Ishaan Khatter on redefining manhood: 'Men are not taught to be men, just taught not to be women’

Ishaan Khatter stands out in a movie world full of super-tough heroes by adding feelings and depth to his parts. He shows strength can mix with being open, unlike many other actors. Lately, he said, women directors helped shape his career and changed how he sees manhood.

Candid take on manhood

At the 2025 Yuvaa All Stars Roundtable, Ishaan got real about his definition of manhood. He said, “Men are not taught to be men; they’re just taught not to be women. A lot of my understanding of what it means to be a man is in correlation with the relationship between men and women. Masculinity, to me, has been defined by the fact that I have been raised by a single mother.”

Childhood influences

Born to actors Rajesh Khattar and Neelima Azim, who split when he was only six, Ishaan says those childhood moments molded his views on gender as well as his life and career style. From his 2017 debut, he has teamed up with notable directors like Mira Nair, Nupur Asthana, and Priyanka Ghose.

Insights from female filmmakers

On working with women filmmakers, Ishaan noted, “Because I have been subject to the female gaze and I have been privy to it, main usko kuch hadd tak samajh paaya hoon (I have understood it to some extent). Eight years of my career so far, I think I have worked with 50% female makers. Ek alag nazariya samajh paana bahut badi taaqat hoti hai (To understand a different perspective is a great strength), and that is what cinema is for. That is what we all do. The job is empathy.”

2025 career highlights

In 2025, Ishaan Khatter sparkled in Neeraj Ghaywan's celebrated film ‘Homebound’, picked as India's Oscar submission. His role in the Netflix drama ‘The Royals’ further highlighted his skill in both movies and series.


Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here