The Royals was greenlit for a second season, soon after the first dropped. But now mid-day has learnt that the leading lady, Bhumi Satish Pednekkar has left the show. The Netflix drama, which marked Zeenat Aman’s OTT debut, is expected to take a different turn from where the first season ended.

A source close to the production says, “When you do a romance, it is the story that leads. When the show came out, what resonated [with the audience] was the family — Ishaan [Khatter], Sakshi [Tanwar], Zeenat, and the world of The Royals — which feels different. We left season one at an unresolved romance. There was no decision to carry it forward. There was no fight with Bhumi. The makers are simply letting the story lead forward organically in the second season.”

Pednekkar has moved on from the series and is now prioritising darker, layered material. Sources say the actor is in talks for a courtroom drama backed by the makers of Haq (2025).

“Bhumi is also set to feature opposite Imran Khan in what insiders describe as his long-awaited comeback film for Netflix. The project, currently under wraps, has been in development for some time. She is also expected to begin working on Daldal 2, a project that aligns more closely with the intense space she has increasingly gravitated towards in recent years,” adds the source.

Pednekkar, who faced criticism after the first instalment, admitted in her Sit With Hitlist interview on mid-day that the backlash deeply affected her. “The noise became so loud that I couldn’t hear my own creative voice anymore. When you are told every day that you ‘don’t look like yourself,’ it starts to seep in. I felt numb.”

Sources close to the production maintain that the season two is being designed as a natural continuation of the world established in the first season, even if the central love story no longer remains the priority.

Only a week after earning a place in the 2026 Academy Awards shortlist for Best International Feature Film, Homebound has come under the scanner. On December 23, it came to light that author and journalist Puja Changiowala sent a legal notice to Dharma Productions, which backed the Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer, accusing the makers of plagiarism. She alleged that Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial venture has drawn heavily from her 2021 book of the same name. In the latest development, mid-day has dug out the list of similarities.

Set in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, Changiowala’s book follows Meher and her Dharavi-based family, who journey on foot toward their village in Rajasthan after the government announces a strict lockdown.

The documents in midday’s possession, dated October 15, has cited a scene in the movie where the lead characters and some migrant workers discuss the issues of rent, dwindling savings, and the length of the journey as they debate leaving the city. The author has claimed that her book features the exact scene where characters discuss the same dilemmas. It has also pointed to a character saying, “Corona se baad mein, bhook se mar jayenge pehle”, which Changiowala believes is lifted from page eight of her novel.

The author has further claimed that the sequence where Khatter and Jethwa’s characters attempt to go home via a special train and are lathi-charged “is wildly similar” to her book. The notice reads, “In pages eight and nine, characters receive WhatsApp messages about a special train. The father figure attempts to [go to] the station and is also met by a police lathi-charge.”

Changiowala has sought recognition of authorship and other remedies. In a separate application dated December 23, she sought mediation and claimed preliminary damages of Rs 1 crore.

When mid-day reached out to Dharma Productions, it responded with a statement that read, “The allegations of copyright infringement are baseless and unfounded, and Dharma Productions categorically denies the same. Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation inspired by the New York Times article by Basharat Peer, with all requisite rights lawfully acquired and due credit duly provided. A legal notice has been received and duly responded to by Dharma Productions’ legal counsel.”

The statement further read, “Dharma Productions has become aware through media reports of an alleged pre-suit mediation before the Bombay High Court — however, no formal communication has been received to date. We take such allegations seriously and are exploring legal action at our end to protect the integrity of our film.”

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One among the many contentious scenes is where Vishal Jethwa’s Chandan tells Ishaan Khatter’s Shoaib to use a Hindu alias. This allegedly tallies with events that play out on page 179 of Changiowala’s book

The campaign for India’s official entry into Oscars 2026, Homebound, has begun in the US, starting with a screening hosted by veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese, 82, who also serves as an executive producer on the film. The movie, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, gave the team a rare chance to meet Scorsese in person, a moment Vishal calls “surreal”.

Recalling their meeting, the 31-year-old shares, “The entire team was very nervous, the most being Neeraj (Ghaywan, director) sir. Martin sir understood the pressure we were feeling and tried to put us at ease by sharing stories from his life and his films.”

The actor also confesses to a small personal request, which turned out to be a highlight of his day. “Everyone was clicking pictures with him. But mujhe thoda lalach tha ki hum Indian film leke aaye hain to sir se thoda Indian style mein photo khichwaun. So, I asked if I could get a solo picture with him doing a namaste, and he instantly agreed. My day was made with that,” he says.

He further reveals Martin’s contribution to Homebound, sharing, “Martin sir had given many inputs on the story. One advice was ‘stick to the boys’. Following this, Neeraj sir removed the bit about Ishaan’s love story from the film.”

