Janhvi Kapoor Praises 'Homebound' Director Neeraj Ghaywan: 'He Made Me Feel Seen in a Way I Hadn’t Before'

At Cannes this year, Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter recalled how working with Homebound director Neeraj Ghaywan transformed not just their performances, but the entire experience on set.

“From a performance standpoint, he nudged me into being more curious,” Janhvi said during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India. “He made me take responsibility for knowing where I come from, for understanding society and my surroundings. That, in turn, helped Sudha, my character, and my entire process. I owe him so much for my ability to think critically now.”

For Janhvi, it wasn’t only about acting; Ghaywan's care and attentiveness extended to the entire team. “The way he respects people… I felt like he healed me. I felt seen in a way I hadn’t before. And it wasn’t just for actors — it was for everyone.”

She contrasts this with typical film sets, where hierarchies can feel dehumanising. “On most sets, it’s like, ‘Call the spot brother, call the light brother.’ And you don’t realise how that dehumanises someone. Neeraj knew everyone’s names. And he respected everyone’s opinions, whether they were heads of departments or new crew members.”

Ishaan Khatter shared, “When she says everyone is humanised, it’s not just personal — it’s set protocol. He held a meeting with the crew to introduce Code 360. He said, ‘You treat the actors like our children.’ It’s about consent, sensitivity, and thoughtfulness.”

He recounts a telling moment: “One of the boys in art, Rizwan, had lost his parents and continued their legacy through his work. Neeraj came to me and said, ‘Call him Rizu. His mom used to call him that.’ From that day, everyone called him Rizu. He genuinely cares. It’s not a façade.”

Janhvi sums up the experience: “It was the best environment to be a part of. I’ve never felt this level of respect, attention, and humanity on a set.”

Ishaan adds, “Neeraj doesn’t just preach it — he practices it. He creates a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired. That’s rare in our industry.”

Ghaywan, already celebrated for Masaan, returns after a decade with Homebound, a deeply human story of two friends from rural North India navigating caste and communal barriers. Produced by Dharma and executive produced by Martin Scorsese, Homebound has been selected as India's official submission to the Oscars. Starring Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khatter, and Vishal Jethwa, the film will release in Indian theatres on September 26, 2025.