Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is a rising star in Hollywood, best known for her breakout role as Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix series Never Have I Ever. Born in Mississauga, Ontario, in 2001 to Tamil parents of Sri Lankan descent, Maitreyi’s journey to fame began with an open casting call, where she was chosen from over 15,000 applicants despite having no prior acting experience. Her portrayal of Devi, a complex and relatable Indian-American teenager, has garnered her widespread recognition, especially for her ability to bring authentic South Asian representation to mainstream media. Through her role, Maitreyi has become an inspiration to many young people, particularly in the South Asian community, for breaking barriers in an industry that often lacks diverse representation.
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Maitreyi has been vocal about her pride in her Tamil heritage and her commitment to social causes. She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, gender equality, and greater inclusivity in Hollywood. As Never Have I Ever gained popularity globally, including in India, Maitreyi has been celebrated for her connection to her cultural roots, often highlighting her Sri Lankan Tamil background in interviews and public appearances. She continues to rise in prominence, with a growing list of accolades and future projects, positioning herself as a leading voice for cultural representation and empowerment in the entertainment industry.
“I want to show that people who look like me can tell stories that are worth telling, and it’s not just about our identity, but it’s about us as individuals”
Early Life of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was born on December 28, 2001, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, to Tamil parents, Ram Selvarajah and Kiruthiha Kulendiren, who had immigrated from Sri Lanka to escape the civil war. Her family’s Tamil heritage and immigrant background played a crucial role in shaping her identity, and she has often expressed pride in her roots. Maitreyi grew up in a supportive household, where her parents emphasized the importance of education and cultural values while also encouraging her creative passions.
She attended Meadowvale Secondary School in Mississauga, where she first discovered her love for acting through school theater productions. Initially considering a career in animation, Maitreyi’s participation in drama led her to pursue acting instead. In her final year of high school, encouraged by a friend, she auditioned for Never Have I Ever and was selected from over 15,000 applicants despite having no prior acting experience. Her parents, Ram and Kiruthiha, were instrumental in supporting her decision to take this unexpected career path, which ultimately led to her breakout role and rise to fame.
Career Journey of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s career journey is a remarkable story of a young talent rising to fame seemingly overnight. Her breakthrough came in 2019, during her final year of high school, when she responded to an open casting call for the Netflix series Never Have I Ever, created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher. Despite having no professional acting experience, Maitreyi was chosen out of over 15,000 applicants to play the lead role of Devi Vishwakumar, a high-achieving but emotionally complex Indian-American teenager navigating high school life. Her portrayal of Devi earned her widespread acclaim, particularly for bringing depth and authenticity to a character that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Following the success of Never Have I Ever, which premiered in 2020, Maitreyi quickly rose to global recognition. The series became a hit, especially among South Asian and international audiences, due in part to its fresh portrayal of cultural identity and the immigrant experience. Maitreyi’s performance garnered her nominations for several awards, including a Canadian Screen Award and an Independent Spirit Award, solidifying her status as a breakout star. Beyond her role in the show, she has been praised for using her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and diversity in Hollywood. With the success of Never Have I Ever and the announcement of future projects, Maitreyi is poised to continue her ascent in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers for South Asian representation along the way.
From Indian to the World
Key Achievements of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Some of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s key achievements:
Breakout Role in Never Have I Ever (2020)
Maitreyi landed the lead role of Devi Vishwakumar in the popular Netflix series, chosen out of over 15,000 applicants despite having no prior acting experience. This role brought her global recognition and made her a rising star in Hollywood.
Canadian Screen Awards Nomination (2021)
She was nominated for the Audience Choice Award at the Canadian Screen Awards, showcasing her growing popularity and impact in the entertainment industry.
Independent Spirit Award Nomination (2022)
Maitreyi earned a nomination for Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series for her role in Never Have I Ever, further establishing her as a talented young actor.
Global Influence and Representation
Maitreyi became a leading figure in promoting South Asian representation in Hollywood, using her platform to advocate for inclusivity, mental health awareness, and cultural pride, resonating with audiences around the world.
Recognition in India (2022)
Never Have I Ever became a hit on Netflix India, and Maitreyi gained significant recognition from Indian media and Bollywood influencers, further highlighting her cross-cultural appeal.
Impact on the Industry
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of representation and diversity. As the lead in Never Have I Ever, she became one of the few young South Asian actors to headline a major Hollywood series, breaking long-standing stereotypes about how South Asian characters are portrayed. By bringing complexity, humor, and vulnerability to the role of Devi Vishwakumar, she helped redefine how South Asian characters can be seen moving beyond traditional, one-dimensional depictions to more authentic, relatable narratives.
Maitreyi’s success has also opened doors for greater conversations about inclusivity in Hollywood. She has used her platform to advocate for representation not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes. Her presence as a Tamil-Canadian actor with Sri Lankan roots is especially meaningful for underrepresented groups, showing that diverse stories and actors can resonate with a global audience. As a young woman of color breaking into a predominantly white industry, her achievements have inspired a new generation of actors from marginalized communities to pursue their creative ambitions without fear of being typecast.
Giving Back
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is committed to giving back and using her platform for positive social impact. She has been a vocal advocate for various causes, including mental health awareness, gender equality, and diversity in entertainment. Maitreyi often speaks out about the importance of mental health, particularly for young people, and uses her personal experiences to highlight the challenges faced by her generation, including the pressures of representation and identity.