Unexpected is how Ishaan Khatter describes Homebound’s selection as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards 2026. When the announcement was made on September 19, the actor was miles away, flying from the US to India.

“I got the news on the flight WiFi. Immediately, messages started popping up on my phone. It was the first time in two years that Neeraj [Ghaywan, director] gave me gaalis because I was not answering my phone,” he laughs, before adding, “When I landed, the first person I called was him and then my mom [Neelima Azim].”

Ghaywan’s directorial venture, also starring Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, tells the story of a deep friendship between two men from marginalized communities against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. As has become the norm almost every year, this year’s selection for the Oscar entry too has sparked debate. Shutting out the noise, Khatter stands strong behind his movie.

“The film talks of unity, empathy, compassion, and that message coming from India is beautiful because we find unity in diversity. That is the idea of India I subscribe to. We aren’t telling stories of the hinterland, which forms 90 per cent of our population. The idea of making this film was to humanize these people whom we often see as statistics or overlook. Also, I’ve seen its universal appeal in the way audiences reacted to it at Cannes Film Festival and TIFF [Toronto International Film Festival].”

It’s noteworthy how the actor went from playing a prince in The Royals earlier this year to a labourer from an Uttar Pradesh village in Homebound. Though Khatter comes from a privileged background, he says he could connect with his character because of his wide exposure.

“As a middle-class Indian, you’re exposed to different cultural and social elements; you are able to expand your worldview as you fraternise with all classes of society. So when I played Mohammed Shoaib Ali, it wasn’t a culture shock. We all saw the migrant crisis during the pandemic and we all did what we could to help, but there is an urban apathy.”

While Homebound has received an outpouring of love from the world over, Khatter reveals that his half-brother Shahid Kapoor hasn’t caught it yet. “Shahid is shooting in Sicily. He is feeling bad that everyone, except him, has seen the film. I told him not to discuss the film with anybody till he watches it. He is very proud [of the Oscar entry].”

A telling sign of the movie’s merit perhaps was when Martin Scorsese came on board as its executive producer. Ishaan Khatter is understandably overwhelmed to have the legend associated with ‘Homebound’.

“I didn’t have the fortune to meet Mr Martin Scorsese, Neeraj [Ghaywan] interacted with him. He is arguably the greatest living filmmaker. That he came on board speaks of his deep passion for cinema. He was an admirer of Neeraj’s ‘Masaan’ [2015] and ‘Geeli Pucchi’ [2021]. He wanted to present ‘Masaan’, so that circle is complete with ‘Homebound’,” says Khatter.

Director Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is becoming a festival favourite. After its première at the Cannes Film Festival, the Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer made the cut for the Toronto International Film Festival. Now, the drama — based on an essay by Basharat Peer in The New York Times — has been selected as the closing film of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

The drama, which will be screened on August 24, follows two childhood friends from northern India who aspire to become police officers. But as their dream starts to become a reality, their friendship begins to falter. If Ghaywan explored grief and caste discrimination through his maiden directorial venture, Masaan (2015), he trains his lens on friendship this time. “Homebound explores the fragile threads of friendship, ambition, and the emotional cost of breaking free to come into your own,” he shares.

Producer Karan Johar believes that its story about identity will hit home with the Indian diaspora in Australia. He says, “Homebound is a story of aspiration, identity, and the quiet heartbreak that comes with change. Neeraj has crafted a hauntingly beautiful film. To showcase it as the closing film at IFFM is the perfect next step in its journey.”

Homebound is based on an essay by Basharat Peer in The New York Times, in which he told the story of two friends, Mohammad Saiyub and Amrit Kumar, who were struggling to reach their village during the 2020 Covid lockdown.

She is someone who cannot justify her existence by doing only one thing; that is why she dabbles in several forms of art, confesses actor-comedian-writer Sumukhi Suresh, when we get on a call with her as she preps for her stand-up in Dubai. The actor, who was recently seen in Netflix’s The Royals, plays assistant to Bhumi Pednekar’s character. The role, originally written for a male actor, was transformed by Suresh, who made it her own by adding her unique flavour. In conversation with mid-day, Suresh talks about the reaction to the show, how it helped pull more audiences for her stand-up special Hoemonal, and why she didn’t have the heart to ogle at Ishaan Khatter’s shirtless avatar. Excerpts from the interview.

The first time the role came to me, it was a male part and the character was called Keertan. I was excited to play the part. It was cool if a boy’s role was becoming a girl’s — I didn’t mind that. It was a smaller role, but since they brought me on board, they gave me the liberty to improvise a lot, and it ended up being a longer schedule. It became quite fun eventually, and I had a blast doing it. Imagine how good the writers are, to allow an actor — to trust them — to improvise for a fiction show. That is quite a feat.

