Riya Shibu is one of the most talked-about young names in South Indian cinema today. At just 21 years of age, she has already made her mark both as a film producer and as an actress. Her journey is inspiring because she did not limit herself to one role in the industry. She started as a producer, backing films with big stars like Vikram and Vijay Sethupathi, and later stepped in front of the camera to act in Malayalam films. In 2025, her performance in Sarvam Maya alongside Nivin Pauly brought her into the spotlight, earning her praise from critics and audiences alike.
What makes Riya’s story special is her ability to balance two demanding careers at such a young age. She is not only producing films but also acting in them, which shows her passion for cinema. Her rise has been quick, but it is built on hard work and family support. Coming from a film background, with her father Shibu Thameens being a well-known producer, Riya grew up around the world of movies.
Riya Shibu Boyfriend, Biography, Height, Age, Family
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Riya Shibu |
| Date of Birth | 25 September 2004 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 21 years |
| Birthplace | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress, Film Producer |
| Known For | Thugs (Producer, 2023), Sarvam Maya (Actress, 2025), Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (Producer, 2025) |
| Education | Trivandrum International School; Loyola College, Chennai (Visual Communication) |
| Father | Shibu Thameens (Film Producer) |
| Mother | Mumthaz Shibu |
| Brother | Hridhu Haroon (Actor) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Best Friend | Ananya Allwyn Antony |
| Pet(s) | Childhood dog named Oreo |
| Debut as Producer | Thugs (2023) |
| Debut as Actress | Cup (2024) |
| Breakthrough Role | Sarvam Maya (2025) |
| Net Worth | ₹1 crore (approx, as of 2025) |
| Instagram Followers | @riyashibu_/ |
| IMDb | @nm12197637/ |
| Hobbies | Dancing, Travelling, Video Editing |
Early Life and Parents
As per the sources, Riya was born on 25 September 2004 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. She grew up in a family that was closely connected to films. Her father, Shibu Thameens, is a respected producer who has worked on several big projects in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Her mother, Mumthaz Shibu, has also been a strong influence in her life. Riya has one brother, Hridhu Haroon, who is also an actor working in Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi films.
She studied at Trivandrum International School in Kerala, where she was known for her interest in creative activities. Later, she moved to Chennai to pursue higher education at Loyola College, where she studied Visual Communication. This course helped her understand the technical side of filmmaking, which later supported her career as a producer. During her teenage years, Riya was active on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Career Beginnings
Like many young people of her generation, she first found fame on social media. During her teenage years, she was active on platforms like TikTok, Dubsmash, and Instagram. She enjoyed making short videos, dance clips, and creative edits. One of her most popular videos was a Dubsmash where she recreated a famous dialogue from the Tamil film Kaththi. That clip went viral and gave her recognition among young audiences.
Her interest in video editing and content creation was not just a hobby. It became a stepping stone to her career in cinema. She learned how to connect with audiences, how to present herself on screen, and how to use creativity to stand out. These skills later helped her when she moved into film production and acting.
Entry into Film Production
Riya Shibu made her debut as a film producer in 2023 with the Tamil movie Thugs. The film starred her brother Hridhu Haroon in the lead role. This was a bold move because producing a film at such a young age is not common. But Riya showed maturity and determination by taking on the responsibility.
After Thugs, she co-produced Mumbaikar (2023), a Hindi film featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Vikrant Massey. This project gave her experience in working with established actors and handling larger productions. In 2024, she produced Mura, and in 2025, she backed Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2, which became a huge box office success. The film collected more than ₹63 crore worldwide, proving her ability to choose strong projects.
See Also:- Manal Benchlikha
Acting Career
While her production career was growing, Riya also stepped into acting. She made her debut in 2024 with the Malayalam film Cup, opposite Mathew Thomas. The film did not perform well at the box office, but it gave her valuable experience as an actress. She learned how to face the camera, how to deliver dialogues, and how to adapt to the demands of acting.
Her breakthrough came in 2025 with Sarvam Maya, where she played the role of a “Delulu ghost” alongside Nivin Pauly. The film was a commercial success, earning ₹44 crore in just five days. Audiences loved her performance, and critics praised her natural acting style. Riya is currently working on her next project, Athiradi, which is still in production.
Net Worth and Achievements
Riya has already accomplished what many people take years to do at the age of just 21. Her career as an actor and producer has contributed to her estimated net worth of ₹1 crore. Given her youth and the brief time she has been involved in the field, this is outstanding.
Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2, which made over ₹63 crore worldwide in 2025, was her greatest production accomplishment. Her performance in Sarvam Maya was well-received as an actress, and the movie made ₹44 crore in just five days. These accomplishments demonstrate that she possesses the skill and vision necessary to leave a lasting impression on the film industry.
Social Media Presence
Riya Shibu is very active on social media, especially Instagram, where she has more than 8 lakh followers. Her posts include behind-the-scenes moments from film sets, travel diaries, dance clips, and fashion updates. She often shares reels that showcase her editing skills, which first made her popular among young audiences.
Her social media presence has played a big role in shaping her career. By connecting directly with fans, she has built a loyal following that supports her films and projects. For young stars like Riya, social media is a powerful tool, and she uses it wisely to stay connected with her audience.
Physical Stats
| Height (approx.) | 5′ 6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight (approx.) | 50 Kg (110 lbs) |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 32-28-32 |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Interesting Facts
- She studied at Trivandrum International School and later at Loyola College, Chennai.
- Her father, Shibu Thameens, is a well-known producer, and her brother, Hridhu Haroon, is an actor.
- She made her debut as a producer with Thugs (2023).
- Her acting debut was in Cup (2024), though her breakthrough came with Sarvam Maya (2025).
- She is known for her video editing skills, which first made her popular on social media.
- She loves dancing and travelling, hobbies that she often shares online.
- She is considered one of the youngest female producers in South Indian cinema.
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