Ishtiyak Khan

Ishtiyak Khan’s one of those rare guys in the Indian film world who just slips into a role and makes you forget you’re watching an actor. Trained at the National School of Drama, he’s got that old-school theatre grit, you know? Not just another face in the crowd—he’s got real range, bouncing between gritty indies and big commercial flicks without missing a beat. If you’ve seen Jolly LLB or Anarkali of Aarah, you’ve seen him steal scenes, sometimes with just a look or a perfectly timed line. He doesn’t just stick to one lane either. From raw, emotional roles to quirky, offbeat characters—he’s down for anything that’s interesting and meaty. And then, out of nowhere, he goes and directs Dvand in 2023, just flexing another muscle. That’s not something every actor can pull off. What really sets Khan apart is how he brings this lived-in quality to his characters. There’s always a little extra going on—some backstory you feel but never see, some edge or vulnerability that makes you root for him even when he’s playing a jerk. The guy’s carved out his own corner in the industry, and you can tell he’s not about to compromise on the kind of work he does. He’s kind of a chameleon, but always with that unmistakable Ishtiyak Khan stamp. Honestly, Indian cinema’s a lot more interesting with him around.