Ishaan Khatter is receiving widespread acclaim for his compelling performance in director Neeraj Ghaywan's critically lauded film, 'Homebound'. The movie, which hit theaters on September 26, 2025, and is now streaming on Netflix, holds the prestigious distinction of being India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. Khatter's portrayal of Shoaib, a young man from a marginalized community, has become a central talking point in the film's powerful narrative.
Drawing from a Pluralistic Upbringing
In a recent interview with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, Ishaan Khatter revealed how his personal history deeply informed his understanding of the film's themes. Born to Hindu father Rajesh Khattar and raised by his mother, the actor Neelima Azeem, Khatter grew up in an environment rich with diverse cultural and religious influences. He is also the half-brother of star Shahid Kapoor.
"For me, that's my idea of India, actually," Khatter shared. "When you're raised in a household that is, for the lack of another word, pluralistic, secular or just open, liberal, you grow up, like I did, going to mandirs, masjids, churches, and all of them, trying to imbibe the beauty of all of these religions, cultures, and faiths."
Pluralism as India's Foundational Strength
For the actor, this diversity is not just a personal experience but the very bedrock of the nation's identity and progress. He views India's ability to host a coexistence of varied faiths and cultures as its true power.
"We're such a high-functioning democracy in that sense," he explained, drawing a parallel to global cultural hubs. "When you go to a place like New York or London, you realize it's a cultural hub or a melting pot with so many different cultures. That's probably the progressive way to be. That allows for so much growth in society, just to be able to have different perspectives and different people bringing in different strengths."
Khatter expressed a heartfelt hope that the country protects this inherent spirit. "That's something beautiful about our country. We have this within our grain naturally. It's not been enforced. I really hope we can hold on to that," he stated, linking this idea to the film's core message. "It's beautiful and symbolic the way they've shown the friendship in the film. It's a quiet act of resistance just by itself. Connection is a form of resistance when systems try to push you out or into the margins."
Beyond Labels: A Story of Shared Humanity
While 'Homebound' might initially be seen through the lens of Hindu-Muslim dynamics, Khatter emphasizes that its essence is broader and more universal. The film follows the friendship between his character, Shoaib, and Chandan, played by Vishal Jethwa, both boys from marginalized backgrounds.
"It's a story of two marginalized boys who are able to empathise with and understand each other in a way that other people wouldn't, who don't have the same obstacles in life," he clarified. He stressed that the film aims to open dialogues rather than present arguments. "This film is not an argument, but a conversation. I think we can all use more conversations. So, I'm glad it's adding to a conversation because that's the only way to move forward."
When reflecting on his own identity, Khatter transcends traditional labels. Despite his Hindu and Muslim familial background, he places paramount importance on a single, unifying concept. In his own words, he is, above all, "fully human." This perspective resonates deeply with the film's ultimate message of seeing the person beyond the prejudice, and the shared struggle over superficial divisions.
