No baggage for Ishaan

Ishaan Khatter is an industry kid. His mother is actress Neelima Azim, father actor Rajesh Khatter, and brother is the star Shahid Kapoor. But the new kid on the block has no airs about coming from a background of actors.

Unlike most people in the film industry, Ishaan apologises profusely for making reporters wait for 15 minutes, as he walks into the interview late. But once settled in, Ishaan shows just how well trained and prepared he is to tackle questions sent his way.

In a candid chat, Ishaan opens up about his growing days, working on Beyond the Clouds with Iranian director Majid Majidi and with Janhvi Kapoor in Dhadak, and more…

Were you always very clear about wanting to be an actor?
I was never clear about that. I’ve only always known that I’m passionate about dancing and acting. Movies have only fascinated me; they’ve cultivated me, made me the person I am today. I’m influenced by it in a positive manner. There are so many other aspects that come with being a public figure. But I’m still so taken in by the love of cinema and music that I have blinkers on.

Here’s a hypothetical question. Do you think you’ll stay the same, if and when you become a star?
Honestly, there’s no way of knowing that. You will only see that once you’re there. I hope I retain everything and grow in a positive manner. After seeing the love of people, I want it to affect me only in a positive way, if at all.

But I don’t want to be presumptuous and say it is going to happen. I don’t want to change fundamentally. I have seen things like these way early in life, and I know the pitfalls. I only want positivity.

You have your family, and someone like Karan Johar guiding you. Have they told you how to conduct yourself, the dos and don’ts of the industry?
A lot of people have their own idea of how you need to conduct yourself. But I think it’s important to be spontaneous and honest, because what’s frightening in the process of being correct is that you might lose yourself. You might forget who you are, because you get way too programmed to behave in a certain manner. I think there’s a reason why experienced people advice you on how to conduct yourself in public situations.

Did you wish to start your career with a typical, mass movie?
I didn’t choose this film (Beyond the Clouds). I was chosen for it, and I was so gratified that I got this opportunity. This seldom happens to an actor, and I surrendered to it completely. I think it’s a great subject. I don’t think I ever wanted to start with a typical mass movie.

Tell us a little about your growing days…
I believe that the environment at home has been fairly secular and liberal. And most times it comes from my mother. Our culture is very strong, but at the same time she’s a very free spirited person. She’s an artiste, and that’s the environment I grew up in, where films and music were respected and meditated upon. I feel like my biggest teacher is cinema. I wasn’t very academically inclined growing up as a child, and the only subject I was good at was English. I had a flair for it, since I came from a literary background.

How’s Karan Johar as a producer?
Well, he has a free hand and allows the director of the film to have complete control over the creativity process. He only punches in with a word of advice here and there. He takes care of his actors, and very protective about his cast. He likes to impart his knowledge and experience. Karan’s not restrictive towards filmmaking.

Your Dhadak co-star Janhvi is constantly in the news, and has been through a lot recently. How has it been working with her?
Oh, it has been great. We’re both in love with the film. She’s very dedicated and sincere and it’s a joy to work with Janhvi. On the sets she brings the lightest and brightest of energies. She has a remarkable innocence that not a lot of people understand or expect from her. A very pure and great person to work with.

People say it’s easier for star kids to get a break. Thoughts?
I can only speak for myself. I even find it strange to be labelled one, because I had a very different journey. While it may be easy for others, but I got a call and had a meeting with Majidi sir because Honey sir (Trehan) knew me as an assistant, and saw me in that part. He saw my potential and made me meet Majidi sir.

I wasn’t chosen by Majidi sir on the basis of my background, and he wasn’t aware that my mother, brother and father are involved in movies; he found that out later. If anything, it would’ve probably hurt my chances of landing this part. He’s not particularly keen on casting anybody that brings any baggage to the part, and wanted someone completely raw. I got the film on the basis of audition and it feels good. I don’t care much for labels.