Ishaan Khatter, known for his role as Prince Aviraaj Singh in the new series "The Royals," recently shared an endearing anecdote about his "first love". In an exclusive interview, the actor revealed that this initial foray into matters of the heart began unexpectedly, with a disagreement serving as the unlikely catalyst.

"The Royals," a romantic comedy-drama series, premiered on Netflix on May 9, 2025. The series follows a modern-day royal family facing financial struggles. Aviraaj, a carefree prince, inherits the throne but discovers he has no inheritance. He then meets Sophia Shekhar, a determined CEO of a hospitality start-up. Their initial interactions are marked by clashes and insults, but they eventually strike a deal to revive the family's palace as a luxury resort.

Khatter's portrayal of Prince Aviraaj has been commended for capturing the character's regal presence and charm. Bhumi Pednekar stars opposite Khatter as Sophia, though some critics feel her performance lacks the youthful charm needed for the role. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, and others.

While details of Khatter's real-life "first love" remain scarce, his on-screen romantic journey in "The Royals" involves a similar dynamic of initial conflict leading to deeper connection. Khatter himself has expressed his desire to be part of more love stories, noting that it had been seven years since he starred in "Dhadak," his first tragic love story.

In "The Royals," the "hate-to-love arc" sees Aviraaj and Sophia challenge each other, eventually discovering their feelings amidst the chaos. According to the series creators, "The series is about two people from completely different worlds, each fighting their own battles, constantly at odds, yet irresistibly drawn to each other in ways they never expected… as they clash, challenge, storm and rage against each other to prove their worth, they must also discover whether their love can survive the chaos that's them".

Khatter's on-screen chemistry with Pednekar has been described as "sizzling". Khatter shared that they prepared for their roles by doing readings and exercises, which helped them find their chemistry. He also admired Pednekar as an actress prior to working with her.

"The Royals" has been described as a blend of Bollywood and "Bridgerton", balancing lighthearted moments with emotional depth. The series' humor, relatable characters, and witty dialogue contribute to its appeal. Despite mixed reviews, the series has been praised for its production design and the performances of its lead actors.