Ishaan Khatter: Hopefully, ‘The Perfect Couple’ will be a big step in the representation of Indian actors in the world – Times of India

From the beginning of his career, Ishaan Khatter has not followed a cliched path. He has made interesting choices – from his debut with the international film ‘Beyond The Clouds’, which he followed up with his Bollywood debut ‘Dhadak’, to starring along with Tabu in Mira Nair’s series ‘A Suitable Boy’ and his upcoming international series, ‘The Perfect Couple’. In an exclusive interview with Bombay Times, he talks about his excitement in discovering himself as an artiste and dabbling in projects across borders. Excerpts:
‘Today, I am clearer about the way I want to go forward’
Talking about the career choices he has made so far, he says, “So far, it’s been instinctive. I feel my career has just begun. Due to the pandemic, films were stalled for around a year-and-a-half, so I’d say it’s only been about three-four years since I began. I am discovering my own choices and path. I have certainly been lucky to have had diverse opportunities, because of which a lot of projects I have featured in seem different. So, the audience hasn’t had a chance to slot me or see me only in a certain space. Today, I am in a position where I am clearer about the way I want to go forward. I have no qualms about auditioning for a role that piques my interest because my choices will define the opportunities I get in the long run.”
‘Beyond the Clouds’ and ‘Dhadak’ were exposure to extreme receptions in films’
He understands that one thing that every actor has to deal with in the industry is unpredictability. Hits and flops are a part of the game, and you got to embrace it. He says, “When you give a year or two of your life to something, and it doesn’t work, you are bound to feel bogged down. I would be lying if I said otherwise. But then, I’ve had extreme experiences. I started my career with a film like ‘Beyond the Clouds’, which gave me a different kind of reception. It was a one-of-a-kind opportunity and exposure for a young actor like me, even though it didn’t do well at the box office. Three months later, ‘Dhadhak’ released, which resulted in the hype around two debutants and the marketing around the film, which was an exposure to another extreme.”
‘What’s more important to me is to be remembered, period!’
Today, a huge part of this profession is about putting yourself out there – through social media, publicity, et al. It’s all a route to stardom. Ask him whether he wants to be known as – an actor or a star, and he answers, “What’s more important to me is to be remembered, period! I want to be in the emotional memories of audiences, and for whatever reason, they remember me, ideally, for my work. I think that’s the reason enough to be called a star. The definition of a star is somebody that people want to go and see and have an emotional connection with. Through my acting and work, I will be able to achieve that kind of status or position, so I prefer to just focus on that.”
‘Hopefully, ‘The Perfect Couple’ will be a big step in the representation of Indian actors in the world’
Ishaan, who is busy shooting in the US for the international series, ‘The Perfect Couple’, is excited about it for more than one reason. He says, “It’s a new journey and a completely new experience for me. That’s what I love about my job. I am particularly overjoyed about working with a talented director like Susanne Bier.” When asked about his thoughts on the debate around the under representation of actors of Asian origin in world cinema, Ishaan shares, “Sure, there is an archetypical representation often, but this is not that kind of a show. It’s good material and an exciting project. Hopefully, this will be a big step in the representation of Indian actors in the world.”