One thing that clearly sets Ishaan Khatter apart from many of his contemporaries is the sensitivity he brings to his characters. The actor has often spoken about empathy and emotional depth in male roles, and in a recent interview, he once again shared a refreshing perspective on how masculinity is portrayed in cinema.
Ishaan Khatter opens up about male representation in films
During a roundtable discussion hosted by We Are Yuvaa, Ishaan reflected on the way men are often conditioned — both in life and on screen. He pointed out that many masculine characters in cinema are shaped by a limited understanding of what it means to be a man.
Ishaan shared that his own idea of masculinity has been deeply influenced by his upbringing. Raised by his mother, actress Neelima Azeem, after his parents separated when he was just six, he grew up closely connected to a woman’s perspective.
“I’ve been able to break that stigma because I’ve always related to the world through my mother,” he said. According to Ishaan, this upbringing helped him better understand emotions, relationships, and the importance of empathy — qualities often missing in stereotypical male portrayals.
The actor also highlighted that in his eight-year career so far, nearly half of the filmmakers he has worked with have been women. This, he believes, has further shaped his understanding of masculinity, which he sees as closely tied to how men and women relate to each other.
Reflecting on a thought that recently resonated with him, Ishaan said, “Men are not taught to be men; they’re just taught not to be women.” He added that breaking this mindset is crucial and that such conversations need to happen openly and publicly.
Ishaan went on to explain that being exposed to the female gaze — both as a person and as an actor — has played a significant role in shaping who he is today. “I’ve been able to understand it to some extent. Being able to see things from a different perspective is a great strength,” he said, adding that empathy lies at the very heart of cinema. “That’s our job,” he concluded.
What’s next for Ishaan Khatter?
On the work front, Ishaan was last seen in Homebound, India’s official entry to the Oscars, further cementing his place as an actor who chooses thoughtful, meaningful projects.