“Kalki 2898 AD” has sparked discussions with an intriguing secret about the character Raia, a significant child role. Raia, portrayed by Keya Nair, engages in thought-provoking conversations with Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), adding depth to the storyline. Audiences believed Raia was a boy, but Keya’s identity as a girl was revealed during promotional interviews. This twist has made Raia one of the film’s most memorable characters.
In a candid interview, Keya Nair, an up-and-coming actress, shared her journey and experiences while working on this major film project. She described her initial reluctance and excitement upon receiving the audition poster from one of her mother’s friends. The poster featured prominent actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone, which initially made her hesitant. Nevertheless, she sent in an embarrassing audition video and was eventually called in for a physical audition. Reflecting on the experience, Keya recalled auditioning in front of Amitabh Bachchan and being called back for a costume trial, a moment that made her realize she had likely secured the role.
Keya went on to share her experiences on set, particularly her interactions with other key actors. She mentioned not having interacted with Prabhas directly during scenes but being present at the grand launch of bujji in Hyderabad. Describing the launch, Keya recalled Prabhas driving bujji amidst fireworks, creating a spectacular and unforgettable experience. She also shared a personal anecdote about her schoolmates’ reactions when Nagi brought bujji to her school, which led to a warm and enthusiastic reception once they learned she was part of the film.
One memorable scene involved Keya sitting on Amitabh Bachchan’s shoulders, a spontaneous decision by director Nagi during a rain scene. She emphasized Bachchan’s dedication and hard work, highlighting how he remained on set, practising his lines and engaging with the crew even during breaks. His commitment to his roles left a lasting impression on Keya.
Discussing her interactions with Deepika Padukone, Keya expressed admiration for her warmth and dedication. Deepika fondly referred to as “DP,” insisted on redoing scenes until she was satisfied and provided valuable input that enhanced the film. Keya also shared a humorous anecdote about Mrunal Thakur, who played an emotional scene with great depth, contrasting her off-screen jovial and energetic personality.
Keya’s favorite filming locations included the beautiful Shambala complex and the recently excavated Shiva Temple in Nellore. She recounted the challenges of filming a scene involving multiple takes on a steep sand dune and praised the authenticity of the glowing stone used in the movie, a testament to the art team’s brilliance.
The young actress also spoke about the invaluable support she received from the assistant directors and costume designers. Archana Rao, the main costume designer, and Sahiti, who dressed Keya daily, were particularly instrumental in making her feel comfortable on set. Keya’s costumes were detailed and intricate, adding to the film’s authenticity despite being physically demanding to wear.
Reflecting on her overall experience, Keya expressed immense gratitude for being part of such a significant project. She praised the genius of director Nagi and the collaborative effort that went into making the film. While she did not have scenes with Prabhas, she admired his respectful nature and dedication to his craft.
In a light-hearted segment, Keya described her favourite moments and behind-the-scenes interactions with co-actors, sharing how they would burst into Bollywood songs during breaks, making the long hours on set enjoyable. She also mentioned managing her type 1 diabetes with the help of the considerate film crew, who ensured she had everything she needed.
Summarizing her impressions of the key actors, Keya described Amitabh Bachchan as dedicated, Prabhas as respectful, Vijay Deverakonda as powerful, Deepika Padukone as gorgeous, and Mrunal Thakur as funny. Her experiences and anecdotes painted a vivid picture of a young actress who not only learned from her more seasoned co-stars but also cherished every moment on this transformative journey.