The show is getting a lot of eyeballs. In fact, I was in the immigration line to go to Dubai for my show Hoemonal, and someone asked me if I was Keertana from The Royals. I said yes, and told her to come to my show. I see it this way: if it gets more people to my shows, then that’s amazing for me.

You may have seen the final product, but we all saw Ishaan work hard to do what he did. We all felt, “Haaye bechara, kitna kaam kar raha hai.” But I did ogle at Milind Soman and Dino Morea. I also got to dance with Dino. I’m going to carry that memory with me to the next three shows. I’ll do a bit on it. After Dubai, I’m performing in Ahmedabad, and my last Hoemonal show is in Mumbai.

I love acting. I did Pushpavalli because I wanted to act, so I thought I’d write it. I would have acted in Pushpavalli even if someone else had written it. Naveen Richard and Sumaira Shaikh were also the writers, so it was perfect. If other people are casting me — that’s the dream — then I can just act and enjoy myself.

Acting really frees my spirit. I enjoy being in front of the camera; there’s a certain amount of freedom to it. It’s exciting to play someone else. Writing, for me, is more of a discipline — it’s something I’m learning, and hopefully I get better at it. Writing is the legacy I want to leave behind. Stage is what fuels me — it’s where we fail more than we succeed. We bomb a lot and get a lot of silences, and that really humbles you.

Yes, of course. The audience doesn’t care how popular you are. If you’re not good enough, they won’t laugh. When it bombs, it’s really beautiful. It reminds you why you’re doing this in the first place.

The learning itself is a different journey. But just the opportunity, payment terms, and contracts — they’re not the most beneficial for us. The money might be good, but the cash flow is tough. If you want to become a writer, you have to do other things that can pay your bills. I’m fortunate to do stand-up, or act, or post my work on Instagram, which helps me write without the pressure of making money from it.

I feel that every day. As I’m talking to you, I’m having a full-on crisis in my head, wondering if I’m a good actor. It’s both a good and a bad thing. The anxiety of over-performing stays in my head. I like to do something new on a daily basis.

2024: CTRL (Writer) 

2022: Dongri Danger (Director)

2022: Hum Do Teen Chaar (Actor)

2021: Comedy Premier League (Writer and performer)

2020: Pushpavalli (Creator, actor, writer)

2018: Comicstaan (Host and Judge)

Everywhere you go this week, the one man people are discussing is Ishaan Khatter. Some are talking about his washboard abs and the many shirtless sequences in The Royals, others about how droolworthy he is as a romantic hero. Amid all the love pouring in, the actor’s takeaway is simple — “Trust your instincts”. He tells us that he went into the Netflix series, knowing that it would be entertaining. “When reading the script, I went from one episode to the next quickly. Also, it let me explore different facets of myself as a performer — whether it’s the romance, the comedy, or the drama that I tried to bring more of. It gave me all these opportunities in one role, which is rare,” he assesses.

While his chiselled abs became a talking point, Khatter says the emotionality of Aviraaj’s character was beautiful to him. “When people say that, oh, it's one page, it's one minute of screen time. But what if that one line is Rome Burns, that's literally the biggest sequence of your film. The scene where he is going through his father’s stuff, it was not much to look at on the page. But when we shot it, I think we brought that out. My director allowed me to take the lead. There is a deep wound to his relationship with his father because there're so many answers that he never got. And he's still battling it and the inner child in him is still dealing with that. And for me, it was quite simple. Why does he escape? Why he is an escapist is because he's actually deeply emotionally connected and sensitive about his father. And that's why he ran away. And when he ran away, he actually didn't get to be with him in his last moment. So, he has no closure. And the guilt stayed with him. Through the series, you see him get that closure but then also get the shock of his life, obviously. It was essential for you to understand this guy and not just think he's an asshole.”

Director Priyanka Ghose’s rom-com, also starring Zeenat Aman and Bhumi Pednekar, has become widely popular. What does success like this do to Khatter? “It fuels me,” he says, elaborating, “Whatever I do going forward, I don’t want to pressure myself. Let it be the driving force, but not enough to change the way I make decisions. Also, I have to enjoy this moment. I worked my butt off to get here.”

As he revels in this moment, another professional milestone is around the corner. Over the weekend, the actor will head to the Cannes Film Festival for Homebound’s première. Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial venture, also starring Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, has Martin Scorsese as its executive producer. 

