Riya Shibu: Kerala's Rising Star Charms Audiences as Delulu in Sarvam Maya
Riya Shibu has quickly become Kerala's new favorite, captivating viewers with her portrayal of the lovable Gen Z ghost Delulu in the Malayalam film Sarvam Maya. Beyond her acting prowess, Riya has showcased her versatility by handling production work for notable projects like Vikram's Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 and building a substantial fanbase as a dedicated content creator.
The Real Riya: How Delulu Mirrors Her True Self
In an intimate conversation, Riya revealed that her character Delulu is a genuine reflection of her own personality. "Sarvam Maya didn't feel like work. It felt like I was at home," she shared. Director Akhil Sathyan discovered her through a reel of her interview, leading to this perfect casting. "How I am as Delulu is how I am in real life. That's the real me, except that she's a ghost!" This authenticity undoubtedly contributed to the character's widespread appeal.
Working with Industry Veterans: A Fangirl Experience
Riya expressed her admiration for co-stars Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese, describing a "fangirl feel" when witnessing their on-screen chemistry. "They are just as funny in real life as they are on screen," she noted, appreciating their approachable, boys-next-door vibe that made her feel instantly comfortable. She highlighted Nivin's infectious positive energy on set and praised Aju's ability to elevate characters through diverse acting variations.
Artistic Growth: From Classical Dance to Filmmaking Roots
Sarvam Maya marked Riya's first experience with classical dance, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. She credited co-star Preity Mukhundhan for guidance, noting her sweetness and precision in delivering expressions. Riya's film journey began during her visual communication studies at Loyola College, where she discovered her passion for storytelling through short film assignments that involved writing, directing, acting, and editing.
Content Creation: A Passion Project Born from Happiness
Riya's content creation stems from genuine enjoyment of shooting and editing. "Every video of mine comes from a place of happiness and excitement," she emphasized. Her authentic approach has resonated with audiences, with fans often encouraging her acting career through direct messages. "It feels like my friends are cheering me on," she said about this supportive community.
Balancing Acting and Production: A Collaborative Learning Process
While currently focused on acting, Riya values her production experiences alongside her father, producer Shibu Thameens. She acknowledged the complexities of solo production, stating "If I were to produce Veera Dheera Sooran alone, I'd be a little confused and feel unsure." She recognizes the need for further learning before undertaking such responsibilities independently.
Personal Style: From Wardrobe to Screen
Riya's fashion interest began with drawing Disney characters and evolved into designing outfits. For Sarvam Maya, costume designer Sameera Saneesh incorporated Riya's personal T-shirts featuring Friends and DOSA references. This collaboration marked a shift in her style preferences, moving from jeans to the comfort of linen pants discovered during filming.
Future Projects: From Home to College
Riya described her upcoming film Athiradi, starring Basil Joseph, Tovino Thomas, and Vineeth Sreenivasan, as "like going to college" compared to the homely feel of Sarvam Maya. She enjoys the fun, banter-filled atmosphere working with Basil Joseph. Regarding potential roles in other languages, Riya views the challenge of acting naturally in unfamiliar languages as an opportunity for growth rather than a disadvantage.
Riya Shibu's multifaceted career continues to evolve, blending acting, production, and content creation with authentic passion and dedication to her craft.
