Prem Sagar on the casting of Padma Khanna in “Ramayan” as Kaikeyi: You wouldn’t believe that anybody else could play this part; she made it legendary

Certain performances and characters in Indian films leave a lasting impression on viewers. Padma Khanna’s depiction of Kaikeyi in the film version of the epic “Ramayan” is one of these timeless performances. Director Prem Sagar spoke about his memories of working with the legendary actress in an exclusive conversation with ETimes, and he explained why her depiction of Kaikeyi is still unmatched.

Reminiscent, Prem Sagar said, “Padmaji has spent a lot of time with the family. She was first chosen for a qawwali scene in our Gujarati movie “Vir Mangdavalo.” Upendra Trivedi, the Gujarati film industry’s Amitabh Bachchan, costarred with Snehlata. She was also quite intelligent.”
Sagar reflected on Khanna’s attractiveness and enticing nature, recalling her early career days when she gained notoriety as a versatile actress who could play both vampire and heroine parts. “She had that look and that slight hint of a vampish feeling,” he said. She obviously had a heroine’s appearance, yet the audience recognised her as a vampire. In Bhojpuri films, she was seen as a heroine, while in Hindi cinema, she was viewed more like a vampire.”
Sagar acknowledged Khanna’s promise as a leading woman even if she didn’t get the broad praise she deserved, stating, “Destiny didn’t give her that platform, but she had the potential to be a big heroine.” This is just my opinion.
Sagar acknowledged her ability to enthral audiences with her beauty and talent, marvelling at her compelling presence. He underlined the camera’s ability to change lives, highlighting Khanna’s brilliance and elevating her on-screen presence to the status of an indisputable powerhouse in the business. He said, “She was really attractive and performed a fantastic job in ‘Jalte Badan.'”What you see on video and what you see in person are two completely different things. It alters your viewpoint as a director. Since the camera doesn’t lie, your eyes do.”
But Khanna’s depiction of Kaikeyi in “Ramayan” was what really brought out the best in her acting abilities. Sagar commended Khanna for her nuanced portrayal of the multifaceted character, emphasising how well she was able to capture Kaikeyi’s contrasting feelings and crucial place in the epic story.
“I had seen her through the camera, and when ‘Ramayan’ came up, there was nobody better than her to do Kaikeyi’s role,” he continued. “It’s a very edgy role because on one side, she worships Ram more than her son Bharat and on the other, there is a moment where she listens to her maid Manthara, who poisons her mind.”
“But the hidden fact, mythological-wise, is that because this whole Rachana had to be done, the whole Maya the Ram story had to happen, and Ravana had to be killed, Brahmaji requested Saraswati to go and sit on the tongue of Kaikeyi and make her say these things, which she later realised were criminal things she had done,” he continued.
He underlined how important Khanna’s portrayal was in capturing the nuances of Kaikeyi’s character, from her terrible fall into darkness to her love for Lord Ram. “I don’t think anybody else would have done this role,” he said. Furthermore, I don’t believe Padma Khanna’s portrayal of this sort of character will have any competition in the future. It’s one of those parts she’s performed that will always stand out. Furthermore, I adore her.”
“She’s a fantastic dancer,” he said. that she also performs Menaka’s part in the Ramayan. Padma Khanna is the dance in which she seduces Vishwamitra.
He said, “Papaji,” when asked who had the idea to cast the actress as Kaikeyi. However, I approved of it as I had worked with her, taken pictures of her, and knew her personally. When we were working, we were really close.
“She married my institute friend Jagdish,” he said, reflecting on their friendship and his appreciation for her unparalleled brilliance. Her mother was her strongest ally, and as her mother passed away, she was left a shattered woman. I believe she got married to Jagdish at that point, and they moved to New York. Also, she oversees a very knowledgeable academy there.”