“Homebound has already given us so much. Bear in mind it's not released. Nobody has seen the film. We've just had the process so far. But even when I finished the film, I felt my heart was full. Neeraj is a very special director. His set is a beautiful place to be. It reminds you of why you want to do this in the first place. Because there are some people that just give a damn. And a lot of people don't, unfortunately. He really cares about what he's making. He reminded me of Majid Majidi in many ways. In terms of what he did for me as an actor. Not all directors take the responsibility of your acting. People hire professionals to do their job. And that's the job. But he's equally as invested in what you're bringing. It doesn't just extend to the lead actor of his film. It extends to every little detail. And who he is, is what you see in his films. He's very sensitive. He's very thoughtful. He's very empathetic. He observes those little things about life. And he's able to take you through a journey and convey his thoughts and his worldview and his social commentary in his films with such a light hand that it's never a lesson, it's never preaching, it's never a lecture. It's for you to reflect on and take away whatever you want to take from it. I love him. I, at the drop of a hat, like, will do anything with him.”

Khatter will watch Homebound’s final cut for the first time at the prestigious film festival. At a time when many Indian actors go to Cannes to walk the red carpet and make news for their fashion choices, he is among the rare ones to head there with a movie.

“A film festival is for the movies. Cinema is primary. My dream was always to go there with a film. I didn’t want to just go there as an attendee. So, it’s a [dream realized].”

It wasn’t Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, the new pairing, or the curiosity surrounding royal lives that drew us to creators Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy’s latest show, The Royals. It was to see how yesteryear actor Zeenat Aman marks her comeback on the screen. However, when we confessed that to director Priyanka Ghose, she clarified that they had every intention for the senior actor to have more scenes.

When we said we only began rooting for Khatter and Pednekar’s love story after episode six, she said, “That was by design. I knew that by then people will want them to get back together.”

The Netflix eight-episode series follows the clash between an entitled prince and a tech startup entrepreneur amid a contemporary fairytale setting. In conversation with mid-day, she discussed the casting choices and why she had to hand over direction to Nupur Asthana later. Excerpts from the interview.

When you’re writing a script, writers shouldn’t be limited by restraints. The minute you get to execution level, you know the challenges. You’re aware that you’ll get an actor only for a limited time and shoot only so much. As a director, you have to be clear on what to cut and what to keep. We had written and wanted more of Maajisa, but by the time we cast Zeenat ma’am, we knew her health challenges. We had spoken to her and her management, and learnt that her health would permit her only a few days. So, I worked backwards. We handpicked the scenes and calculated how much screen time to give her. I knew the key scenes she had to be part of, even in the royal ensemble during the charity fashion show. Her scenes with Sakshi [Tanwar] ma’am were non-negotiable — we needed the emotional arc. In the royal gathering, there were earlier scenes for her, but since she couldn’t shoot more days, I had to remove her from them. I shot the polo scenes for three days and the fashion show for two. It was difficult to have Zeenat ma’am sit through all that. I had to finish her parts all at once. The next day, I would shoot the opposite axis to avoid her angle. The intention was more, but the reality differed. Still, we did our best to include Maajisa in the right proportions across the season.

We brought in Nupur to direct episodes four and seven, which we shot last. The schedule had shifted because when we were to shoot in the mahals, it was peak wedding season in January and February. The dates shifted, and by the time we got to episodes four and seven, I wasn’t available. Rangita and I actively went out looking for a director to take over. Nupur had little to shoot in Rajasthan because her episodes were set in Mumbai and Madurai. Even the royal ball was shot in Mumbai. It broke my heart — I had done all the homework — but I had already committed to another project.

That’s like giving away secrets [she laughs]! Across six episodes, the entire schedule was in Rajasthan, then a short one in Goa for the opening episode, and some bits in Mumbai like the Gastronomics competition. I did three rounds of location recces. I picked different palaces because one palace doesn’t offer everything. We needed a bat-pooping corner, a dancing hall, darbar hall, exteriors, a swimming pool, and a polo ground. I went out with my production designer — incidentally, my sister Payal Ghose. The challenge was to make different locations seamlessly look like one palace. Even when we got access, we were only given empty barren halls. Payal dressed them up from scratch. Yuvanath Singh’s [Milind Soman] room was a giant open hall with no artwork or bathroom. Everything was constructed on-site by Payal and her team, including painting the walls.

Each royal family from different provinces is positioned differently — financially, socially, or politically. On our recce trips, I had met some royals. Through those interactions, I realized every family’s trajectory is different. They might be holding onto a title from the past, but some of them are very affluent doing well after foraying into fashion, polo, politics and other fields. We showed different shades inspired by them.

I knew of Sakshi ma’am through casting coach Atul Mongia, who directed her in Mai [2022] and spoke highly of her. I had to convince her of Padmaja’s arc across the season. This was new to her, and she was skeptical, but that was the challenge she took as an artiste. She was also going through a personal crisis, but I saw a hungry artiste wanting to prove herself. In three days, she found her rhythm. Watching her scenes with Ishaan on camera was a joy.

