Keerthy Suresh in her debut film Nenu Sailaja looked like a girl next door and impressed all. However, she did not show many expressions giving an extraordinary feel. Many even came with negative comments that Keerthy looked over moody than required for her role as Sailaja. They came to the conclusion that she doesn't have that acting talent.
When Nag Ashwin finalized her for the lead role in the legendary actress Savitri's biopic Mahanati, everyone expressed their doubts. But Keerthy left all stunned with her extraordinary performance. Even the jury members of the National Awards committee got spellbound and awarded her the best actress award for her performance. She went on to win the Filmfare award.
But Keerthy initially rejected the offer to do the lead role. She who had self-doubts as to whether she could justify the role, refused when Nag Ashwin came with the offer. However her uncle Govind insisted and convinced Keerthy to do the role.
Keerthy Suresh even revealed that when she rejected, Nag Ashwin too forced her to give the green signal and she gave in to him with her own doubts. She said she had goosebumps while receiving the National award for the best actress from President Ramnath Kovind.