Ishaan Khatter Explores Interfaith Identity and Caste Themes in Oscar-Nominated 'Homebound'

As of October 8th, 2025, actor Ishaan Khatter's film 'Homebound' has been selected as India's official entry to the Oscars. The film, which was previously showcased at prestigious global film festivals, has now been released in India but did not receive the same level of box office success as the critical acclaim it garnered.

Khatter, who stars in the film, recently discussed his personal experiences growing up in an interfaith household. His mother, Neelima Azeem, was raised in a 'liberal Muslim household' and helped Khatter appreciate India's cultural diversity. Khatter also spoke about his mother's separation from his father, Rajesh Khatter, when he was just four years old, and the financial struggles she faced while raising him and his half-brother, Shahid Kapoor.

The director of 'Homebound', Neeraj Ghaywan, has been praised for his empathetic approach to exploring themes of caste and faith in the film. Khatter emphasized Ghaywan's desire to have a respectful dialogue on polarizing issues, rather than simply pointing fingers or trying to indict. "Religion, for me, has meant many things," Khattan said, reflecting on his own experiences. "Identity, which is a theme of Homebound, ties in with religion. I was born in a mixed-faith household. That, to me, is my idea of my country: unity in diversity."