Ishaan in real life is a sexy, endearing, sensitive man — that was easy to portray. I was surprised no one had tapped into that before. He made Aviraaj far more likeable than he is on paper. If you just read the script, he’s a brat who behaves badly — during the will-reading and post a one-night stand. No one would root for him. But Ishaan brought more to the table. Yes, the ‘eye-candyness’ helps. His shirtless scenes didn’t feel forced and he is comfortable in his skin. I never used an inch of body make-up on him. He carried the trauma of the crown taking his father away and ran from it. Ishaan brought those layers effortlessly.

Was it intentional to show the leading lady as a knight in shining armour instead of a damsel in distress?

Yes, that arc was always in the story — Sophia is the one pulling the royal family out of its misery. Full marks to the women creators who thought of the female character in a wholesome way.

Her impulsiveness was on paper. We leaned into it knowing Bhumi could pull it off without making it overbearing. With any other actor, I’d be skeptical. In India, we don’t easily accept authoritative women. But Bhumi has softness and vulnerability. Sophia is flawed, and only Bhumi could make her likeable. Sophia is Bhumi in real life.

On Mother’s Day, Ishaan Khatter and his mother, Neliima Azeem, reflect on their bond, the role of dance in their lives and being each other’s emotional anchors. Excerpts:

Ishaan: My mother has always been the voice and the guiding light, and the constant presence that gently, and sometimes firmly, nudges me in the right direction. Beyond being my mother, she’s my best friend — someone I can laugh with, lean on, and learn from every day. She never tried to impose her way of life on me, yet she instilled in me my deepest values. She’s shown me that character matters above material things by example and also normalized being vulnerable and real with me. My mother has loved me beyond measure, and through it all.

Neliima: Mother’s Day has always been filled with love. My children never forget to make me feel special on this day. Whether we’re near or far, they find ways to express their love – through calls, thoughtful messages, or gifts. When we’re together, it’s even more special. We gather as a family, sometimes at Shahid’s house, sharing warmth, laughter, and delicious meals with Mira and the kids. Two of us — Mira and I – are mothers now, and I hope this year we celebrate the day surrounded by love and togetherness.

Ishaan: To me, every day should be Mother’s Day, but having a day that reminds the world to pause and appreciate their mothers is beautiful. I just try to do something, big or small, that brings a smile to her face. That’s all that matters.

Ishaan: I always say this — mom was the first dancer in our family aur hamara saara naach unki chhotti ungli main hai. Music and rhythm are in my DNA because of her. For us, dance isn’t just performance — it’s another way of speaking to each other, of expressing joy, love, and connection.

Neliima: Dance has always been a medium of self-expression. Sometimes, we spontaneously break into dance together, or simply enjoy watching each other in that element. It’s a bond that has grown deeper over the years. Seeing my sons, Ishaan and Shahid, embrace dance with such grace fills my heart. It’s more than an art form — it’s a thread that ties us all together in joy, pride, and shared spirit.

Ishaan: Yes, always. My mom has this unique ability to bring me back to myself. She holds up the mirror when I need it most and reminds me of who I am and what I stand for. In moments of success, I want to share my joy with her, because she’s been my foundation. In low moments, she’s my grounding force.

Neliima: I hope we never drift apart and that our bond only grows stronger with time. I want us to always make time for each other and remain friends. We are not just a mother-son duo, but we are best friends.

Ishaan: I am a doting son, but we’ve also had phases where we’ve had a tough time communicating with each other, and we’ve always come out stronger because we care to get over it and make the other person feel understood and that makes me happier than having a “perfect” relationship. As for what it feels like, it’s a blessing and I’m grateful.

Neliima: They both have very strong and individual characteristics. Ishaan hates lies and Shahid hates bad behaviour. Shahid is extremely organized and tidy. He is independent about his own work. He is a perfectionist, while Ishaan is breezier. Shahid is a stickler for punctuality and Ishaan is extremely punctual when it comes to work and highly unpunctual when it comes to his personal life (laughs).

Actor Ishaan Khatter is loving this phase of his career. While his web series is scheduled to release in a few days, his film Homebound with actors Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa was recently selected to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard category.

To add to the excitement, legendary Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese has also come aboard the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial as an executive producer.

The 29-year-old says, “There’s nothing more wonderful than someone like Mr Scorsese coming on board for Homebound. I don’t think anyone deserves it more than Neeraj Ghaywan. I am so proud of him. It’s a very special piece of work, and I am very grateful for that.”

Ishaan adds, “I joined Homebound in less than two months after finishing The Royals. I had to lose 10 kilos for the role. After the whole journey of working on these two characters and myself, this is my moment to breathe it all in. I was hoping for wonderful outcomes for both the projects, and it’s happening.”

