In a candid and revealing interview, veteran actor Neelima Azeem has drawn a fascinating comparison between the professional and personal journeys of her two famous sons, Shahid Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. This introspection comes at a significant career moment for the younger son, Ishaan, whose film 'Homebound' is the only theatrical release from India to be shortlisted for the Oscars this year.
Contrasting Personalities: The Dreamer and The Explorer
Neelima Azeem, in her conversation with Vickey Lalwani, painted a vivid picture of her sons' inherent natures. She described Shahid Kapoor as a deeply sensitive soul who has cultivated a resilient exterior. "I think Shahid is very soft and sensitive. But he’s a man now, so he has a tough exterior. Still, he will always be that soft, sensitive, dreamy boy," she reflected. She emphasized that despite this gentle core, Shahid is a self-made man who has carved his own path with determination.
In contrast, she portrayed Ishaan Khatter as an independent adventurer. "Ishaan, I think, is very exploratory, adventurous, and has a very curious mind. He’s also soft, but I think definitely stronger in some ways," Neelima stated. She highlighted his self-reliant spirit, noting that he prefers to navigate his career and life solo. "His journey is pretty much on his own. He likes to fly alone. He travels alone. He does everything alone," she added with a mix of pride and observation.
Family Yearnings vs. A Broader Social World
The actor-mother further delineated the emotional landscapes of her sons. She identified Shahid as a quintessential family man who finds his greatest comfort and joy within his close-knit circle. "Shahid, I think, is a family man. He loves to be surrounded by his own people," she said. While Ishaan is equally loving, his social sphere is wider. "I think the basic difference is that Shahid has always yearned for his family — even more than friends. Ishaan hangs out a lot with his friends, and his brother, and of course, with me," Neelima explained.
A Mother's Role: From 'Ishq Vishk' Sets to Letting Go
Neelima also revisited the early days of Shahid Kapoor's Bollywood career, recalling her intense involvement during his debut film, 'Ishq Vishk'. "Every day. I used to shoot, and I would run to his set," she reminisced, admitting that the producers had to accommodate her schedule. She clarified that this wasn't about overprotectiveness but rather a shared artistic experience. "It was about him sharing his first-ever experience in a film, in the lead, and wanting me to be there. And then we would also discuss everything," she said.
This hands-on involvement, however, was limited to his first project. Neelima revealed that she stepped back afterward, as Shahid had matured and found his footing. "He was manjha hua by then. He went on his own on the second film set. His career had taken off. He was independent, strong, and already curious about the job," she stated, acknowledging his innate professionalism.
In the same wide-ranging interview, Neelima Azeem also touched upon her personal life, speaking about her separation from Shahid's father, actor Pankaj Kapur, when Shahid was just three years old. "Nobody gets married to separate; they get married to stay together forever," she said philosophically, attributing the split to being "very different people" at different phases in life, where their vibrations didn't match.
The revelations offer a rare, intimate glimpse into the dynamics of one of Bollywood's most watched families, especially as Ishaan Khatter soars to new professional heights with his Oscar-shortlisted project, 'Homebound'.
