Latest news with #Tabu
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ishaan Khatter opens up about intimate scenes with Tabu in A Suitable Boy: ‘It was like a conversation with our eyes'
Ishaan Khatter has been steadily cementing his place as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cinema. But before The Royals, it was his layered and emotionally charged role in A Suitable Boy that truly showcased his range, especially opposite an industry veteran like Tabu. In a recent interview with Zoom, Ishaan opened up about what it was like to share screen space — and some of his first intimate scenes — with Tabu in the adaptation of Vikram Seth's novel. And while the age-gap pairing raised eyebrows when first announced, Ishaan shared that the on-screen chemistry was not only authentic but incredibly natural, thanks in large part to Tabu's presence. 'I think a lot of it is in the writing,' Ishaan explained. 'If you were to put Tabu and I in another story, in another piece of writing, where we overlooked the age gap or that we didn't address it, it might have looked out of place,' he said. 'But it was the point written into the story in that way, and the text supported what we were doing." Their characters — the young Maan Kapoor and the enigmatic courtesan Saeeda Bai — share a tender, forbidden connection. And for Ishaan, filming their emotionally intimate scenes was an experience grounded not in discomfort, but in trust. 'And with an actress like Tabu, honestly, it's like, you don't have to talk about it,' he said. 'I have to say, and this sounds, I don't know, this might sound off or something, but I was not freaked out, absolutely not. In fact, I felt safer, because I was playing off of an actor who I knew would not only understand what I'm doing, but like, take it somewhere else, and I think, that's the beauty of it with Tabu, we never had to speak about what we're doing in a scene,' he continued. The intimacy, he said, didn't just come from the script — it came from a kind of silent, instinctive collaboration that unfolded naturally on set. 'She would be talking about random things, like, what do you want for lunch or something, or like, usko dekha kaise aankhe banara tha... She is very naughty, she's like a child on set. She could be making a joke, and then suddenly, she could be like this character, so like, I think it was fun, just so much fun working with her because so much of what we do is, of course, you bring the words to life, but so much of what we do is, how do you make a moment dense? How do you make it come alive? How do you communicate more without saying anything? And it just happened, like, seamlessly with Tabu, you know, it was just like a conversation with our eyes,' he said. A Suitable Boy, set in post-partition India, remains a landmark in Indian television storytelling — not just for its ambitious scope, but for its bold casting choices. With a 24-year age gap between Ishaan and Tabu, the show challenged traditional on-screen norms while delivering a relationship that felt emotionally grounded and artistically fearless. Up next, Tabu will appear in Bhooth Bangla, a Priyadarshan-directed horror-comedy also starring Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, scheduled to hit theatres in 2026. Ishaan, fresh off his acclaimed turn in The Royals, continues to prove that he's not just a rising star — he's one willing to take risks.
Pink Villa
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why Ishaan Khatter wasn't 'freaked out' doing intimate scenes with Tabu in A Suitable Boy? Actor explains
Ishaan Khatter recently drew international attention with his appearance at the renowned Cannes Film Festival. His forthcoming film Homebound, helmed by celebrated filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, earned a remarkable 9-minute standing ovation during its screening. In a recent interview, Ishaan opened up about working with Tabu, expressing that he didn't freak out at all while filming intimate scenes in A Suitable Boy. He added, " With an actress like Tabu, honestly, it's like, you don't have to talk about it." In an interview with Zoom, Ishaan Khatter reflected on his experience working in A Suitable Boy, particularly highlighting the on-screen pairing with Tabu. He noted that their chemistry felt ideal largely due to the strength of the writing. Ishaan explained that if the two actors had been cast in a different story that ignored or failed to address their age difference, the pairing might have felt out of place. However, since the narrative was intentionally crafted to incorporate that dynamic, it gave depth to their performances and made the portrayal more authentic. The Royals actor went on to praise Tabu, describing her as a performer with whom communication was almost instinctive. He shared that working with her felt incredibly natural and that there was no need for extensive discussion about their scenes. Ishaan admitted he wasn't nervous at all during their intimate