Ishaan Khatter Opens Up About Shooting Intimate Scenes with Tabu in ‘A Suitable Boy’: “I Felt Safer Around Her”

Ishaan Khatter recently made waves at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with his film Homebound, which received an incredible nine-minute standing ovation. Beyond his accolades, Ishaan sat down for an intimate conversation about his experiences on film sets, including his deep bond with legendary actress Tabu during their work in the much-acclaimed series A Suitable Boy.

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Discussing their on-screen pairing, Ishaan reflected on how their casting felt perfectly natural despite the considerable age gap between them. He noted, “I don’t think if we were put in another story without addressing the age gap, it would have worked; it might have looked out of place.” However, for A Suitable Boy, the writing and their chemistry made it seamless.

Ishaan praised Tabu’s talent and presence, sharing that he never felt uncomfortable or “freaked out” working with her during intimate scenes. Instead, he described feeling “safer and seen” in her company. They never had formal discussions about the scenes, often exchanging casual, lighthearted banter—like talking about lunch—making the shooting process comfortable and natural.

He charmingly described Tabu as “naughty” and playful on set, capable of shifting effortlessly between a joking mood and embodying her intense character. This effortless communication, often unspoken, deepened their performances, making moments dense with meaning without the need for dialogue. Ishaan called it “fun” to create such chemistry, describing their connection as a “conversation with our eyes.”

Ishaan also spoke about the unique nature of A Suitable Boy, highlighting its intricate murder mystery elements filled with red herrings and suspense, requiring a fine balance in performance. He lauded Tabu as an “excellent actress” who was crucial to navigating the complex narrative.

The critically acclaimed A Suitable Boy, streaming on OTT platforms, is based on Vikram Seth’s iconic novel, exploring themes of love, family, and societal challenges in post-independence India. Alongside Ishaan and Tabu, the series stars Tanya Manikla Randep Huda and Rasika Dougal, promising an emotional journey that viewers won’t want to miss.