‘I have always been my person’: Ishaan Khatter on being compared to stepbrother Shahid Kapoor; why admiration doesn’t mean losing identity | Feelings News

3 min readNew DelhiApr 3, 2026 12:00 AM Family comparisons can be difficult to navigate, but for some, admiration outweighs any sense of rivalry or pressure. Ishaan Khatter, who is currently promoting his upcoming Netflix romantic comedy-drama The Royals, recently addressed the constant comparisons made between him and his stepbrother, actor Shahid Kapoor.
“I don’t have any complexes if people compare me to my brother,” Ishaan said in a recent interview with Times Now. “It’s natural because we are brothers, and he started 15 years before.” Despite the scrutiny, Ishaan inss he has never felt overshadowed. “I have grown up loving and idolising him,” he added, calling Shahid “a bonafide star and a bonafide art.” 
Emphasising mutual respect and individual growth, he explained, “I have always been my person and my art, and he respects that, and I respect that.” He also acknowledged their similarities saying that sometimes they have some overlapping traits, but he never tries to separate himself from Shahid’s influence. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be truthfully expressing myself,” said Ishaan. 

So, how can individuals maintain a strong sense of identity when constantly being compared to a more established sibling or peer?
Psycholog Anjali Gursahaney tells , “To maintain a strong identity, first of all, define your own values and vision. Know what matters to you — your goals, style, and purpose. This anchors you even when external comparisons arise.”

Celebrate your unique traits. Gursahaney says, “Recognise your strengths without viewing them through someone else’s lens. Maybe you’re more experimental, intuitive, or emotionally driven—own that. Separate public perception from self-perception. Just because others compare you doesn’t mean you have to internalise it. Use comparison as feedback, not definition.”
Create a dinct body of work or narrative. Over time, your consent choices and expressions carve out your own brand. Journaling, therapy, or coaching can help you stay connected to who you are beyond family or fame.
Some healthy ways to draw inspiration from someone you admire without feeling overshadowed
Gursahaney suggests the following:
Shift from comparison to curiosity: Instead of “Am I as good as them?” ask “What can I learn from them?”Story continues below this ad
Admire without idealising: Acknowledge their strengths, but recognise their struggles too — it keeps admiration realic and empowering.
Collaborate instead of compete: Mutual respect often leads to synergy. Like Ishaan and Shahid, siblings can inspire each other while evolving in different directions.
Set personalised goals: Their path can inform yours, but your milestones should align with your values and pace.
Limit overexposure: Constantly watching or following their journey on social media can increase pressure. Step back if needed to protect your mental space.