Who Is Riya Shibu, Sarvam Mayam Actress, Daughter Of Acclaimed Film Producer?

Delulu:

A popular internet terminology, which is everywhere from viral memes to WhatsApp groups. The term which means delusional is often used to someone who holds unrealistic beliefs. This slang has made its way to Malayalam cinema's latest release, Sarvam Maya, the term is used by the protagonist, Nivin Pauly to describe a ghost, which in the film's context means illusion. The supernatural element in question in Sarvam Maya, is played by Riya Shibu - she's innocent and becomes a central character to the story. After the film's early reviews were out, audience showered praise on her characterisation, and performance, making them admire the friendly ghost. Curious to know more about her? Read on to know more.

Nivin Pauly's Co-star In Sarvam Maya Wins Praise, Who Is Riya Shibu?

A look at Riya Shibu's Instagram, and one would assume she is an influencer. However, she is much more than that. 20-year-old Riya Shibu is also a producer and actress, who backed three movies under HR Pictures and starred in two Malayalam films.

Riya Shibu first shot to fame, by making short videos on platforms like Dubsmash, TikTok and Musically. During the pandemic lockdown, she began posting on Instagram, sharing her love for fashion and video editing. One of her reels which featured her enacting to a dialogue from the movie Kaththi went viral.

Riya Shibu is the daughter of acclaimed film producer Shibu Thameens. He owns, Thameens Films a production company based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He also owns Thameens Maax Theatre and Thameens Release for distribution of Tamil and Malayalam films. While her father has produced films such as ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi, Iru Mugan and Saamy Square, Riya and Shibu Thameens have together distributed Veera Dheera Sooran starring Vikram in the lead. Shibu Thameens has also distributed SS Rajamouli's RRR and Kamal Haasan's Vikram.

Riya Shibu's brother is actor Hridhu Haroon, who has worked in films such as Crash Course, Payal Kapadia's independent film All We Imagine as Light. To the Tamil and Malayalam film audience, he is known for his work in films such as Maine Pyar Kia and Pradeep Ranganathan's Dude which released in 2025. Riya Shibu's journey from a young social media influencer to a producer and actress shows her passion for films.