I never compare myself with Shahid: Ishaan Khattar

Even amid all the noise about Jahnvi Kapoor’s big debut, the leading man of Dhadak, Ishaan Khatter, has made everyone sit up and take notice of both his acting and dance skills. Shahid Kapoor’s half-brother Ishaan’s performance in Zingat, the Hindi version of the foot-tapping Marathi number, is winning hearts and his level of energy is being compared to none other than Ranveer Singh. “I’m glad people are liking it. It’s a song that’s immensely popular already and it’s very important for the narrative of our film. The only thing that we choreographed in this was the hook step, for the rest Farah ma’am (Farah Khan) was kind enough to allow me to improvise. We had a great time while making the song. There was no pressure of recreating a hit song,” Ishaan told My Nation. Dhadak is the Hindi remake of the Marathi blockbuster Sairat, which tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers belonging to different castes.

The 22-year-old two-film wonder was all smiles when told that he is being compared to Padmaavat actor Ranveer. He said, “I take it as a compliment that people make that comparison. I’ve been very inspired by some of Ranveer sir’s works. He has done some very good work and has wonderful energy.”

The other comparison with his brother Shahid, however, doesn’t feel good to him as he looks up to Shahid as a father-figure. “I can’t ever make that comparison; it’s the audience’s prerogative. I never compare myself with him—he is so much senior, he is almost like a father figure to me.” Ishaan also revealed that his elder brother normally refrains from giving him advice as he wants him to create his own identity.

With a highly anticipated film comes its share of criticism and also social media trolls, but Ishaan knows how to deal with both. “There are a lot of people saying very kind things, some people are saying what can be viewed as constructive criticism while some are saying unnecessary things. I try and understand criticism, get encouraged by kind words, and it’s best to ignore unnecessary hate.”

Ishaan Khatter made his first appearance on screen as a child 13 years ago in ‘Vaah! Life Ho TohAisi!’ (2005) which starred his half-brother Shahid. Ishaan’s first film as an adult actor is renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds, which released earlier this year.