From watching the rituals of death to experiencing the hustle bustle of life, Hollywood star Keanu Reeves lived through the circle of life at the banks of Ganges. And that’s something which continues to stay alive in his mind.

“During my first time in India, I remember just being on the streets and seeing the amazing life... I got a chance to go to the edge of the Ganges, and sit and see the wheel of life,” Reeves tells us over a video call from New York, USA.

Refraining from divulging specifics about his visit to the country, the actor continues, “[I saw] people mourning and the ritual of death. And at the same time, all the shamans, the families and the animal life, water, the trees, the air… The [whole] breath of life. I was grateful to sit there, be a part of it and have that experience.”

Reeves, 57, who will soon be back as Neo with The Matrix Resurrections, also reveals that he has been to Mumbai for “a little bit of time”. And it is not just Indian culture which has found a place in his heart. Bollywood has also impressed him, as he says, “I have seen a few films. But I wouldn’t know the titles of the projects.”

Opening up about his Indian connection, he points out how the concept of “being and not being, in permanence and resurrection” links Indian philosophy to the Matrix universe in some way.

The latest instalment of the film franchise also stars actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Reeves says, “Priyanka is fantastic. She is a lovely actress and a person. It was really great to work with her.”