After raising the mercury by debuting his gasp-inducing, chiselled body in a shirtless scene in The Perfect Couple, earlier this year, Ishaan Khatter had unleashed his soft-boy era with the mushy music video Pyaar Aata Hai. The soulful love ballad sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Rito Riba, saw Khatter romancing Tara Sutaria on the backdrop of sprawling lush valleys and majestic mountains. His sizzling chemistry with Tara Sutaria, which was further enhanced by the dreamy YRF-like aesthetic—replete with snow, ribbed sweater, and chiffon sarees—proved that apart from being a versatile actor, he has the potential to take up the mantle of next romantic hero of Bollywood. And now, with the trailer of Netflix’s The Royals, which sees him playing polo shirtless oozing a rugged royal charm reminiscent of the quintessential steamy Mills and Boons novels, he is poised to become the next poster boy of Bollywood romance—a genre that desperately needs a resurrection. We caught up with the 29-year-old to talk love, dating, and romance—both on screen and off it. 

1. Although you have done romantic roles and songs, this song has all the elements of a quintessential Bollywood romance. How was the experience? Was this ever a dream as an actor? 

This is the first lip-sync song I have ever done, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, even more than I thought I would! I think these songs are not just what aspiring actors dream of but anyone who savours and enjoys Bollywood. 

2. What according to you are the basic components that make a perfect Bollywood love song sequence? 

It has to be the music, the lyrics, and the singers. But most importantly it is the chemistry between the lead pair—that takes precedence over everything else. And if you have a beautiful location, then that’s the cherry on top! 

3. We don’t see such songs in Hindi cinema anymore, do you as an audience and then as an actor miss these? Which is the most lasting memory of watching a romantic number? 

Yes, I do miss them as an audience first, but also as an actor. It is in our DNA—we express so much so beautifully through such song.  

My memories of such songs go back to my pre-teen years—I remember watching Rajesh Khanna songs like Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera from Aradhana. Then of course there was Suraj Hua Maddham from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...with the iconic duo of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. And also, soulful deep numbers like Tum Se Hi from my brother’s film Jab We Met. 

4.Do you think today we are a bit averse to making love stories that Bollywood was known for? 

I don’t think that we are averse to love stories, but yes, there is definitely a drought. I think cinema, like anything else, is cyclic in nature and this is just a phase we are going through. 

5.Do you think modern dating is killing romance? 

I think the modern lifestyle is killing romance. Romance needs you to be present, but these days with so much information, everyone’s mind is everywhere at the same time. 

6. Three words that define love: 

Understanding, loyal, and caring. 

7.Three words that define you: 

Intense, compassionate, and adventurous.  

8. Hindi movies that spell romance to you: 

Tarana (with Dilip Kumar and Madhubala), Jab We Met, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and a tragic one…Devdas. 

9. Your idea of a perfect date: 

The important factor is to be with the perfectly compatible person. Then I can be happy doing anything—it can be watching a movie and having a nice meal or having a romantic dinner by the beach. 

10. Your top 3 red flags in a partner: 

Somebody who is rude, someone who is not compassionate, and someone who is disloyal. 

11. The most filmy thing you have ever done while on a date: 

There was one situation that was planned as a romantic one but turned quite filmy. While on a candlelight dinner date on a beach, there was a sudden thunderstorm and the water started gushing in, I had to carry my then girlfriend in my arms to safety! 

12. What is your take on situationship and polyamorous relationships? 
It is not for me, but to each their own as long as nobody is getting hurt. 

13. The most precious possession in your wardrobe: 

My sunglasses, I have a fetish for those! 

14. The most precious possession in your shoe closet: 

I think my sneaker collection. 

15. Three things that nobody knows about you: 

I have travelled solo across India as a teenager. I used to type out scripts for my mother when I was around 9 years, and I started engaging with scripts that early in life. And I can make really great hot chocolate, and it is not my delusion speaking, I have people to vouch for it (laughs) 

16. The most useless talent you have: 

Creating extempore jingles and melodies out of nothing. 

17. The most bizarre thing you have read or heard about yourself: 

That I was having a cold war with my director during my first film, nothing could have been far from reality. 

18. Your go-to activity to ensure optimum mental health (and how it helps) 
Music and physical movement—be in dancing or training.