Overwhelmed with joy would be an understatement to capture actor Bhavana Menon's current state of mind. The accomplished performer, known for her upcoming film 'Anomie', experienced a truly surreal encounter at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, where she stood alongside the legendary retired NASA astronaut Sunita Williams.
A Memorable Meeting at KLF 2026
Bhavana Menon, attending as a guest at the opening ceremony of the ninth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF 2026), had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Sunita Williams. The actor later shared this magical moment on her Instagram story, posting a photograph of herself shaking hands with the celebrated astronaut. She captioned the image with heartfelt admiration, writing, "The one and only Sunita Williams."
An Etched Memory Forever
Bhavana described this encounter as nothing short of life-changing. In an emotional social media post, she expressed that this moment would be permanently etched in her memory. She shared a series of pictures and videos from KLF 2026, emphasizing how privileged she felt to share the stage with such distinguished and inspiring personalities.
Her post highlighted not just Sunita Williams, but also other notable figures present at the festival including actor Prakash Raj, author Ben Johnson, writer M. Mukundan, Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, and poet Zacharia. Bhavana extended her gratitude to the Kerala Literature Festival organizers and DC Books for creating this transformative experience, using hashtags like #KozhikodeShines, #KLFMagic, #KeralaLiteratureFest, and #DCBooks to commemorate the occasion.
Sunita Williams Inaugurates the Festival
The ninth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival opened on Thursday, January 22, with Sunita Williams inaugurating the four-day global literary gathering. Williams, along with Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, jointly inaugurated the festival. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Tamil Nadu IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, former MLA A Pradeep Kumar, poet and festival director K Satchidanandan, and actors Prakash Raj and Bhavana Menon.
Williams' Illustrious Career and Insights
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams recently retired from her remarkable 27-year career in space exploration. NASA announced that her retirement took effect at the end of December 2025. Now 60 years old, Williams has completed three missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and set multiple records in human spaceflight, making her an icon of scientific achievement.
During her address at the Kerala Literature Festival, Williams shared profound thoughts on the intersection of science and spirituality. She emphasized that every individual is a miracle, suggesting that a greater power enables our existence on this planet. When asked about her beliefs and why she took a Ganesha idol and a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to space, Williams explained that science and spirituality complement each other. She stated that it's perfectly acceptable to contemplate both, as they together help us appreciate the greatness of our planet.
Bhavana's Professional Journey
On the professional front, Bhavana Menon continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. She is set to appear next in the film 'Anomie', which is scheduled for release in the first week of February. This meeting with Sunita Williams adds a memorable chapter to her already impressive career, blending the worlds of cinema and space exploration in a unique cultural exchange.
The Kerala Literature Festival 2026 thus served as a remarkable confluence of literature, science, and celebrity, creating unforgettable moments for participants and attendees alike. Bhavana Menon's experience highlights how such festivals can bridge diverse fields, inspiring both personal and collective growth.