Vishal Jethwa was at the gym when director Neeraj Ghaywan called to tell him that their movie, Homebound, has been selected for the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. “My world changed in that moment,” he recalls. Having the drama, also starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, selected for the prestigious film festival’s Un Certain Regard section was something Jethwa didn’t even dream of. So, one can imagine his joy, when earlier this week, Hollywood heavyweight Martin Scorsese came on board Homebound as an executive producer. 

Getting Scorsese’s seal of approval is a rare feat. “When I heard Martin Scorsese’s name, I thought he was a big name. I didn’t exactly know who he is. When Ishaan and Neeraj sir told me of his films, I realized that even though I have only seen a few Hollywood movies, I’ve seen a lot of his work — from Shutter Island [2010] to The Wolf Of Wall Street [2014]. It’s a surreal feeling. His eyes are on us. This is a big blessing,” Jethwa beams.

Homebound happened to the actor like most other films did — by pursuing it because it felt right instinctively. He says, “My process is that I should trust at least one person [in the film’s team]. If Dharma Productions is offering me a film and I don’t know anything else about it, I’ll say yes. Or if Sanjay Leela Bhansali is directing a film, it’s a yes.”

The actor’s reason to do Homebound was Ghaywan, who has displayed his distinctive voice with Masaan (2015) and the segment, Geeli Pucchi, in Ajeeb Daastaans (2021). He shares, “During [one of the] many auditions, Neeraj sir called and briefed me. Finally, one day, he called me to the Dharma office, where Ishaan, Neeraj sir, and I met for the first time. I was a bit scared. In that meeting, my chemistry with Ishaan was checked, and then, the [casting] decision was taken. It’s only after meeting sir that I understood the depth he has; he knows you completely within a few minutes of meeting you. He must have seen a lot of ups and downs to empathize like this.”

Working with Khatter was another highlight for Jethwa, who believes he has a lot to learn from his co-star. “His confidence and dedication to work [are inspiring]. He is easy-going and intelligent,” he says.

Filmmaker Karan Johar’s next production Homebound has been officially selected for the 78th Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard category. Actor Vishal Jethwa, who stars in the film alongside Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor, is over the moon.

“I knew about Cannes, but I am realizing its importance now. I have been getting so many calls and messages, but I don’t know what to feel right now. I am excited to go there, but also very nervous. I don’t know how to process it all,” he says.

The 30-year-old insists that this achievement is a result of his 16 years of hard work. “I started working as a background dancer in 2009. I never got work due to someone’s favour; I always earned it. Maine aur meri mom ne mannatein maangi thi ki mujhe yeh film (Homebound) mil jaaye,” he says, adding that the first person he spoke to about the Cannes feat was his mum: “She started crying, as it has been a long journey for me — from a background dancer to Cannes.”

While he can’t reveal details about the film, Vishal informs that the Neeraj Ghaywan directorial is about friendship. The actor insists that even though he had a great debut with Mardaani 2 (2019), his subsequent works failed to create an impact:

“Those films were critically acclaimed, but they didn’t reach the audience and didn’t do well commercially. Homebound came as another opportunity for me to take my work and personality to more people. It will show the industry that I am not a one-hit wonder; I am here to stay.”

The language of cinema is universal. While various Bollywood actors have dabbled in international films, Ishaan Khatter’s promising Hollywood debut in Nicole Kidman-starrer The Perfect Couple came as a pleasant surprise. Be it Beyond the Clouds, Dhadak or A Suitable Boy — Ishaan has pushed boundaries from the word go. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actor reveals what prompted him to head West, carving his own identity, rapport with big brother Shahid Kapoor and how he’s in a phase of self-discovery. Excerpts...

I wanted it to be distinct and clutter-breaking. My debut film Beyond The Clouds was largely an Indian crew. Of course, Majid Majidi brought his vision to the film that was very different and distinct. And even Mira Nair’s, The Suitable Boy, was shot in India, and these were Indian stories. The Perfect Couple is a very American story and it’s very different to be part of an entirely American shoot. I saw the opportunity when I read the part. I couldn’t draw a reference for it. It was a completely different experience from anything I’ve done before.

It was something that I partly worked on with Susanne Bier (director). The way I read the role it didn’t make sense to me that I would be the only character speaking with a slightly different accent. So, I said, maybe we should go with a standard American accent. And she said, go ahead. I was given that freedom. The lack of stereotyping was interesting.

I don’t know if I can speak for an industry at large. The part I was offered is proof enough that times are changing, and I think it’s a milestone in that sense. I do know that they were open to casting pretty much across the board, irrespective of ethnicity. To me, that’s the bigger step, that they’re looking at parts not locked in with race or ethnicity but what an actor can bring to a character.