In addition to advocacy, Maitreyi actively supports charities and organizations that promote inclusivity and empowerment. She has partnered with UNICEF Canada as an ambassador, focusing on raising awareness around issues that affect youth, including education, equality, and mental health. Through her public appearances, interviews, and social media presence, Maitreyi continues to inspire and uplift others, especially young women and underrepresented groups, encouraging them to embrace their identities and advocate for change.
Key Takeaways
Key takeaways from Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s journey:
Breaking Barriers
Maitreyi’s breakout role in Never Have I Ever highlights the importance of diverse representation in Hollywood, showcasing the complexity of South Asian characters.
Cultural Pride
She consistently emphasizes her Tamil-Sri Lankan heritage, using her platform to celebrate her identity and connect with audiences worldwide.
Advocacy for Mental Health
Maitreyi is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, particularly among youth, using her influence to raise awareness and destigmatize the issue.
Giving Back
Through her work with UNICEF Canada and her public advocacy, Maitreyi is committed to supporting causes like education, gender equality, and inclusivity.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
As a young woman of color in a leading role, Maitreyi inspires a new generation of creatives to pursue their dreams while breaking stereotypes and embracing their individuality.
Global Indian Impact Analysis
Read a similar story of Dev Patel, a successful British-Indian actor.
FAQ:
What is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's net worth?
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s net worth has been estimated to be around $500,000 as of 2022. Her earnings primarily come from her acting roles, notably her lead in “Never Have I Ever,” where she reportedly earned $20,000 per episode during the first season. She also voiced Priya Mangal in Pixar’s “Turning Red” and Zipp Storm in the “My Little Pony” franchise. Additionally, she has appeared on magazine covers and engaged in brand endorsements, contributing to her overall income. With her rising prominence, her net worth is expected to increase in the coming years.
What movies and TV shows has Maitreyi Ramakrishnan appeared in?
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan gained prominence for her role as Devi Vishwakumar in the Netflix series “Never Have I Ever” (2020–2023). She voiced Priya Mangal in Pixar’s animated film “Turning Red” (2022) and portrayed Zipp Storm in the “My Little Pony” franchise, including “My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale” and “My Little Pony: Make Your Mark” (both 2022). Her versatility across live-action and animated projects showcases her broad range of talent.
How old is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan?
Born on December 28, 2001, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is currently 23 years old as of March 2025. She began her acting career at 17, securing the lead role in “Never Have I Ever,” which marked her breakout performance. Despite her young age, she has made significant strides in her career, earning critical acclaim and a growing fan base.
How tall is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan?
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 centimeters) tall. Her height complements her on-screen presence, contributing to the dynamic portrayals of her characters. While physical attributes are just one aspect of an actor’s profile, her stature, combined with her expressive performances, has made her a standout in her roles.
Who are Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's parents
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s parents are Ram Selvarajah and Kiruthiha Kulendiren. They immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka as refugees during the civil war. Her father, Ram, works as a system analyst, while her mother, Kiruthiha, serves as a staff representative for the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union. Raised in a multigenerational household in Mississauga, Ontario, Ramakrishnan credits her family’s support and values for her grounding and success. Her parents’ involvement in social justice and community issues has significantly influenced her perspective and advocacy efforts.
Is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Indian?
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is a Canadian actress of Tamil descent. Her parents are Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who immigrated to Canada during the civil war. While culturally Tamil, she identifies as Tamil-Canadian rather than Sri Lankan, acknowledging the complexities arising from the civil conflict. Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, she embraces her Canadian nationality while honoring her Tamil heritage. This bicultural identity has influenced her perspectives and is often reflected in her roles and public engagements.
What is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's ethnicity?
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan identifies as Tamil-Canadian. Her parents are of Tamil ethnicity from Sri Lanka, having relocated to Canada as refugees during the Sri Lankan civil war. She consciously distinguishes her identity, emphasizing her Tamil roots while embracing her Canadian upbringing. This duality allows her to navigate and represent both cultures authentically. Her pride in her heritage is evident in her public appearances and interviews, where she often discusses the significance of her cultural background.
What is the relationship between Darren Barnet and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan?
Darren Barnet and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan are co-stars in the Netflix series “Never Have I Ever.” Barnet portrays Paxton Hall-Yoshida, a popular high school student and one of Devi Vishwakumar’s (played by Ramakrishnan) love interests. Their on-screen chemistry has been a focal point of the series, contributing to its popularity. Off-screen, they share a professional relationship characterized by mutual respect and camaraderie. There is no public information or credible reports suggesting a romantic relationship between them beyond their roles in the series. Both actors have maintained a level of privacy regarding their personal lives, focusing public discussions on their work and the show’s impact.
Does Maitreyi Ramakrishnan have a boyfriend or any known relationships?
As of now, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships. In a 2022 interview, she expressed contentment with being single, stating, “Right now in my life, I am so happy just doing me and being there for myself.” She emphasized that personality is paramount in her attractions, mentioning, “If you get that banter with me, you can read my face perfectly, I don’t care if you’re a boy, girl, or in between.” Ramakrishnan prefers to keep her personal life private, focusing on her burgeoning acting career. There have been no confirmed reports linking her to any romantic partners since her rise to fame with “Never Have I Ever.” Her social media presence also reflects a professional focus, devoid of indications regarding her dating life.
