t hover, but when he finally saw the finished film at a private screening, his reaction was pure cinematic gold. He added, “I think the first time he saw my work was in its complete form, and he saw Beyond the Clouds. He never came on set, none of that. So I remember there was a screening we had held and at that point we had already shown the film in London at BFI. It had been selected officially and we had a big premiere there. So people had seen it. There were talks and all. He had heard, had not seen it.”
Ishaan shares, “So I showed him the film and my favourite memory of him was the film finished and I was sitting like three seats ahead of him. And then the film finished and I turned around and he was like his body language was (relaxed). And then I went and sat next to him. He just put his arm around me and he was like ‘Wow yaar, tu to actor hai.’ It was literally like that. It was my favourite memory… like he physically relaxed. He’s like, ‘Ab tujhe jhooth nahi bolna padega’.”
That one line from Shahid – “Ab tujhe jhooth nahi bolna padega” – hit like a punch of validation. Translation? Ishaan didn’t have to pretend to belong in the industry anymore. He had earned his place. No more awkward intros, no more family taglines, just pure, raw, homegrown talent being recognised.
From The Royals To Homebound – Ishaan’s Cinematic Sprint
Post his royal Netflix debut alongside Bhumi Pednekar (where he pretty much owned every scene), Ishaan hit Cannes with Homebound, his latest film with Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa. Produced by Bollywood biggies like Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and directed by the supremely talented Neeraj Ghaywan, this film is already making waves.
Bollywood’s got a new heartthrob, and his name is Ishaan Khatter. Watch out, world – this one’s not just following footsteps, he’s breaking new ground.
Stay Tuned with Social Kandura!
Social Kandura is your go-to guide for everything Bollywood in Dubai. We keep you updated on the latest events, movie releases, and insider news. We ensure you never miss a moment of the action. Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and be a part of Dubai’s vibrant Bollywood community.