I would be lying if I said that I’m not in awe of these people. I love their work. I’ve grown up watching them and I’m lucky. Who gets to work with Tabu as a romantic pair or with Nicole Kidman this early in their career? I just say thank you God, and do the work. When good things happen to me, I don’t know if it’s my defence mechanism, but I just treat them like it’s just another part, just another day. Also, I’ve never been in a hurry. My priority was always to become capable before doing anything.

There are more diverse opportunities for young actors in the West, especially when you’re in the main lead space. There are fewer choices of roles here. The leading man in Bollywood is seen in a certain light. It’s only when you start looking a little older, there’s a wider blanket of roles at your disposal. I can’t complain because I’ve had some wonderful opportunities despite that. But, yes, that’s how it is. If you see young actors here, their careers start shooting in their late 20s or 30s. My brother (Shahid Kapoor) and I both started young. We were 21. So, we’ve seen that lack of opportunity when you are raring to go. Also, when you grow up on a certain kind of cinema, it shapes your sensibilities. You want to push yourself as an actor early. It was a good time for me to try something new. I’m still in a phase of self-discovery. I’m in a place today where I know myself better, so I back myself more. I don’t want to be here for a hot moment and then be forgotten. I am here for the long haul.

I kind of take it in my stride. I think of it in a positive way because I know it'll work out for me in the long run (smiles). Like baby face is not such a bad thing. It's a blessing in disguise, yeah. The audience has been fairly kind to me, but I have miles to go before I can sleep. I have my eyes on the long road ahead and I want to reach out to more people.

I was 21, on the stage of my first film’s trailer launch when I was asked about this. Someone had asked me if there was competition back home? Perhaps, this is the public perception. But to me, I see it as a blessing that I have an elder brother that I share a common passion with, which is cinema. I can learn from him, we share notes. And the thing is, I know that I’m the younger brother, and that’s not something that I need to fight. My journey is my journey. When you have a certain confidence in yourself, it comes from the fact that I know who I am. I am not a shadow of anyone. I’m not trying to imitate anybody. I’m not trying to ride on someone else’s success. This is who I am. This is what I want to do and I’m happy with that.

Making the transition from singing to acting wasn’t easy, but Lisa Mishra learnt it all on the job. After foraying into acting with Call Me Bae, the singer will be seen in The Royals, which is led by Zeenat Aman, Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter. For Mishra, who is taking baby steps into acting, working alongside such talented artistes was a dream.

“Working on The Royals was like going to acting school. As a new actor, having the opportunity to work alongside Zeenat ma’am, Ishaan, and Bhumi, who are unique in their craft, was enriching. Every day on set felt like a masterclass,” she says.

The Netflix show, produced by Rangita Nandy, was largely shot in Rajasthan. Mishra says when she was not facing the camera, she was studying her co-stars’ performances.

“How they approach each scene taught me so much about the subtleties of the craft. Zeenat ma’am has a nuanced way of conveying emotions with minimal movement— it’s all in her eyes, the slight tilt of her head, and the way she carries silence within a scene. Ishaan finds spontaneity in every take, while Bhumi’s methodical approach brings such honesty to her performance. Every day, I was observing how they broke down complex scenes, and used silence or pauses to convey even more than dialogues could.”

Mallika, who made a splash with her debut film Khwahish (2003) and then went on to do films like Welcome and Dhamaal, was last seen in the movie RK/RKay directed by Rajat Kapoor in 2022. The actress was supposed to be a part of Pritish Nandy’s next production The Royals, a web series which stars Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. Apparently, Mallika even did the look test for the project, which would have marked her reunion with Pritish after their last successful collaboration, Pyaar Ke Side Effects in 2006.

However, we hear that Mallika has opted out of the project. She was supposed to play Ishaan’s mother in the series.

A reliable source close to the actress shares, “Mallika was in two minds to play the character of a mother. However, she was okay to play one, if the role was meaty and was at par with her contemporaries. She was promised that the role would be on the lines of Moira Rose (from Schitts Creek), however, the character had no substance. If she is playing a mother that too of Ishaan she would expect the character to have meat. She walked out of the project."

Meanwhile, another source from the production adds, “Since the show is set in a particular time, we have auditioned multiple actors. The production only picked the actors that were appropriate for the character.”

When we reached out to Mallika, her publicist confirmed the news and said, "Mallika walked out of the project in Feb due to creative differences with the production house. The character wasn’t what they promised her to be. So after rounds of discussions, she eventually took the decision."

The 47-year-old actress was last seen in RK/RKay (2022). Meanwhile, The Royals is already on the floors and the cast is currently filming. The production house chose to not comment on the story till the time we went to the press.

Imagine The Crown in an Indian setting. That would be a fascinating world. Soon, Zeenat Aman, Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter will take us into that universe with Royals. While talk about Pednekar making her web series debut with the show hit headlines earlier this year, little was known about it. Now, mid-day has learnt that producers Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy wrapped up the series’ first schedule in Rajasthan in March-end and are currently shooting in Mumbai.

