“If you look at young actors here, their careers start filming in their late 20s or 30s. My brother (Shahid Kapoor) and we both started young. We are 21. So, we have seen the lack of opportunity when you are about to leave”
The language of puppets is universal. While various Bollywood actors have dabbled in international films, Ishaan Khatter promises Hollywood debut the Nicole Kidman-star The Perfect Couple came as a pleasant surprise. Be it Beyond the Clouds, Dhadak or A Cog Boy — Ishaan has pushed the boundaries from the word go. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actor revealed what made him move to the West, carve out his own identity, his relationship with his brother Shahid Kapoor and how he was in the discovery phase. Quote…
You’ve seen blink-and-miss it Leonardo DiCaprio starrer Aja Katon Up, when the new web shows The Perfect Couple you have a big surprise. We see you in important, non-stereotypical roles. Also, it doesn’t try too hard to fit in with the American show. How was the mixing experience?
I wanted to be different and clutter-breaking. My debut film Beyond the Clouds had a mostly Indian crew. Of course, Majid Majidi brings his vision to a very different and different film. And even Mira Nair’s, The Suitable Boy, was shot in India, and this is an Indian story. The Perfect Couple is an American story and it is very different to be part of an American shoot. I saw an opportunity when I read that section. I can’t draw a reference to it. It was a completely different experience than what I had done before.
Ishaan Khater
Your accent on the show doesn’t show. How do you work with it?
It’s something I partly worked on with Susanne Bier (director). The way I read the role it doesn’t make sense to me that it would be just a character speaking with a slightly different accent. So, I said, maybe we should use a standard American accent. And he said, go ahead. I was given that freedom. Less stereotypes are interesting.
Indian actors are often stereotyped in non-glamorous roles, quite trivial in commercial Hollywood films. Do you see that gradually changing over time?
I don’t know if I can speak for the industry in general. The section offered is enough evidence that times are changing, and I think this is a milestone. I understand that they are open casting on board, regardless of ethnicity. For me, it’s a bigger step, which is to see a part that is not locked by race or ethnicity but what the actor can do to the character.
Ishaan Khater
When you are romancing someone as supremely talented as Tabu on the screen or face forces like Nicole Kidman on camera, do you ever get nervous? How can you get rid of that awe and step into your part?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in awe of these guys. I like his work. I grew up watching him and I was lucky. Who could have worked with Tabu as a romantic partner or with Nicole Kidman at the beginning of her career? I just thank God, and do the work. If something good happens to me, I don’t know if it’s my defense mechanism, but I just think of it as just another part, just another day. Also, I’m never in a rush. My priority is always to be able before doing anything else.
What made you move to the West? At 28, do you feel there is no scope for young actors like you here?
There are so many opportunities for young actors in the West, especially if you’re in the mainstream. There are fewer role options here. Famous people in Bollywood are seen in a certain light. It’s just that when you start looking older, there are more roles. I can’t complain because I’ve had some good opportunities despite that. But, that’s how it is. If you see young actors here, their careers start to take off in their late 20s or 30s. My brother (Shahid Kapoor) and I started from a young age. We were 21. So, we have seen the lack of opportunities when you are raring to go. Also, when you grow up in certain cinemas, you shape your sensibility. You want to push yourself as an early actor. It’s a good time for me to try something new. I’m still in the self-discovery phase. I’m in a place now where I know myself better, so I’m stepping back.
I don’t want to be here for a hot moment and then forget. I’m here for the long haul.
Brothers Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter
Speaking of looking older, you and Shahid have baby faces. Is it a blessing or a curse?
I kind of take it in stride. I think about it in a positive way because I know it will benefit me in the long run (smile). Like a baby face is not so bad. It’s a blessing in disguise, yes. The audience has been kind enough to me, but I still have miles to go before I can sleep. I have my eyes on the long road and I want to reach more people.
What goes through your mind when some people refer to you as Shahid Kapoor’s brother?
I’m 21, at the stage of opening the first movie trailer when I ask about this. Someone asked if there was any competition at home? Perhaps, this is a common perception. But for me, I see it as a blessing that I have an older brother that I really enjoy, which is cinema. I can learn from him, we share notes. And about that, I know that I am a sister, and it is not something that is necessary to fight. My journey is my journey. When you have a certain confidence in yourself, it comes from the fact that I know who I am. I am not anyone’s shadow. I’m not trying to copy anyone. I’m not trying to ride on other people’s success. This is who I am. This is what I want and I love it.
