Ishaan Khatter on The Royals reception: 'It was flattering, funny, and sweet; kind of love and emphatic energy for Fizzy'

Season two of the romantic drama The Royals is going to provide the answers fans have been waiting for after the first season's shocking cliffhanger featuring Ishaan Khatter. The first season ended with Prince Aviraaj Singh (Khatter) dumping his title and his partner Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar) when the devastating news of his illegitimacy was revealed right before his coronation. The actor will be returning to his role as Fizzy, the charming prince, for the upcoming season.

Ishaan Khatter's surprise at fan reaction

Khatter's depiction of the "bare-chested, horse-riding, charming prince" received such an unexpected and appreciated reception that he couldn't contain his excitement. The actor told Mid Day that it was the first time he got to explore that side of him. He said it was charming, humorous, and complimentary. Khatter revealed that how much love and enthusiasm there was for Fizzy shocked him. This connection with fans was evident in the numerous pages of notes and letters he received from both long-time admirers and those new to his work.

The actor began his career with 2017's Beyond the Clouds and has since gone on to star in Dhadak (2018), A Suitable Boy (2020), and Homebound. He says that working on each of these projects has helped him learn more about himself. "I had very strong ideas of what I wanted to be as an actor and who I wanted to be as an artist, but now I am beginning to know myself,” he stated.

ALSO READ: Shahid Kapoor praises Ishaan Khatter for Homebound amid low box office collection: 'Show them what you got'

Key directorial influences

Several well-known filmmakers had an impact on Khatter's development as an artist, he says. Mira Nair has "a way of seeding a thought and letting the actors do their jobs," he gushed, and Neeraj Ghaywan, who gave him a feeling of "deep involvement," was also highly regarded. But he saved his most important lesson for Majid Majidi, the man who helmed his first feature film.

Khatter went on to say, "There is soul and humanity in Neeraj’s films, as he deeply cares about what he does. That is precious, and I learnt that deep involvement from him," before going into detail about the lessons acquired from each.

Insights on working with Mira Nair

Reflecting on his time with Nair, he commented, "She is mercurial and has an incredible understanding of the world she is portraying. [She taught me] to take the character’s reins in my hands."

His "guru mantra"—the most important piece of advice—came from Majidi. The actor went on to say, "The first thing Majid, sir, told me was, ‘I know that you want to be a great actor, but first become a good human being, and everything will come from that.’ It’s my guru mantra."

Current projects and selection philosophy

Currently, Khatter is looking at several new offers, all while his film Homebound is representing India at the Oscars. He provided insights into his selection philosophy but remained mum about his future plans.

The actor concluded by saying, "I want to tell stories that mean something to me." He reaffirmed his desire to strike a balance between commercial and alternative cinema, demonstrating his dedication to maintaining artistic integrity while appealing to a wide audience as he embarks on his cinema journey.

FAQs:

Who is playing Prince Aviraaj Singh (Fizzy) in The Royals Season 2?

Ishaan Khatter is reprising his role as Prince Aviraaj Singh, also known as Fizzy, in the second season of the romantic drama, The Royals.

What happened at the end of The Royals Season 1?

The first season of The Royals ended with the revelation of Prince Aviraaj Singh's illegitimacy just before his coronation. He walked away from the throne, leaving his relationship with Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar) uncertain.

Which of Ishaan Khatter's films is representing India at the Oscars?

The film Homebound is representing India at the Oscars.