So, does Royals trace a particular aristocratic family? Not really. Sources tell us that the Netflix offering is a blend of fiction and facts, with some parts inspired by the different royal families of Rajasthan. Pednekar, who leads the series, apparently plays a big-league entrepreneur.

A source reveals, “The desert state has seen generations of royal families, from Jaipur to Mewar and Alsisar. Bits and pieces have been taken from the lives of these families, marrying it with a generous dose of fiction. The show will travel back and forth between two eras—the present day and the past decades. Like The Crown, it is being made on a grand scale, depicting lavish palaces, extravagant parties, and polo matches. At its core, Royals is a romantic comedy that will delve into the style, politics and fabulous lives of the aristocrats. Four More Shots Please’s success showed that the producers have a finger on the audience’s pulse, and this time, they are putting out a stylish and emotional drama.”

Pednekar, Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Chunky Panday and Milind Soman were a part of the first schedule that kicked off on February 10 in Rajasthan.

The source adds, “The unit shot at real locations like the City Palace and the Rambagh Palace. Simultaneously, the production design team was building huge sets reflecting the interiors of a palace, at a studio in central Mumbai. As soon as that schedule was wrapped up, the cast and crew kicked off the month-long stint in Mumbai. They will have a short schedule in Goa before wrapping up.” 

Apparently, Rangita has chosen Four More Shots Please director Nupur Asthana, and The Night Manager’s Priyanka Ghose to helm the offering.

For Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta, Pippa is the realization of a promise he had made to his unit. In 2015, he wrote the book, The Burning Chaffees, as an ode to their bravery in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. As the story is retold on the screen with the Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur-starrer, Mehta says the valour displayed during the Battle of Garibpur must reach people.

“It was a battle fought for the freedom of another country. Over 10,000 refugees came to India and they needed a land that they could call their own. The battle had been launched by Lt Gen AAK Niazi [of Pakistan] to teach the Indian Army a lesson,” he recalls, before delving into the details.

“The story goes that the then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was kept waiting in the White House, despite an appointment, for 40 minutes. This couldn’t be taken lightly. She returned from the tour and allowed the Indian Army to cross 10 kilometres into the borders of another country. The Pakistan Army’s sophisticated artillery confirmed the doubts of USA’s involvement. Our victory at Battle of Garibpur became breaking news. But even though we created Bangladesh, [our contribution is] not recognized by the Government of India. The unit has not been granted battle honour on the simple premise that the war had not been declared by Pakistan.”

For Mehta, it took one lunch with producer Siddharth Roy Kapur to set Raja Krishna Menon’s directorial venture into motion. “I had written The Burning Chaffees as a promise made to the tank troops in 1971. Siddharth believed it was a story that had to be told. I was present at the Durgapur schedule and saw the director’s motivation [to tell the story with authenticity].”

The war veteran, who is played on screen by Khatter, remembers his first encounter with the leading man. “I could size him up in the first few minutes, and he fitted the role of a cavalier captain.”

While the war drama premièred on Amazon Prime Video yesterday, the makers had held a special screening for military veterans earlier. At the screening, he says he was too intently looking at the reactions of army officers and highly placed bureaucrats of MoD. “They were transfixed,” he smiles.

It’s hard to root for a war drama when Ukraine and Russia have been at war all year, while Israel has reduced Gaza to rubble, amidst cries of freeing Palestine. As a military veteran, Mehta says Pippa will trigger conversation about the futility of war.

“What’s happening in Ukraine and Gaza, these wars are only destroying humanity. The [stakeholders] will eventually have to sit across the table and work out terms of learning to live together. War is a loss for all, mostly humanity. The sooner it ends, the better.”

Ishaan Khatter has found love again. We have it that the Phone Bhoot actor is apparently dating Malaysian model Chandni Bainz. A source close to Ishaan shares, “They are quite serious about each other. He has even introduced Chandni to his close circle of friends.”

According to our sources, Ishaan and Chandni began dating earlier this year. In July, Ishaan was spotted on a bike with a mystery girl, but the identity of the girl was not known as they both were wearing helmets.

Earlier, Ishaan was rumoured to have been dating his Khaali Peeli co-actor Ananya Panday. Another source close to the actor shares, “Their break-up happened when he was shooting for Pippa.”

We reached out to Ishaan, but the actor had not responded till the time of going to press.

Chandni, who was born in Kuala Lumpur, has appeared in the Singaporean TV drama My Mother’s Story and acted in a Malaysian TV series called Ghaib. The 21-year-old, who shifted to India post the pandemic, is currently working as a model and pursuing a career in Hindi movies.