Popular Paramount+ animated series Avatar: Seven Havens is the continuation in the iconic Nickelodeon saga. The show is set more than 200 years after the events of The Legend of Korra and focuses on twin Avatar sisters Pavi and Nisha, voiced by Saheli Khan and Aishu Devan, respectively. (This Animation Scoop Interview was conducted as an Email Q&A and was edited for length and clarity.)

Jackson Murphy: Have you always been a fan of the “Avatar” franchise; do you have an early memory of watching “Airbender” and/or “Korra”?

Saheli Khan: I became a fan once I booked the role of Pavi. I was only 11 years old, and although I’d heard of the franchise, I had never actually seen it. I mean, I was born the same year when “The Legend of Korra” came out! Production advised that I do my ‘homework’ and watch both “Avatar the Last Airbender” and “The Legend of Korra”. My mom and I binge-watched both shows, and I was hooked from the start. My mom doesn’t even watch animation and she was hooked too! We finished both shows within a month of starting. That’s my earliest memory. I am still a diehard fan of everything Avatar, and I’m completely invested in its lore and storytelling. I even started reading some of the novels! I really can’t imagine what my life would be without it!

Aishu Devan: I had heard about the show but hadn’t watched it until I was cast, since I was only 9. However, now that I’ve binged both series it’s safe to say my favorite memory of watching ATLA is sobbing on my bed to “Appa’s Lost Days”. I’ve cried watching that episode every single time.

JM: What do you like most about your character’s personality, and how did you want to showcase that through your voice performance?

SK: What I really love about Pavi is her heart. I’ve said this over a billion times already but it’s still a quality of hers that I really admire. She’s very compassionate, loving, kind, and cares deeply about others. She would do everything in her power to protect the people she loves. She’s also very quirky, bubbly, whimsical, imaginative, and at certain times, can be a little bit mischievous. Showcasing her personality through my voice was easy since we share so many similarities. I am Pavi and Pavi is me!

AD: Nisha is an incredibly complex character with a lot of spunk, sass and fearlessness laced with sharp wit, a deep sense of duty, compassion and natural leadership. I especially love Nisha’s resilience and ability to persevere and never stop believing in herself even when facing the hardest challenges about her past and her present. Her confidence has inspired me since I recorded these episodes from the time I was 10 to now over 3 years later, which is an important time when your personality and traits are shaped as you become a teenager. So I’ve really learned from Nisha, and especially in this business where it’s 99% rejection, resilience is one of the most important things to have, and Nisha has inspired me to keep going, even when it gets tough. I also see so much of myself in her, and was able to bring that into her character through my voice.

JM: What surprised you the most about this season’s story arc?

SK: The most shocking, and probably the most insane part of this season’s story arc, that caught me VERY much off-guard, was when Pavi discovered her and Nisha’s backstory and learned the truth about what happened to their parents.

AD: Reading the truth about what happened to Pavi and Nisha’s parents for the first time was shocking – I’m still reeling from it, especially after seeing it in action.

JM: What amazes you about the detailed animation and immersive atmosphere of this series?SK: What doesn’t amaze me? For starters, the animation is incredible. Its colorful, soft, and vibrant art style makes the atmosphere for the show deeply engaging. Everything from the cultural and diverse environment to the fun and quirky personalities, it always manages to make me feel seen and excited for more!

AD: The animation immediately immerses you in a magical time and place that are rooted in real places in India. The very name Ellora is based off of the famous Caves of Ellora, one of the seven wonders of the world, the detailed architectural elements are inspired by the magical palaces of India’s “pink city” the ancient city of Jaipur, and kachoris and kulfis are mentioned in the series! The gorgeous carnatic vocals at the start of the series instantly draws you in and transports you to the world of Seven Havens in a mesmerizing way.

JM: What did you enjoy about the New York Comic Con “Avatar: Seven Havens” panel experience?

SK: I most enjoyed the love that I received from this fandom. Everyone was so kind and welcomed me, the cast, and the crew with open arms. I also really enjoyed getting to explain how meaningful it is to have South Asian representation in a show as big as this! If I could rewind time, I would love to experience this day again.

AD: It was my first NY Comic Con and it was so fun! Seeing fans support this incredible franchise was beautiful, and answering your questions authentically was amazing! Getting to speak about all that I love about our show, including South Asian cultural representation, was incredible, especially because of how important it is to talk about how we’re portrayed today in the media.

JM: The show has been renewed through Season 4. How does it feel to be part of something already resonating so much with fans — and that Nickelodeon believes in?

SK: Words can’t even describe how incredibly happy, honored and grateful I am to be part of this franchise! Like I said before, this fandom has been nothing but sweet and welcoming to me and everyone else involved in this series. I’m so thankful for all of it! Sending lots of love to my Avatar fandom!

AD: I am so thrilled that we’ve been renewed until book 4 and I am so honored and grateful to Nickelodeon for supporting us in this bringing this show to a beloved and growing audience of all ages. The incredible cast and crew have been working so hard on Seven Havens, and we can’t wait for you guys to see what we’ve been cooking up! You guys have already been giving this show so much love as we take this iconic franchise into its next era, and we are so thankful for you!! Stay tuned!