Zeenat Aman praises Ishaan Khatter's ‘courtesies and grace' during The Royals shoot: ‘I am most charmed by the young…'

Indian Express

27-05-2025

Zeenat Aman recently penned a note of appreciation for her The Royals co-actor Ishaan Khatter while acknowledging his 'courtesies and grace' during the shoot of the web series. 'This post is NOT studio mandated. It's my honest and earnest appreciation for the teamwork and effort that went into creating The Royals. The truth is that as I get older, shoot schedules leave me exhausted. At the end of a 10 to 12 hour workday that involves tedious time in the makeup chair, heavy costumes and jewellery, searing heat and frenzied activity, I am left with swollen ankles and drooping eyes. It's all quite unglamorous, but then I watch myself on screen and see what a coup the team managed,' Zeenat, 73, wrote.
Now, while every cast member and crew did their best to ensure her comfort, she shared, 'I must admit I am most charmed by the young Mr. Khatter'. 'Here is a boy whose star is on the rise, yet he made it a point to prioritise my wellbeing. From assisting me down the stairs to my vehicle, to bringing me fresh ginger ale to sip on between takes, and conjuring up cushions for the uncomfortable plastic chair I had to sit on during readings, he exhibited the courtesies and grace I thought had become virtues of the past. I also witnessed his immense dedication to his work as he honed his horse-riding and dancing skills to really embody his royal character,' she added.
'@ishaankhatter, you have an ally in me, and I give you all my blessings for a successful career (and meaningful personal life).'
Taking a cue from her admiration for the young actor, let's understand why such virtues still count.
Acts of courtesy are evergreen, not just because they're moral, but because they're psychologically rewarding. 'They activate reward circuits in the brain, giving both the giver and receiver a subtle feel-good sensation which reinforces the behaviour. This also prompts us to return the gesture further, contributing to a chain reaction,' said Subhash HJ, counsellor and mental health educator, Vasavi Hospitals, Bengaluru.
A post shared by Zeenat Aman (@thezeenataman)
A post shared by Ishaan (@ishaankhatter)
According to him, helping someone releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, etc., associated with pleasure, reward, reinforcement, and social bonding. 'This is often called 'helper's high,'' said Subhash.
Acts of kindness can help people shift focus from ruminating thoughts, giving them a sense of accomplishment, and fostering healthy social connections. 'When we give someone time, help, and care, our brain rewards us and we receive happiness, a neurochemical boost, and a sense of meaning and purpose. In that sense, 'giving is also a form of receiving,' said Subhash.