Breaking Stereotypes: Ishaan Khatter Opens Up on Masculinity and the Female Gaze in Bollywood
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In a departure from the traditional hypermasculine portrayal of Indian film heroes, actor Ishaan Khatter is carving a new path with his nuanced performances. Recently, he shared his thoughts on masculinity and the influence of female directors on his career. In a conversation at the Yuvaa All Stars Roundtable 2025, Ishaan reflected on how his upbringing by a single mother and working with female storytellers have shaped his understanding of masculinity. Ishaan, whose parents separated when he was six years old, believes that men are not taught to be men, but rather how to avoid being perceived as women. This perspective has been influenced by his experiences working with female directors like Mira Nair, Nupur Asthana, and Priyanka Ghose. With half of his projects directed by women, Ishaan has gained a unique insight into the female gaze, crediting it as a 'great strength' in understanding different perspectives. As a leading man in the industry, Ishaan's recent work, including Neeraj Ghaywan's critically acclaimed film Homebound, which is India's official entry to the Oscars this year, showcases his commitment to breaking stereotypes. His starring role in the Netflix series, The Royals, further solidifies his position as an actor who is willing to challenge traditional notions of masculinity.
