Mumbai: Ishaan Khatter is making headlines for acting and taking a stand on screen ethics. In a recent interview with Mashable India, the young actor revealed that he clashed with the makers of Netflix’s The Royals over scenes that he felt objectified him unnecessarily.
Known for his dedication to craft and principle, Ishaan admitted he pushed back during filming, questioning why his character needed to be shirtless in so many scenes.
“There were days when I said, ‘This is not required. I could have worn a shirt here,” Ishaan said. Despite the production team’s efforts to creatively justify the nudity, such as covering him with a blanket during sleep sequences, he made it a point to express his discomfort while remaining professional.
The series, which also stars Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman, Nora Fatehi, Sakshi Tanwar, and Milind Soman, received mixed reviews. Critics panned it for its lack of depth, though its glossy presentation and star-studded cast helped make it one of Netflix’s most-watched titles.
For his role in The Royals, Ishaan underwent a rigorous fitness regime to achieve a muscular look. However, he reversed the transformation for his next project, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound.
To suit the vision of an ordinary, relatable character, Ishaan shed 8 kilos of muscle mass. “The director wanted me to look like someone you’d see on the street,” he explained.
Homebound premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and earned a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation.
Co-produced by Karan Johar and executive produced by legendary director Martin Scorsese, the film marked a significant moment in Ishaan’s career.
By speaking out and physically transforming for roles, Ishaan Khatter continues to break the mould, proving that integrity and artistic growth can go hand in hand.
