In an industry often dominated by hyper-masculine, stoic heroes, actor Ishaan Khatter is carving a distinct path by infusing emotional depth and vulnerability into his roles. He represents a new wave of strength, one that seamlessly blends power with openness. Recently, the actor opened up about the profound impact women filmmakers have had on his career and his personal understanding of manhood.
Candid Reflections on Modern Masculinity
At the 2025 Yuvaa All Stars Roundtable, Ishaan Khatter shared a raw and introspective take on masculinity. He challenged traditional notions, stating, “Men are not taught to be men; they’re just taught not to be women.” He elaborated that much of his comprehension of manhood is intertwined with the dynamics between men and women.
“A lot of my understanding of what it means to be a man is in correlation with the relationship between men and women,” he explained. The actor credited his upbringing as a defining factor, revealing, “Masculinity, to me, has been defined by the fact that I have been raised by a single mother.”
Childhood and Formative Influences
Born to actors Rajesh Khattar and Neelima Azim, Ishaan experienced his parents' separation when he was just six years old. He acknowledges that these early childhood experiences fundamentally shaped his perspectives on gender, life, and his approach to his career. Since his acclaimed debut in 2017, Khatter has intentionally sought collaborations with visionary directors, a significant number of whom are women.
His filmography boasts notable partnerships with directors like Mira Nair, Nupur Asthana, and Priyanka Ghose. These collaborations, he suggests, have been instrumental in his artistic development.
The Power of the Female Gaze in Cinema
Reflecting on his extensive work with women behind the camera, Ishaan offered valuable insights. “Because I have been subject to the female gaze and I have been privy to it, main usko kuch hadd tak samajh paaya hoon,” he said, highlighting his journey of understanding this perspective.
He quantified this experience, noting, “Eight years of my career so far, I think I have worked with 50% female makers.” For him, this exposure is not just a statistic but a source of strength. “Ek alag nazariya samajh paana bahut badi taaqat hoti hai, and that is what cinema is for. That is what we all do. The job is empathy,” he poignantly concluded, framing the act of filmmaking as an exercise in empathy and perspective-taking.
A Stellar Year: 2025 Career Highlights
The year 2025 proved to be a remarkable one for Ishaan Khatter, validating his unique approach to acting. He delivered a powerful performance in Neeraj Ghaywan's critically acclaimed film ‘Homebound’, which garnered the prestigious honour of being India's official submission for the Oscars.
Further showcasing his versatility, his role in the Netflix drama series ‘The Royals’ received widespread praise, cementing his status as a compelling talent capable of excelling in both film and long-format storytelling.
Ishaan Khatter's journey underscores a shifting narrative in Indian cinema, where sensitivity is portrayed as a strength and collaboration across genders enriches the storytelling process. His candid conversation serves as an important reflection on how art and personal growth are deeply interconnected.
