Did You Know? Reem Shaikh was originally cast in Homebound; Ishaan Khatter reveals, 'We Shot a Full Love Track'

Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor starrer Homebound has been winning accolades from audience and critics alike. The film recently gained international recognition after being shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. While Ishaan, Vishal, and Janhvi are receiving widespread praise for their performances, not many are aware that television actress Reem Shaikh was also part of the film and portrayed Ishaan Khatter’s love interest.

As the film continues to grab attention, several behind-the-scenes anecdotes and lesser-known facts are doing the rounds on social media. One such piece of information was recently shared by Ishaan Khattar, who recently revealed details about a role that did not make it to the film’s final version.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ishaan revealed that television actress Reem Shaikh was initially cast in Homebound. Popular for her work in shows such as Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Tujhse Hai Raabta, and Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal, Reem was meant to play a significant role in the film’s original narrative.




In the interview, Ishaan revealed that Reem played the role of his character Mohammed Shoaib Ali’s lady love, the two even shared a complete romantic track, with their scenes already shot and featuring prominently in the film's initial cut.

Although the romantic track was shot and appreciated during internal screenings, it was eventually removed in the final cut. Ishaan shared that Homebound was originally close to three and a half hours long, but to meet the requirements of the Academy Awards eligibility norms, the runtime had to be reduced. The film’s runtime was ultimately brought down to around two hours.

Talking more about the decision, Ishaan said, “It was a beautifully written track and was quite personal to Neeraj as well. We shot it. Reem Shaikh played the character and she is incredible and everybody loved it. But in the interest of the final film and what it needed, sometimes decisions need to be taken. I have learnt this quite early that sometimes you have to kill the darlings."

While the role was edited out, Ishaan was all praise for Reem's work in the film. The actor clarified that the decision had nothing to do with her acting and was only made to suit the film’s final story and pace.

Homebound tells the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who aspire to become police officers in their quest for dignity and social respect they’ve long been denied. As they move closer to achieving their goal, ambition, desperation, and moral dilemmas start to put their friendship to the test.

Bigg Boss 19 Winner