Bollywood heartthrob Ishaan Khatter turns 24 today! While he gathered much attention and love due to the hype around Dhadak – his first major movie, there are a lot of things about his life that you may still be unaware of. To celebrate his birthday, we’ve compiled 24 things that you may not have known about the actor. So sit back, relax and reach for your Chill Pills Mug as you read on to find out all about Shahid Kapoor’s half-brother. 

24 Things You Didn’t Know About Ishaan Khatter:

1. Mumma’s Boys

Ishaan and Shahid have the same mother, actress Neelima Azeem. Ishaan is Neelima’s second child from her marriage to actor Rajesh Khattar. They are now divorced.

2. His Mother’s Carbon-Copy

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Ishaan looks almost exactly like his mother, Neelima. The two are apparently really close and he’s also gone on to call her his best friend and greatest critic.

3. He Is A Mumbai Kid Through And Through

He was born in the Maximum City and did most of his schooling there as well. Ishaan studied at the Jamnabai Narsee School and Billabong High International School, Mumbai.

4. Both He And Shahid Landed Their Breakthrough Roles At The Same Age

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The magic number for both Ishaan and Shahid seems 22. Although Ishaan had already starred in Beyond The Clouds a year earlier, it wasn’t until Dhadak that he became a household name. Shahid was 22 years old as well when his debut movie Ishq Vishk released in 2003.

5. Born To Dance

Like his half-brother, Ishaan also attended the Shaimak Davar dance academy in Mumbai.

6. His Blink-And-Miss Cameos

Did you know that he had a small role as one of the children in Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!?

7. He Has Already Worked As An Assistant Director

His second cameo also came in a movie that featured Shahid – Udta Punjab. It was in the scene where Tommy Singh’s (Shahid) party gets interrupted by Punjab police cops.

8. His Stints Behind The Camera

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Ishaan already has two Assistant Director (AD) credits to his name, with Udta Punjab being the first movie he worked on in that capacity. Half Window, a drama set in Kashmir, was the second movie that he had a stint in as an AD.

9. He Went Above And Beyond For His First Film

Ishaan debut movie was Iranian director Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds, where he played a street hustler on the streets on Mumbai. He had apparently beat nearly 80 other newcomers who had auditioned for the role alongside him. The film received rich reviews from critics and Ishaan’s performance was lauded by movie-goers. 

10. First Movie, First Award

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While everyone now knows about his debut movie, it is a little-known fact that he also won an international accolade for it. Ishaan took home the Best Actor award at the 5th International Bosphorous Film Festival in Turkey for his performance in Beyond The Clouds. He had dedicated the win to his mother.

11. He Had Signed For Dhadak Even Before Beyond The Clouds

According to reports, Karan Johar approached Ishaan to star in Dhadak much before he got the call for Beyond The Clouds. This would have made the Sairat-remake official his debut film. Somehow, Karan always manages to see stardom way before anyone else!

12. He Worked With A Director Who Didn’t Speak English

Director Majid Majidi doesn’t speak English, while Ishaan was not adept in Farsi. Despite the hindrance, Ishaan had no issues communicating with Majidi. In fact, towards the end of the shoot, the two no longer needed the translator assisting them. 

13. He Hadn’t Seen Sairat Until After He Was Approached

Unlike, Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan watched Sairat only after he was approached to star in its Hindi remake. 

14. Ishaan And Janhvi Travelled To Rajasthan Before The Movie

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Dhadak’s director Shashank Khaitan wanted both actors to be familiar with the culture, food and people of the place the movie was going to be based in. Ishaan spent time talking and meeting locals as well as sitting down to eat with them

15. No ‘Star Kid’ Treatment On Sets Of Dhadak

Shashank Khaitan had mentioned that he just focused on making a “good film” with new actors. So, Ishaan was not given any preferential treatment or made to feel like a star during the shoot for Dhadak. 

16. Breaking The Box Office From The Get-Go

With Dhadak, Ishaan managed to break several box office records. It registered the biggest opening for any Bollywood film featuring fresh faces, beating another one of Karan Johar’s flicks, Student Of The Year.

17. Ishaan By Name, Shahid By Spirit

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When you watch Dhadak, you can sense that you are watching a younger Shahid Kapoor in action. Some of Ishaan’s mannerisms in the movie, the dance steps, and that near-similar smile is enough to see how much the two are alike. 

18. The Cutest Brother-In-Law

Apparently, Ishaan is one of Mira Rajput’s favourite people in the world. Ishaan also affectionately calls Mira ‘Bhabhidoll’. Now isn’t that adorable!?

19. His Love-Life Is Filled With Speculations

Ishaan was first rumoured to be dating actress Ayesha Kapur. Soon after Dhadak was announced, reports started flying again about him and Janhvi Kapoor. Ishaan has already cleared the air, saying Janhvi is just a good friend. 

20. A Football Fanatic

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Ishaan loves playing football, and is a regular at some of the football matches played by Bollywood celebrities. 

21. His Undying Love For Social Media

Everyone following Ishaan on his social media accounts will know what an absolute entertainer he is. From making goofy faces to showing off his dance moves, he sure knows how to capture the audience’s attention.

22. He Has A One-Of-A-Kind Fashion Sense

It’s safe to say Ishaan’s wardrobe at times is borderline genius or totally outrageous. Remember the time he wore socks with his capris? Still don’t? Let us jog your memory here.

23. The Aishwarya Rai Connection

Ishaan shares his birthday with none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. He was barely two-years-old when Aishwarya starred in her debut movie.

24. He Hasn’t Let Stardom Change Him At All 

Despite becoming one of Bollywood biggest names this year, Ishaan has not let all the instant fame get to him.

 

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