Ishaan Khatter on acting, fitness, and bond with Shahid Kapoor: ‘Neither of us interferes too much in the other’s path’

Q. You made your acting debut in 2005. 20 years later, how do you reflect on your journey?

Ishaan Khatter: My experience on set in 2005 solidified my passion for acting. At that moment, I just knew, without even needing to say it out loud, that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I never had a Plan B. Working on Beyond the Clouds when I was 21 was a defining moment. Acting was it for me, and I’ve never looked back.

Q. What has been your biggest learning in the industry?

Ishaan Khatter: The importance of having real people around who don’t just agree with everything you say, and not just “yes men”. You truly appreciate their value when you engage with them daily.

Q. You are not only admired for your on-screen presence but also your off-screen style. What does fashion mean to you?

Ishaan Khatter: Fashion, to me, is a form of self-expression — an extension of who I am rather than something that defines me. It’s about wearing clothes in a way that feels authentic rather than letting them wear me. When I truly enjoy what I’m wearing and feel good in it, that confidence naturally translates into how I carry myself.

Q. How do you feel about being a part of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour?

Ishaan Khatter: It is a prestigious platform, and with it approaching two decades, this moment feels even more special. Since it’s my first time walking here, my goal is to fully embrace the experience—soaking in the energy, enjoying the crowd, and most importantly, having fun. More than anything, I just want to step out there, not put on a façade, but truly shed my skin and be myself.

Q. Tell us about what you are wearing at the show and how much it resonates with your style.

Ishaan Khatter: Well, I think it’s experimental, edgy and comfortable. Those are all three categories that define my sense of style — kind of a natural fit and it’s very cool. It’s an elevated street wear and has an athleisure touch to it as well. I think it’s going to be very exciting for young people to see the collection.

Q. Many are in awe of your chiseled physique. How many gym hours are spent to maintain it?

Ishaan Khatter: About an hour a day, an hour and a half.

Acting was it for me, and I’ve never looked back, said Ishaan Khatter. (Photo: PR handout)

Q. Are you also someone who swears by eating healthy? What does your daily meal plan entail?

Ishaan Khatter: I focus on getting nutritious food in my diet rather than focusing on what not to eat. So I end up also often eating things that maybe I should not be eating, but I think that’s fine as long as you work hard and sweat it out.

Q. Acting, like all other professions, has its ups and downs. While the highs feel rewarding, how do you deal with the lows? Has it ever affected your mental health?

Ishaan Khatter: Since this is what I’m most passionate about and dedicate so much of my life to, it’s natural that it impacts my mental health. But I’ve realised that the key to maintaining balance is understanding that I am not just my mind—and that awareness takes a lot of the pressure off. I’ve noticed that when I’m at my best, I’m operating from a place beyond just my thoughts, and that’s what I try to focus on.

Q. You seem to be extremely close to your brother Shahid Kapoor. Do you often seek professional advice from him?

Ishaan Khatter: I always value his perspective, but when it comes to our profession, we’ve naturally respected each other’s individual journeys, which have been distinctly our own. Neither of us interferes too much in the other’s path. Given that I’m the younger brother, he would have the seniority to do so, but there’s always been an unspoken understanding between us—the importance of having our sense of self and carving out our own identities. That’s something I’ve always wanted, and it’s how I’ve been raised. He gives me that space in my professional life, and I deeply respect and appreciate him for that. But whenever I do seek his perspective, he’s always there.

Q. How important is social media to you, personally and professionally?

Ishaan Khatter: Social media is becoming more a professional thing now than a personal thing. I enjoy it in my personal life and I engage with it as a professional and I just keep it that simple.

Q. What is one thing not many people know about Ishaan Khatter?

Ishaan Khatter: That he potentially makes the best hot chocolate in the world.

Q. If not an actor, what would you have been?

Ishaan Khatter: I think I would have been a gypsy — I have a desire to experience everything and maybe that’s why I became an actor so that I can be a little bit of everything.