Ishaan Khatter's Cannes Debut with 'Homebound'

**Ishaan Khatter Celebrates Cannes Debut with Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound"** Ishaan Khatter, a rising star in contemporary cinema, is set to make his Cannes Film Festival debut with "Homebound," directed by the acclaimed Neeraj Ghaywan. Known for his admiration of Ghaywan since the release of the director's acclaimed film "Masaan" a decade ago, Khatter expressed his excitement about finally collaborating with the filmmaker on this significant project. "Homebound" is set to premiere in the Un Certain Regard category this May, marking a notable moment in both Khatter and Ghaywan's careers. Reflecting on his first Cannes red carpet experience, Khatter shared his sense of fulfillment: "It's a dream come true to be at Cannes with a film I'm proud to be part of," he remarked in an interview with PTI. The actor praised Ghaywan, describing him as a remarkable leader and filmmaker with exceptional integrity. "He's a filmmaker with a rare humanistic approach," Khatter said, reiterating his long-standing desire to work with Ghaywan since watching "Masaan" in theaters. Khatter fondly recalled his initial meeting with Ghaywan for "Homebound," emphasizing his commitment to the project. "I promised Neeraj that if I felt a deep connection to the story and script, I would give it my all," he noted. As he prepares for the release of his upcoming Netflix series, "The Royals," Khatter continues to build a diverse portfolio in the industry with notable performances in "Dhadak" and the Hollywood drama "The Perfect Couple." Highlighting the rarity of such unique storytelling, Khatter expressed his admiration for Ghaywan’s cinematic vision. "With only two films, both of which were selected for Cannes, it’s clear that Neeraj is a filmmaker of exceptional caliber," he stated. The Un Certain Regard section, known for showcasing the first and second films of emerging talents, underscores Ghaywan’s growing reputation on the global stage. Indian cinephiles eagerly anticipate the premiere of "Homebound," following Payal Kapadia's historic success at Cannes last year with "All We Imagine As Light." As anticipation builds, Khatter's venture into international recognition through "Homebound" signals a promising chapter for Indian cinema on the world stage.