'They told me not every day will be positive': Riya Shibu reveals the best advice she received from ‘Sarvam Maya’ co-stars Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese

Ever since the release of ‘Sarvam Maya’, Riya Shibu has emerged as one of the most talked-about actors from Malayalam cinema. From Gen Z to millennials and even baby boomers, everyone is obsessed with the Delulu.

As ‘Sarvam Maya’ continues its successful box office run, Riya Shibu talks about the best advice she received from her co-stars Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese.

Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese’s advice

In an interview with the Indian Express, Riya Shibu reveals that she received a great piece of advice from her co-stars on handling fame. “They told me not every day will be positive and not every film will be received well. The only advice was to keep going, trust myself, and not lose who I am,” she said. Riya Shibu also spoke about sharing screen space with Nivin Pauly and Aju Varghese. She commented on the versatility of Aju Varghese. “Aju has incredible range. He can deliver the same line in multiple ways — funny, serious, or both. Despite his experience, he never makes you feel small. He’s very open about mistakes and learning,” she told the outlet. Speaking about Nivin Pauly, she said, “Nivin is extremely relaxed.

As a co-actor, he gives you space, especially during emotional scenes. He helped me feel comfortable being vulnerable. There’s a quiet magic in how he conveys emotion, especially through his eyes.”

All about ‘Sarvam Maya’

Directed by Akhil Sathyan, 'Sarvam Maya' hit the theatres on December 25. The film revolves around Prabhendu, a priest, and an unconventional ghost. Actors Nivin Pauly, Aju Varghese, Riya Shibu, and Janardhanan play the lead roles in the film.

The film has completed 28 days in the theatres, and the worldwide box office collection is inching close to Rs 150 crore. TOI ranked the film 3.5, and the review mentions Riya Shibu’s performance. “Riya Shibu is phenomenal as the ghost, bringing an unbelievable level of adorability to the character. She carries the film alongside Nivin. At one point, the film even briefly evokes Vismayathumbathu vibes, in the way the supernatural is treated with warmth, whimsy, and emotional intimacy. Aju Varghese plays Prabhendu’s cousin, and the duo once again proves their easy chemistry, bromance quotient, and all,” the review reads.