Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: From High School Dream to Hollywood Breakout Star

September 17, 2026

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's journey from Mississauga to Hollywood began in her final year of high school, leading to her breakout lead role in Mindy Kaling's "Never Have I Ever." Her portrayal of Devi earned critical acclaim and a TIME100 Next Breakout Actor honor. As one of few South Asian leads in mainstream media, Maitreyi embraces her role as a mentor figure, inspired by Kaling to uplift the next generation of storytellers.

A true Gen Z it-girl. Rising fast in the industry.
A true Gen Z it-girl. Rising fast in the industry.

A true Gen Z lady, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is quickly becoming one of the hottest it-girls of her generation.

Roots in Mississauga, Ontario. A Tamil Hindu background.
Roots in Mississauga, Ontario. A Tamil Hindu background.

Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Ramakrishnan comes from a Tamil Hindu background.

A family shaped by resilience. Refugees from the Sri Lankan civil war.
A family shaped by resilience. Refugees from the Sri Lankan civil war.

Her parents immigrated to Canada as refugees from Sri Lanka due to the civil war, shaping the foundation of her upbringing.

Deciding to pursue acting. A choice made in her final year of high school.
Deciding to pursue acting. A choice made in her final year of high school.

It was during her final year in high school that Maitreyi decided to pursue a career in acting.

Landing the lead, almost overnight. A role from Mindy Kaling herself.
Landing the lead, almost overnight. A role from Mindy Kaling herself.

To her surprise and delight, she landed the lead role in a series created by Mindy Kaling, Never Have I Ever, less than a year later.

A pandemic-era premiere. Capturing hearts worldwide.
A pandemic-era premiere. Capturing hearts worldwide.

Premiering in the midst of the pandemic in April 2020, the actress and her costars instantly captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.

Playing Devi. A character loosely inspired by Kaling.
Playing Devi. A character loosely inspired by Kaling.

Ramakrishnan's portrayal of Devi, a character loosely based on Kaling herself, earned her critical acclaim and recognition.

Four seasons, major recognition. A TIME100 Next honor.
Four seasons, major recognition. A TIME100 Next honor.

The series ran for four successful seasons, and Maitreyi earned the title of Breakout Actor on TIME Magazine's TIME100 Next list.

Representation that matters. Filling a void for the next generation.
Representation that matters. Filling a void for the next generation.

Having grown up without many brown girls to look up to in mainstream media, Maitreyi understands the significance of her role.

Inspired by Mindy Kaling. Paying it forward to young fans.
Inspired by Mindy Kaling. Paying it forward to young fans.

With Mindy Kaling as her mentor, Maitreyi feels privileged to inspire change and uplift the next generation of girls watching her story.