Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is the rare Gen Z star who actually feels like a real person, which is exactly why your kid is likely obsessed with her. She broke through as the lead in Mindy Kaling’s Never Have I Ever, playing a character who was messy, smart, and occasionally a total disaster—which, for a generation raised on "perfect" influencer feeds, felt like a breath of fresh air. If your kid is following her, they aren't just watching a sitcom lead; they’re watching a Canadian-Tamil actress who has become a massive advocate for representation without being precious about it.
TL;DR: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is the breakout lead of Never Have I Ever and the voice of Priya in Turning Red. She’s known for being funny, unfiltered, and deeply relatable. For parents, she’s a "safe" follow who provides a great entry point for talking about identity, ambition, and why it’s okay to be a "messy" teenager.
Most parents first encountered Maitreyi through Devi, the protagonist of Never Have I Ever. The show finished its four-season run a while back, but it remains a staple on Netflix for middle and high schoolers. Devi wasn't the typical "perfect minority" character. She was hot-headed, made terrible dating choices, and struggled with the grief of losing her father.
If your kid is currently bingeing this, the "messiness" is the point. It’s a masterclass in showing that you can be high-achieving and still have no idea how to handle your emotions. It’s one of the best shows to watch with a teenager because Devi’s mistakes are so glaring that they practically beg for a conversation. You don't have to lecture; you just have to ask, "Why do you think she just did that?" and let the kid do the analysis.
Beyond the live-action drama, Maitreyi has carved out a space in animation. She voiced Priya in Turning Red, the deadpan, boy-band-obsessed friend who became an instant fan favorite. Priya is the antithesis of the "bubbly sidekick," and Maitreyi’s delivery is what made the character stick.
She also voices Zipp Storm in My Little Pony: Make Your Mark. While that might seem like a pivot to a younger demographic, it’s consistent with her brand: Zipp is the "cool," rebellious pony who values logic and athletics over traditional princess tropes. If you have a younger kid watching the new MLP era, they’re getting Maitreyi’s influence through a character who prioritizes being herself over fitting in.
Maitreyi isn't just staying in the "actor" lane. She’s been leaning heavily into her Tamil heritage through dance, specifically collaborating with creators like Usha Jey. This is where the "Bollywood dance battles" mentioned in her recent headlines come from. She’s been showcasing "Hybrid Bharatham"—a mix of traditional Indian dance and hip-hop.
This matters because it’s a form of cultural literacy your kid is absorbing through short-form video. It’s not a dry history lesson; it’s a high-energy, creative way to see how traditional cultures evolve in the diaspora. If your kid is trying to learn these dances, they’re engaging with a complex art form that requires serious discipline.
Looking ahead, Maitreyi is set to star in The Netherfield Girls, a contemporary spin on Pride and Prejudice for Netflix. Based on the early buzz, it looks like it will lean into the same witty, sharp-tongued territory she occupied in her earlier work. It's expected to drop later this year or early next, and it will likely be the next big "event" watch for the teen demographic.
She’s also rumored to be attached to several other high-profile rom-coms. The industry is clearly betting on her as the next big leading lady who can carry a film without losing that "girl next door" groundedness.
If your kid is a Maitreyi fan, you have a direct line into some of the most important topics for Gen Z:
- Representation vs. Tokenism: Ask them why they think it matters that Maitreyi is Tamil-Canadian. Does her character in Never Have I Ever feel real, or does it feel like the writers are just checking a box?
- The "Messy" Protagonist: Talk about Devi’s mistakes. Why is it more interesting to watch a character who messes up than one who is perfect?
- Creative Evolution: With her dance videos, talk about how she uses her platform to share her culture. Is there a way for your kid to share their own interests or heritage creatively?
Q: Is Never Have I Ever appropriate for a 12-year-old?
The show is rated TV-14 for a reason—it deals with high school romance, some sexual references, and grief. However, for a mature 12-year-old, it’s a great co-watch. The themes are relatable, and the "edgier" content is usually handled with humor and a clear moral compass.
Q: What else has Maitreyi Ramakrishnan been in?
Besides Never Have I Ever, she is the voice of Priya in Turning Red and Zipp Storm in My Little Pony: Make Your Mark. She also appeared in the "Hybrid Bharatham" dance series on YouTube.
Q: Is Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on social media?
Yes, she’s active on Instagram and TikTok. She’s generally considered a "safe" follow because she avoids the heavy-handed influencer tropes and uses her platform for advocacy and sharing her work.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is the real deal. She’s talented, intentional about the roles she takes, and hasn't let the Hollywood machine polish away her personality. Whether she’s voicing a Pixar character or leading a Netflix rom-com, she’s a creator who values authenticity over "the scroll."
- For more shows that handle teen drama with this much heart, check out our best shows for kids list.
- If your kid is into the voice acting side of things, see our best movies for kids list for more Pixar gems.
- Ask our chatbot for more South Asian creators to follow
