Riya Shibu is a rising Indian actress and film producer who is making waves in the Malayalam and Tamil film industries. At just 21 years old, she has already produced major films like Thugs and Mumbaikar under her banner, HR Pictures. Best known for her acting debut in the 2024 movie Cup and Malayalam film Sarvam Maya (December 2025), where critics praised her performance as a ghost character named Delulu. Riya initially gained fame as a social media sensation with viral Instagram reels.
This biography covers everything about Riya Shibu age, her famous family background, and her journey from a content creator to a cinema powerhouse.
Who is Riya Shibu?
Riya Shibu is a multi-talented entertainer who seamlessly blends the worlds of digital influence and traditional cinema. She is an actress, producer, and content creator who captured hearts across India with her creative Instagram reels.
Her journey into the entertainment world was unconventional. Instead of starting with acting auditions, she built her fanbase online. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she combined her passion for fashion with video editing, creating unique content that resonated with millions.
One of her reels featuring a dialogue from the movie Kaththi went viral, amassing 8.5 million views and launching her into the spotlight. Today, she leverages her massive social media following of over 588,000 people to promote her film projects.
Riya Shibu Age
Riya Shibu age is 21 years old as of December 2025. She was born on September 25, 2004, in India.
Her zodiac sign is Libra, which is often associated with creativity, charm, and balance—traits that are clearly visible in her multifaceted career. Despite her young age, she has achieved more than many seasoned professionals, proving that Gen Z stars are reshaping the film industry.
Riya Shibu Biography / Wiki
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Riya Shibu |
| Date of Birth | September 25, 2004 |
| Age (2025) | 21 Years Old |
| Birthplace | India (Kerala & Tamil Nadu roots) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height | Not officially disclosed |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Current Residence | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Education | Visual Communication (Loyola College, Chennai) |
| School | Trivandrum International School |
| Father | Shibu Thameens (Film Producer) |
| Mother | Mumthaz Shibu |
| Brother | Hridhu Haroon (Actor) |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Content Creator |
| Instagram Followers | 588,000+ |
| Debut (Acting) | Cup (2024, Malayalam) |
| Breakthrough Role | Sarvam Maya (2025, Malayalam) |
Early Life and Background
Riya Shibu was born into South Indian cinema royalty. Her father, Shibu Thameens, is a legendary producer and distributor known for blockbusters like Puli, Iru Mugan, and Saamy Square.
Growing Up on Film Sets
From a young age, Riya was immersed in the world of movies. She watched her father manage massive productions, giving her a behind-the-scenes education that most film schools can’t provide. This exposure helped her understand the business side of cinema early on.
A Creative Household
Her family environment was deeply supportive. Her mother, Mumthaz Shibu, encouraged her artistic interests. Her elder brother, Hridhu Haroon, is also a rising actor who has starred in critically acclaimed films like All We Imagine as Light. This shared passion for cinema has created a strong creative bond between the siblings.
Riya Shibu Education
Riya attended Trivandrum International School, where she balanced her academics with her growing interest in arts.
Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Visual Communication at the prestigious Loyola College in Chennai. This choice of major was strategic it taught her professional video editing, photography, and digital media skills that directly contributed to her social media success.
Riya Shibu Career Journey
Riya Shibu’s career began uniquely, not on a film set but on social media platforms. She started creating content on short-form video platforms like Dubsmash, TikTok, and Musically during her teenage years. Her growing social media presence attracted the attention of film industry professionals who recognized her potential.
Simultaneously, she ventured into film production at a remarkably young age. At just 19 years old, she began producing films under the HR Pictures banner, which is connected to her father’s Thameens Films. Her production portfolio includes:
- Thugs (2023, Malayalam)
- Mumbaikar (2023, Hindi)
- Mura (2024, Malayalam)
- Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (2025, Tamil) – featuring Chiyaan Vikram
This film starred one of Tamil cinema’s biggest names and was a major box office success. Making her acting debut in Cup (2024), a Malayalam sports drama, she showcased her acting abilities opposite Mathew Thomas and Basil Joseph. The film, directed by Sanju V. Samuel, told the story of a badminton player’s dreams and ambitions. Following this, she delivered her breakthrough performance in Sarvam Maya (December 2025), directed by Akhil Sathyan.
Riya Shibu’s Impact and Recognition
Riya Shibu’s breakthrough in Sarvam Maya has been nothing short of remarkable. Released on Christmas 2025, the film is a fantasy horror-comedy in which she plays Delulu, a lovable ghost. Her performance has garnered significant critical praise, with many reviewers noting that she “steals the show” despite sharing the screen with established actors like Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese.
The film’s success has brought Riya into the mainstream spotlight. Social media discussions are filled with appreciation for her confident portrayal of a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. Instead, she infused the ghost character with depth, humor, and charm.
Fans have praised her comic timing and her ability to carry scenes. The commercial success of Sarvam Maya at the box office has validated her talent and opened doors to more opportunities in cinema.
Riya Shibu Family
| Family Member | Name | Profession | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father | Shibu Thameens | Film Producer | Founder of Thameens Films; produced major films like ABCD, Puli, Iru Mugan |
| Mother | Mumthaz Shibu | Homemaker | Supportive presence in the family |
| Brother | Hridhu Haroon | Actor | Appeared in All We Imagine as Light, Maine Pyar Kiya, Bad Girl |
| Maternal Uncle | (Not publicly disclosed) | (Not publicly disclosed) | Family has roots in Kerala |
Riya Shibu’s Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Beyond her professional achievements, Riya Shibu maintains a vibrant and adventurous personal life. She is an avid reader who loves exploring books during her free time, finding that literature sparks her creativity and provides inspiration for character development in her roles. Additionally, she has a passion for adventure sports and thrill-seeking activities, notably skydiving, which she has pursued on multiple occasions.
Travel is another passion that drives her. She frequently explores new destinations within India and internationally, sharing snippets of her journeys on social media. These travel experiences not only provide her with personal enrichment but also inspire her creative content. Fashion design is another hobby she pursues for leisure, often sketching looks and experimenting with styling. She has also been painting since her childhood.
Regarding her personal relationships, Riya has maintained a low profile. As of December 2025, she is single and focused primarily on her career and education. She has not publicly dated anyone or shared relationship details with the media.
Why Riya Shibu is Trending
Riya Shibu age and her impressive achievements have made her a trending topic on multiple platforms. She has become a symbol of the new generation of film personalities who build their careers using digital platforms as launching pads. Her viral videos continue to inspire millions, and each new film project generates significant buzz.
Her success in Sarvam Maya has particularly contributed to her trending status. Entertainment news outlets across India have covered her story extensively, from her social media journey to her acting breakthrough.
Social media discussions about her performance have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans comparing her favorably to more established actresses. Furthermore, her unique position as a young producer in an industry traditionally dominated by older males has garnered attention from media outlets focused on women empowerment in cinema.
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