Ishaan Khatter shared his excitement that ‘Homebound’ will represent India at the 2026 Oscars. He stated that he would support the film even without his involvement, highlighting the subject and Neeraj Ghaywan’s craft. He believes the film merits recognition and hopes it will reach a broader audience. Responding to questions about the evolution of his career, Khatter expressed thanks for the support. He credited Neeraj Ghaywan for providing an opportunity that allowed him to explore his potential. He said Ghaywan pushed him, similar to his experience with Majid Majidi. Khatter acknowledged his gratitude for working on the meaningful project.
Khatter discussed receiving the role of Shoaib. He was given the script by Neeraj. He was informed of the film by Karan Johar. He recognized the importance and relevance of the subject matter, describing the script as well-written and keenly observed. He deeply connected with the role and considers it his most challenging role. Speaking about portraying an underprivileged character, Khatter acknowledged the privilege he had. He mentioned how the film explores different standards within society. He referenced the scene highlighting gender inequality within the same household. He discussed the research undertaken and the visit to villages to connect with the characters’ experiences. He acknowledged Neeraj Ghaywan’s impact on his performance, highlighting the methodical approach. He found the on-location shooting to be beneficial for realism, particularly noting the challenges of the highway locations. Khatter declared ‘Homebound’ his best work and its broader impact. He explained that Shoaib helped him understand how people deal with ‘othering’ and the film helped him understand identity on a deeper level. He expressed his goal to evolve as an actor and use his position to empower his beliefs.