Updated: September 19, 2026
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan captured hearts worldwide as Devi Vishwakumar in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. Behind her confident, witty screen presence stands a strong family foundation. Her parents, Ram Selvarajah and Kiruthiha Kulendiren, shaped the values that helped her rise from a Mississauga teenager to a global star. Here’s a clear, up-to-date look at who they are and the journey that brought their family to Canada.
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Who Are Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s Parents?
Maitreyi’s father is Ram Selvarajah, a systems analyst and team lead with the Government of Ontario. He has worked in the public sector for many years and keeps a low public profile despite his daughter’s fame.
Her mother is Kiruthiha Kulendiren, who has worked in marketing communications and later as a staff representative with the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union in Ontario. She has been more visible in supporting Maitreyi’s early career and has spoken thoughtfully about their family’s experiences.
The couple raised two children: older son Vishwaa Ramakrishnan (a musician) and Maitreyi, born on December 28, 2001, in Mississauga, Ontario. Detail Information Father Ram Selvarajah Mother Kiruthiha Kulendiren Father’s Profession Systems Analyst, Government of Ontario Mother’s Profession Union Staff Representative / Marketing Children’s Names Vishwaa (son), Maitreyi (daughter) Family Origin Sri Lankan Tamil Current Home Base Mississauga / Greater Toronto Area
Their Journey from Sri Lanka to Canada
Ram and Kiruthiha are Tamil refugees who left Sri Lanka during the civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009. They arrived in Canada in the late 1980s seeking safety and a better future. Kiruthiha has described their experience simply: they were displaced by circumstances, not by choice.
They built a stable life in the Greater Toronto Area and consciously raised their children with pride in their Tamil culture while fully embracing Canadian identity. Maitreyi has often said she identifies as Tamil-Canadian rather than Sri Lankan, a perspective shaped by her parents’ careful approach to sharing their history.
How Her Parents Supported Her Acting Dream
When Maitreyi decided to pursue acting in high school, her parents were both cautious and supportive. Her mother initially questioned the sudden Hollywood opportunity, but once they verified it was legitimate (especially after learning Mindy Kaling was involved), they backed her fully.
Key ways they supported her include:
- Driving her to sets and staying with her during early shoots while balancing full-time jobs
- Encouraging her to speak up if she ever felt uncomfortable with scenes or dialogue
- Helping her stay grounded amid sudden fame
- Maintaining a private, close-knit family life away from the spotlight
Maitreyi has publicly thanked them for giving her “a good head on her shoulders” and empowering her to advocate for herself.
Family Values and Cultural Pride
The Ramakrishnan household blends Tamil traditions with Canadian everyday life. Maitreyi’s parents made sure she understood her roots without letting the trauma of displacement define her childhood. This balanced upbringing shows in her public comments about representation, identity, and the importance of authentic South Asian stories on screen.
Her older brother Vishwaa remains a private but important part of her support system. The family continues to live relatively quietly in the Mississauga area even as Maitreyi’s career expands into films, voice work, and other projects.
Conclusion
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan’s parents, Ram Selvarajah and Kiruthiha Kulendiren, represent a classic immigrant success story rooted in resilience, hard work, and strong family bonds. From fleeing civil war in Sri Lanka to raising a daughter who became a Netflix star, they provided the stability and encouragement that helped her thrive. Their quiet strength and cultural pride remain central to her identity and success.
For young people exploring education, confidence-building, and personal growth pathways, resources like ashutoshpreparatoryschool.com offer structured support that can help nurture similar ambition and self-belief.
Maitreyi’s story continues to inspire, and much of that inspiration begins at home with the parents who believed in her from the start.