scenes; in fact, he felt more at ease because he was acting opposite someone he trusted completely. He emphasized that Tabu not only understood his performance but often elevated it, which, he said, was the true magic of collaborating with an actor of her caliber. He further shared that Tabu's playful nature on set helped create a relaxed atmosphere. Ishaan recalled how she would often engage in lighthearted conversations, joking around like a child, which made working together enjoyable. Despite her playful demeanor, she could instantly switch into her character when the scene demanded it. He explained that much of their work involved bringing the script to life by adding depth and emotion without explicit dialogue. According to him, this unspoken communication between them happened naturally and effortlessly, often conveyed through just their eyes.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ishaan Khatter on 'feeling safe' shooting intimate scenes with 'naughty' Tabu
Ishaan Khatter, known for playing diverse on-screen characters, recently reflected on his experience of working with Tabu in 'A Suitable Boy.' The actor was paired opposite her in the series based on Vikram Seth's 1993 novel of the same name. Ishaan recalled filming intimate scenes with Tabu and how he 'felt safe' throughout the addressing the issue of the age gap, which was part of the storyline in 'A Suitable Boy,' the actor told Zoom in an interview, "And with an actress like Tabu, honestly, it's like, you don't have to talk about it. I have to say, and this sounds, I don't know, this might sound off or something, but I was not freaked out, absolutely not. In fact, I felt safer, because I was playing off of an actor who I knew would not only understand what I'm doing, but like, take it somewhere else, and I think, that's the beauty of it with Tabu, we never had to speak about what we're doing in a scene."advertisementIshaan further said, "She would be talking about random things, like, what do you want for lunch or something, or like, usko dekha kaise aankhe banara that (Did you see how he was rolling his eyes?)... She is very naughty, she's like a child on set. She could be making a joke, and then suddenly, she could be like this character, so like, I think it was fun, just so much fun working with her because so much of what we do is, of course, you bring the words to life, but so much of what we do is, how do you make a moment dense? How do you make it come alive? How do you communicate more without saying anything? And it just happened, like, seamlessly with Tabu, you know, it was just like a conversation with our eyes." Ishaan Khatter said that he 'felt safer' shooting intimate scenes with Tabu in 'A Suitable Boy.' advertisement Ishaan's upcoming film 'Homebound' recently premiered at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival ahead of its India release. His co-stars Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa along with producer Karan Johar and director Neeraj Ghaywan were also present at the premiere. The team was moved by the nine-minute standing was last seen in 'The Royals,' streaming on Netflix, co-starring Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Luke Kennt and others in crucial Watch IN THIS STORY#Tabu
News18
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Ishaan Khatter Recalls Shooting Intimate Scenes With Tabu: 'She's Very Naughty'
Last Updated: In a candid chat, Ishaan Khatter opened up about filming intimate scenes with Tabu in A Suitable Boy. Calling her "very naughty" on set, he revealed how she made him feel safe. Actor Ishaan Khatter, currently basking in the limelight with his hit web series The Royals, recently reflected on his bold and nuanced performance opposite Tabu in Mira Nair's A Suitable Boy (2020). The coming-of-age drama featured the unconventional pairing of Ishaan and Tabu in a complex, intimate relationship that left a lasting impression on viewers — and, as Ishaan reveals, was a deeply seamless and organic experience behind the scenes too. Speaking to Zoom, Ishaan described their casting as 'perfect," explaining how the story's treatment of their age difference grounded the chemistry in authenticity. 'I think a lot of it is in the writing. If you were to put Tabu and I in another story, in another piece of writing, where we overlooked the age gap or that we didn't address it, it might have looked out of place," he said. 'But it was the point written into the story in that way, and the text supported what we were doing." Despite the sensitive nature of their scenes, Ishaan shared that working with Tabu was neither awkward nor intimidating. In fact, she created a space of warmth and ease. 'She made me feel safe and seen. I was not freaked out," he shared. 