Riythvika Panneerselvam (Born on 5 August 1990), also well known as Riythvika, is an Indian actress recognized for her supporting roles in Tamil films. She began her career with a role in Bala’s “Paradesi” in 2013 and gained prominence for her portrayal of a strong-willed housewife in Pa. Ranjith’s “Madras” in 2014. In 2018, she emerged as the winner of the Tamil reality shows “Bigg Boss Tamil” season 2, becoming the first and only woman to achieve this feat. She is the second woman in all South Indian languages to win the title, the other being Shruthi in “Bigg Boss Kannada” season 3.
In her personal life, Riythvika studied at Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College For Women in Chennai. Acting had always been her childhood dream, and she used to reenact movie scenes and dialogue. While studying, she acted in various short films and sent her photos to film PROs, hoping for a breakthrough in the film industry.
Riythvika’s career took off when she was cast in Bala’s “Paradesi” as Karuthakanni, a young woman subjected to torture and exploitation in tea plantations during the British Raj. Her notable roles include a North Chennai girl in “Madras,” a drug addict in “Kabali,” a prostitute in “Iru Mugan,” “Torchlight,” and “Sigai,” and a liberal radio jockey in “Oru Naal Koothu.” Her portrayal in “Madras” garnered critical acclaim, leading to her winning the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil.
In 2018, Riythvika participated in “Bigg Boss Tamil” season 2, captivating the audience and emerging as the winner. She also appeared in the film “Torchlight,” playing a significant role alongside actress Sadha. Currently, she is involved in projects such as “Odavum Mudiyathu Oliyavum Mudiyathu” and an untitled biopic of actor-politician MGR, where she portrays the role of Janaki Ramachandran. She dedicatedly studied Janaki’s habits and behavior, even watching her old films, to bring authenticity to her performance.
