Maya S. Krishnan is an Indian actress known for her work in the Tamil film industry. She made her acting debut in the musical film Vaanavil Vaazhkai (2015). In 2023 she participated in Bigg Boss 7 as a contestant and emerged as the 2nd runner up.
Beyond her film career, she is a theatre artist who has performed internationally with companies including Theatre du Soleil in Paris, Les Hommes Approximatifs in Strasbourg, and Amares Theatre in Uruguay.
Recognizing the need for a creative home for theatre artists, Maya Krishnan founded Ilulu, a theatre collective dedicated to nurturing artistic expression and fostering performance opportunities. The collective serves as a supportive community where artists can explore theatrical forms while developing creative practices and connections with audiences.
She has also gained popularity on YouTube for her character "Manjula Teacher," whose sketch comedy videos on topics like mental health and dating apps have gone viral.
Career Theatre Maya has a background in theatre, having performed internationally with companies such as Theatre du Soleil in Paris and Les Hommes Approximatifs in Strasbourg. In Uruguay, she has collaborated extensively with Amares Theatre. In India, she has been associated with Perch Collective, Indianostrum Theatre, Silkroute theatre, and Adishakthi Theatre. +List of Maya S. Krishnan theatrical creditsTheatrePlayNotesPerchKi Ra Kozhambu100 showsPerchBirdsAmares theatro Love AllSilkroute The Little Prince45 showsIndianostrumHinge yellamaIndianostrumBoys drama companyIndianostrumFlying chariotIndianostrumSchool for wivesSilkrouteA pair of wings I wish for13 showsThe PerchKindhan Charithiram47 shows Maya, as part of the perch theatre group, toured various cities performing the stage play Kira Kozhambu along with Ravindra Vijay and Anand Sami. They have done almost 100 performances across the country so far. The play solely featured the three actors and a bench. The play was based on Ki. Rajanarayanan's collection of short stories titled Nattuppura Kadhai Kalanjiyam with Anandsami reprising his role from the original play. A critic stated that "Actors Anand Sami, Maya S. Krishnan and Ravindra Vijay were in their elements with their seamless blend of art and entertainment".
Maya has demonstrated a flair through her work with string puppets in the production of "The Little Prince" at Silk Route Theatre. For this show, she utilized puppets that are approximately 70 years old, reclaimed from a village near Pondicherry. Mastering the art of puppetry, they skillfully manipulated these historic puppets to bring characters to life on stage.
For the Boys Drama Company production, she learned Devarattam, a traditional folk dance of Tamil Nadu.
Film Maya debuted in James Vasanthan's Vaanavil Vaazhkai, where she had to cut her hair short to play a singer. She played a reporter in Thodari (2016) and also appeared in movies like Dhruva Natchathiram, 2.0, Magalir Mattum and Server Sundaram. Maya is part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
Comedy Maya began her career in comedy as a member of Half Boiled Inc, the first-ever improv club in South India. Her time with Half Boiled Inc allowed them to hone her improvisational skills and establish a strong foundation in comedic performance. She specialized in social media sketch comedy.
Other work She volunteers at several hospitals, including APPOLO Madurai, Egmore Children’s Hospital, Adyar Cancer Institute, and Kauvery Hospital.
Filmography
+ List of Maya S. Krishnan film credits Year Title Role Notes 2015 Vaanavil Vaazhkai Swetha 2016 Thodari News Reporter 2017 Server Sundaram Unknown Unreleased Guru Boxing student Telugu film; uncredited Magalir Mattum Ameena Velaikkaran Actress My Son Is Gay Maya 2018 Yenda Thalaiyila Yenna Vekkala Dora 2.0 Student Uncredited 2022 Vikram Maya 2023 Leo Maya Dhruva Natchathiram Unknown Unreleased 2024 Weapon Akira 2025 Fighter Raja Lucky Telugu film
Web series + List of Maya S. Krishnan web series credits Year Program Role Network Notes2020Time Enna Boss VelleliAmazon PrimeSpecial appearance2021LOL - Enga Siri PaappomMaya 20223BHKAnjana VYouTube + Year Title Notes 2020 MONTAGE (21 Days Of Solitude)2020Maya UnleashedIndia’s first-ever female action short film
Television + List of Maya S. Krishnan television credits Year Program Role Channel Notes2023-2024Bigg Boss 7ContestantVijay TV2nd Runner Up2026Bigg Boss – The Common ManHost Star Vijay
References
External links ILULU Collective