'She would talk about random things like what we're having for lunch or even joke about how someone was making eyes at her. She's so childlike and naughty on set." Describing the unspoken rhythm between them, Ishaan added, 'She could be making a joke, and then suddenly, she'd transform into the character. It was so much fun. So much of acting is about making a moment dense — communicating more without saying anything. With Tabu, it just happened. It felt like a conversation through our eyes." A Suitable Boy, adapted from Vikram Seth's celebrated novel, is streaming on Netflix and explores themes of love, politics, and identity in post-partition India. The show's bold casting — with a 24-year age difference between Ishaan and Tabu — was met with both intrigue and acclaim, with their on-screen intimacy lauded for its maturity and emotional depth. For Ishaan, the project remains a highlight — not just for the performance, but for the experience of sharing screen space with one of India's finest talents. First Published:
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
From Drag Brunches To Queer Neighbourhoods: 6 Reasons Why LGBTQ+ Travellers Love Philadelphia
When people think of LGBTQ+ hotspots around the world, it's usually the big names that pop up-New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Berlin. But ask someone who's been in the know, and they'll tell you: Philadelphia has quietly — and confidently — become one of the most welcoming, vibrant LGBTQ+ destinations worldwide. It's not just rainbow crosswalks (though yes, they have those, too). It's the way the city owns its queer history, supports its community, and serves up everything from queer-owned dive bars to history walks that'll genuinely surprise you. Here's why Philadelphia is the 'IT' LGBTQ+ destination this year. Here's Why Philadelphia Is A Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Destination: 1. The First City To Officially Recognise Gay Rights Let's start with the receipts. Philadelphia was the first American city to pass legislation that banned discrimination against people based on sexual orientation back in 1982. That wasn't a fluke — this city has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ advocacy for decades. The first organised LGBTQ+ protests in the US actually happened outside Independence Hall in 1965, four years before Stonewall. Today, you'll find a plaque there commemorating the "Annual Reminders" protest, honouring the queer activists who helped change the course of American history. 2. The Gayborhood Isn't Just A Name, It's a Vibe Yes, it's actually called the "Gayborhood", and no, it's not a gimmick. Tucked between 11th and Broad Streets, and Pine and Walnut Streets, this area has been a haven for LGBTQ+ people since the 1970s. Look down and you'll see rainbow pride flags embedded in the street signs — Philly was the first city in the US to do that. Walk a few blocks and you'll hit staple queer bars like Woody's, a multilevel club that's been around since 1980, and Tabu, a queer sports bar that somehow manages to mix drag shows with football screenings and not miss a beat. 3. Queer Culture Is Woven Into The City's DNA Philly doesn't try to compartmentalise its LGBTQ+ culture. It's part of the city's pulse. There's Giovanni's Room, the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in the US (yes, it's still open), named after James Baldwin's 1956 novel. Or the William Way LGBT Community Center, which houses archives dating back to the early 20th century. Fancy something more interactive? The Philly AIDS Thrift store funds HIV services and also happens to be one of the best vintage shops in the city. 4. A Food Scene That Doesn't Quit (And Queer People Are Running It) From high-end restaurants to late-night food trucks, Philadelphia is having a moment with food, and LGBTQ+ chefs are right in the mix. Try Kalaya, a James Beard Award-winning Thai restaurant led by Chef Nok Suntaranon, or check out The Trestle Inn for whiskey sours and go-go dancers in a retro setting that feels more Berlin than Broad Street. And the drag brunch scene? Top tier. You've got places like Punch Line Philly and Fabrika where local queens put on Broadway-level performances while you sip mimosas and forget about tomorrow. 5. Pride Is Year-Round Yes, there's the annual Pride parade and OutFest (the nation's largest National Coming Out Day event), but the queer community doesn't go quiet in between. You'll find queer film festivals, LGBTQ+ art exhibitions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and even drag-hosted walking tours of Old City. Basically, no matter when you visit, something's happening. 6. A City That's Walkable, Affordable, And Real Here's the thing: Philly doesn't try too hard. It's got that scrappy, authentic energy you don't always get in polished, overpriced cities. You can actually walk from one queer venue to another. Public transport is easy. And you won't have to sell a kidney just to stay the night. Bottom line? Philadelphia isn't just a place where queer people live — it's a place where they thrive. Whether you're in town for a weekend or thinking about making a more permanent move, Philly's got room for you-and it's loud and proud about it.
