Actor Riya Shibu, who is earning plenty of appreciation for her performance in director Akhil Sathyan's Sarvam Maya, opposite Nivin Pauly, recently expressed her admiration for Vijay. In a recent interview with Vanitha, Riya said that she has long been a Vijay fan and used to watch the latter's films on the first show of release day in her childhood. "Sometimes, I say a particular Vijay dialogue when I am sitting simply," Riya said. Interestingly, Riya's father Shibu Thameens produced 2015's Puli, starring Vijay. "My father is also a Vijay fan. Who isn't one?" Riya said. The actor also added that anyone would like to work with the superstar when an opportunity presents itself. It is worth noting that Shibu Thameens also produced Iru Mugan, starring Vikram and Nayanthara in the lead roles, and his son, Riya's brother, is Hridhu Haroon, known for his role in All We Imagine As Light.

"We will all miss him," Riya said, referring to Vijay's retirement from acting for a full-time career in politics. The actor also said, "I hope that he is able to achieve what he wants through politics."

Riya made her acting debut with the Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil remake Thugs. However, it is her role opposite Nivin Pauly in Sarvam Maya that has put her on the map, so to speak. She plays a character named Maya/Delulu, a mysterious girl who takes a liking to Nivin's Prabhendhu. In CE's Sarvam Maya movie review, Vignesh Madhu wrote, "Riya Shibu plays the character with such irresistible charm that you instantly take a liking to her. Her interactions with Prabha gradually evolve into an affectionate companionship, and they name her ‘Delulu’—meaning illusion—as they set out to uncover her identity and help her attain salvation."