India, Jan. 5 -- I shaan Khatter has had a dream run on screen over the past year. One of the biggest highlights was Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound - India's official entry to the Oscars 2026. The film, starring Ishaan alongside Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, even made it to the Top 15 shortlist. While campaigning for the Oscars in the US, Ishaan says the experience not only changed his career, but also cemented a deep friendship with Vishal. "As actors, we've literally been each other's sahara through it all, just like the friendship in the film," Ishaan shares, adding, "One of the first things Neeraj sir told us was, 'I need you guys to be vulnerable with each other. Don't just be colleagues who only share success and happiness. Share your insecurities and be honest with each other.' And that set the tone." Recalling their first meeting, Ishaan says, "The first time we met one-on-one, he came home, I made him coffee, and we just spoke. We got to know each other on a deeper level from day one. While prepping, we would travel through villages in Barabanki. Vishal ke pair mein chot lag gayi thi and usme kaanch chala gaya tha. He had surgery and a cast, so walking was tough. Main usko godi mein leke chalta tha, and he would laugh and say, 'I feel like your girlfriend, you're pampering me so much!'" That bond, Ishaan says, only grew stronger as the two travelled together during the Oscar campaign in the US....