‘An actor is bound to shine under Mira Nair's guidance'

In Mira Nair’s latest offering, A Suitable Boy, based on the novel by Vikram Seth, Ishaan Khatter plays Maan, a prominent politician’s son. He talks to Lachmi Deb Roy about working with Mira Nair, the chemistry between Tabu and him in the show and his choices as an actor.

- ISHAAN KHATTER

How did you become a part of A Suitable Boy?

I was first introduced to A Suitable Boy through the casting team—they called me for an audition. I had heard of the novel but hadn’t read it. All I knew was that Mira Nair was going to adapt and direct it for the BBC. But I had no reference for the role when I gave my first audition. So, I did it my way and eventually, there was a series of meetings and auditions. Once everything was in place, I received eight scripts.

My first take on Maan was that he is a multidimensional character—you see so many shades of him throughout the story. There were various layers to him that I got to explore in almost every scene. That was one of the main reasons I played him.

You are 24 and Tabu is 48. How did you work on the chemistry you two have in the show?