Ritu Matharoo is a passionate actress and model based in Toronto, Canada, whose journey is a powerful blend of courage, culture, and creativity. She always felt a deep calling toward storytelling and performance from a young age. With Punjabi roots and a strong connection to her community, she learned early on the power of representation and the importance of using her voice.
Before fully pursuing acting, Ritu worked as a correctional officer, a demanding role that taught her resilience, discipline, and a deep understanding of human nature. These life experiences uniquely shape the emotional depth she brings to her characters.
Ritu’s artistic journey took flight through modeling and pageantry, where she gained confidence and a keen understanding of stage presence. Over time, she transitioned into acting, appearing in music videos and winning accolades, including “Best Actress” at the prestigious IPOP event in Los Angeles. Her training includes intensive acting workshops and ongoing coaching, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth.
Ritu stands out for her ability to fuse vulnerability with strength, both on screen and off. She aims to inspire other women, especially in the South Asian community, to dream boldly and embrace their authentic selves. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is deeply passionate about female empowerment and giving back, supporting various local organizations in Brampton.
Balancing her love for fashion, dance, and storytelling, Ritu sees herself as more than an actress, she is a storyteller, a dreamer, and a proud representative of her culture. Her dedication, humility, and relentless spirit make her a rising force in the entertainment industry, with her sights set on powerful film and TV roles that amplify underrepresented voices.
HELLO RITU MATHAROO, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT GOT YOU INTO ENTERTAINMENT THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THAT IT WAS YOUR CHOSEN PATH?
My passion for entertainment began when I was just 14. I went to a middle school where my Grade 8 class focused on the arts and I was surrounded by so much creativity and encouraged to express myself in different ways, I discovered my love for performance very early on. Even then, I felt drawn to stepping into different characters and exploring new worlds.
When I entered high school, that spark only grew stronger. I looked for every possible acting opportunity I could find, from drama classes to school plays, always searching for ways to bring stories to life. I started background acting at a young age, gaining valuable on-set experience that only fueled my curiosity and passion for the industry.
At 18, I took a bold step into pageantry. Beyond the glamour and stage lights, pageantry taught me discipline, confidence, and how to truly own my presence. It gave me a platform to express my creativity in a new way and showed me the power of storytelling through movement, expression, and public speaking. What made me fall completely in love with acting was realizing that I could become whoever I wanted to be in front of the camera. Acting isn’t just about performing to me, it’s about freedom, transformation, and self-expression. Through each character, I get to share pieces of myself and connect with people in a deeply meaningful way.
From being a young girl dreaming in my classroom to winning Best Actress at an international competition, my journey has always been about following my passion with heart and authenticity.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER ACTORS & MODELS?
My vulnerability and strength set me apart. My background in correctional services gives me a raw, grounded perspective on human behavior, and my cultural pride allows me to bring deeply authentic representation to the screen. I always aim to radiate authenticity and resilience in every performance.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING HAVE YOU RECEIVED?
I’ve dedicated myself to continuously growing as both an actress and a model. I’ve trained through professional acting workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and gained intensive on-set experience in music videos and short films.
Since I was 18, I’ve also taken modeling classes, learning runway walks and posing techniques from different coaches. Every fashion show, photoshoot, and performance has been an opportunity for me to absorb feedback, refine my craft, and grow more confident in my artistic expression. Right now, I am one of the organizers of a runway fashion show named “Brampton Fashion Week” I have been organizing this show for years and it has given me the opportunity to also be behind the scenes and experience the industry from a completely different perspective.
It allowed me to support other artists, understand the production side and deepen my appreciation for fashion. I’m also currently working with Emerging Artists LA to continue growing as an actress, I believe that practice makes perfect and I love hands on coaching, it allows me to challenge myself and I truly want to evolve into a stronger, better and more versatile artist.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION?
I approach each audition as an opportunity to fully embody a new story and breathe life into a character. I start by understanding the character’s backstory, motivations, and emotional arc. I break down the script line by line, analyzing the emotion behind every word and exploring how I can best convey that feeling in a genuine, impactful way.
This detailed breakdown helps me understand not just what the character is saying, but why they’re saying it and how they feel in that exact moment. I believe in making each role my own. I experiment with different interpretations, tones, and subtle movements until I find the version that feels most authentic to me. I often record myself performing the scene and watch it back to catch small nuances and refine my delivery.
Visualization and meditation are also key parts of my process; they allow me to fully step into the character’s mindset and energy before I even enter the audition room. For me, auditions aren’t just about reading lines; they’re a chance to connect, to create, and to leave a lasting impression through honesty and emotional truth.
HAS THERE BEEN ONE PARTICULAR MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
There isn’t just one moment that stands out above the rest for me. Every time I step on set, work with new people, and explore new characters, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude. Each role is different and holds a special place in my heart.
The opportunity to learn, to grow, and to build new connections in every performance is what makes this journey truly meaningful for me. It’s the collection of all these small breakthroughs, shared laughter, and challenges overcome together that I’m most proud of.
WHAT’S BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF PURSUING YOUR CHOSEN CAREER?
One of the biggest pros for me has been the ability to live my full truth and do what truly makes me happy, acting. It’s not just about being on set or in front of a camera; it’s about pure freedom of expression. Exploring different emotions, stepping into different worlds, and telling stories in my own authentic way makes me feel alive and has been one of my passions for as long as I can remember.
Of course, there are challenges. Self-doubt can creep in, and transitioning from a completely different career in corrections has required me to rebuild and redefine my professional identity. Balancing family life and personal relationships while dedicating so much time and energy to my craft can also be challenging. The unpredictable schedule, long hours, and emotional investment make it hard to maintain balance. But I don’t believe in giving up when things get hard. I always remind myself that you can’t ask God for courage and then expect an easy path. Overcoming these challenges is what shapes me and makes the journey truly worth it.
WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
My greatest influence growing up was my mother. Her resilience and courage laid the foundation for who I am today. She migrated to Canada at a young age, stepping into a city she knew nothing about, determined to build a better future for us.
Her sacrifices taught me that women are capable of anything and to be grateful for even the smallest things. Another powerful influence in my life has been my grandfather. He is the most inspirational man I have ever met. No matter how hard my day has been, every time I come home, he reminds me, “himmat rakhi di hundiya” which means “have courage” and “everything will be okay.” His words have become a source of strength and light for me, making me feel invincible and reminding me that I can overcome any obstacle.
Between my mother’s sacrifices and my grandfather’s unwavering faith, I grew up deeply inspired and empowered. They taught me to move through life with courage, gratitude, and an unshakeable belief that I can achieve anything I dream of.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would tell my younger self to truly believe in her own strengths and to see the light within. I believe that when you are full of light, kindness, and positivity, it radiates far beyond you and touches everyone around you. I would remind myself to always be authentic, to trust in my light, and to choose happiness every single day. You never know who might be having a hard day or who might need a small act of kindness to change everything.
I believe we can all be that unexpected angel in someone’s life, the one who lifts their spirit without even realizing it. I feel deeply that we’re here to guide, support, and uplift each other on our unique journeys. Being that light and choosing to spread kindness isn’t just a gift to ourselves; it’s a responsibility and a gift to everyone we meet.
IF YOU WEREN’T AN ACTOR WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU BE DOING?
If I weren’t an actor, I would be deeply focused on empowering women and supporting young girls in my community. With my background in justice studies and my experience working in corrections, I’ve always felt a strong calling to protect and uplift vulnerable populations. I’m especially passionate about helping girls impacted by human trafficking and preventing sexual assault among young women. I’ve worked with Zonta International and hope to continue that work even more deeply in the future.
I see myself dedicating my life to advocacy, education, and mentorship, creating safe spaces where young women can learn about their rights, build confidence, and find support. I’ve also always had a strong interest in law enforcement. My goals align with my desire to strengthen my community and stand on the front lines to protect and serve.
Whether on screen or in uniform, my mission remains the same, to inspire, protect, and empower others to live their most authentic and fearless lives.
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT ANY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS?
Yes, I am deeply passionate about supporting charitable organizations and community initiatives. I served as the Director of Against Parental Alienation Canada (APAC), where I was an active speaker, participated in flag raisings throughout Brampton, and helped lead impactful workshops. I’m also passionate about working with youth. I lead a mentorship program focused on building self-esteem, public speaking skills, and personal growth in young women. I strongly believe that youth are our tomorrow and they’re the future leaders and changemakers.
Through my advocacy, I hope to continue creating empowering spaces where young people can find their voices and realize their full potential. Beyond these programs, I remain committed to women’s empowerment, mental health awareness, and community development. I believe that by lifting others up and providing mentorship, we create a ripple effect of positive change that can last for generations.
AS AN INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD, HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR ROOTS AND HERITAGE WILL INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AND THE ROLES YOU CHOOSE?
Although I was born in Canada, my Punjabi roots have always had a profound influence on my identity and artistic journey. Growing up in a traditional Punjabi household, I was taught deep values rooted in honesty, integrity, love, peace, and humanity. Through the teachings and principles of Sikhism, I developed a strong sense of community, resilience, and spiritual strength.
These values guide my everyday life. My authenticity, grounded in my cultural roots, deeply influences the roles I choose. I want to represent my community with pride and bring powerful, meaningful characters to life, roles that go beyond entertainment and carry a message.
I’m especially drawn to roles that showcase Sikhism and reflect the strength, compassion, and depth of my heritage. Through my work, I hope to break stereotypes, amplify underrepresented South Asian voices, and inspire future generations to embrace their culture while pursuing their dreams on a global stage.
IN TODAY’S HOLLYWOOD, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PUSH FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY AND REPRESENTATION. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO THIS MOVEMENT, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU STILL HOPE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY?
As a South Asian woman in Hollywood, I feel a deep responsibility to push for true inclusivity and authentic representation. I believe there is still a significant lack of representation for South Asian women, especially those who embrace their cultural and religious identities, like Sikhism. I want to see more people who look like me on screen, because seeing someone who reflects your story can be incredibly empowering. I know firsthand how inspiring it is to see someone who shares your culture succeed on a global stage.
Through my work, I hope to become that face for other young girls and women, to be the woman someone points to and says, “Look, she looks like me. If she can do it, so can I.”
My mission is to represent strong, South Asian women and help normalize diverse stories in mainstream media. I want to open doors for future generations, inspire underrepresented voices to step forward, and create a more inclusive industry where everyone feels seen and valued.
FAVORITE QUOTE
I believe that “giving back is the true key to happiness, and by helping others, you help yourself.”
WHAT DID YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT IPOP!?
The most incredible part of iPOP! for me was being surrounded by people who shared the same energy, passion, and drive for acting, modeling, singing, and dancing. Being in a room full of talented, creative souls felt like coming home, a place where I could express who I truly was every single minute without holding back. The kindness and warmth I experienced were unforgettable.
Everyone supported each other, lifted each other up, and genuinely wanted to see everyone succeed. Just being among such talented artists was deeply inspiring; I learned so much simply by watching and connecting with others. Meeting and connecting with agents and industry professionals was an exciting part of the experience, but it was the vibrant, supportive community and shared passion that left the most lasting impact on my heart.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FOLLOW YOU ONLINE?
People can follow me on Instagram @ritumatharoo_, TikTok, and Snapchat @ritumatharoo_14.
