Netflix introduces a new show, Royal Family, featuring Ishaan Khatter. When I spoke with him last fall, it was clear he understood the significance of this role internationally. I also realized he was eager to take on the charming, romantic lead—a revelation that became even clearer as I watched the series.
Royal Family is a light-hearted rom-com that dives into the chaos that ensues when a carefree prince crosses paths with a determined startup CEO. It’s essentially Netflix’s way of giving audiences more Ishaan Khatter in various appealing forms: shirtless, flirtatious, and irresistibly charismatic.
At its core, Royal Family demonstrates that Ishaan Khatter could easily claim the title of one of Netflix’s most attractive stars, proving that his role in The Perfect Couple didn’t do him justice.
**Spoilers: Royal Family is streaming now on Netflix**
The story kicks off in a luxurious Sri Lankan resort where Sophia Shekhar (played by Bhumi Pednekar) is making waves with her hospitality brand, Workpotato. Her crowning achievement? Launching The Royal B&B, which allows regular folks to stay in some of India’s stunning historic estates, all under the royal family’s banner.
Of course, in true Netflix rom-com fashion, things don’t go smoothly for Sophia. The story opens with her morning jog being interrupted by a “VIP,” who turns out to be Prince Aviraj “Fiji” Singh (Ishaan Khatter)—a remarkably eligible bachelor, complete with a history that even hints at encounters with celebrities like Taylor Swift. Naturally, their chemistry ignites instantly.
Honestly, Royal Family feels like a delightful romp through a box of chocolates. I can’t emphasize enough how often this series made me chuckle out loud, thinking, “This is so silly!” The plot does crumble under scrutiny, and the dialogue gives off a vibe like it was written by teens on a sugar high. There’s even a moment where Fiji’s more serious brother, Digie (Vihan Samat), points out that he’s making money off bat guano found in the palace—yes, really. Is that the main point of the story? Not quite, but the humor is definitely there.
So, is Royal Family worth a watch? You bet—thanks to Ishaan Khatter.
From the first moment we see Fiji, it’s clear he’s meant to be the ultimate heartthrob, and Khatter delivers. Sure, it helps to have a strong wardrobe and a white horse, but there’s something about his presence that draws you in. As the series progresses, when he shows a more thoughtful side, the drama deepens.
Fiji’s journey into his royal duties reflects a struggle, where he becomes the vibrant center of the show. Remarkably, Khatter embodies this Royal Family: he’s truly the heart of it all.
The chemistry between Ishaan and Bhumi Pednekar crackles on screen as they navigate their relationship, quickly moving from witty banter to moments of intimacy, while maintaining an honesty that’s refreshingly relatable.
This is to say that The Perfect Couple introduced Khatter in a rather flashy way, but it didn’t quite showcase his full potential. Perhaps his character was designed to be a lesser love interest, or maybe Netflix just didn’t realize the gem they had in Khatter.
Either way, in Royal Family, Ishaan Khatter shines as a magnetic figure and makes a strong case for Netflix to leverage his talent even more.
