Not just a star wife: Uma

Malayalis are familiar with Riyaz Khan, the handsome villain who specialises in negative roles. His talent transcends language barriers and his plum role in super hit movie Gajini is testimony to his acting skills. His wife Uma Riyaz Khan can’t claim to be a familiar face among Malayalis except for those who may have spotted her at award shows and other functions. However, Uma is not just a star wife; she herself is a prominent actor in the Tamil film industry. Her role as Mehrunnissa in Anbe Sivam had gained her appreciation. An actress, dancer and athlete, she is a diehard fan of Malayalam films and aspires to act in one very soon.

Uma recently completed a single shot film with her husband Riyaz Khan, about which she is very excited. The movie, directed by a Malayalam director Shibu, according to Uma is a very different concept and both their roles as police officers were exciting. “It was a lifetime experience to work with Riyaz and I am hoping to do more projects with him,” she adds. Uma shared her liking towards Kerala and the Malayalam film industry while in Kerala to judge Miss Queen of India 2017, taking place at Raviz, Kollam. “I often come to Kerala as my family is in Fort Kochi. I love coming here for the beauty and climate of the place as well,” says Uma who was approached by Ajith Pegasus, organiser of the event who had met her at the Miss South India competition.

“I was judging the event and Ajith asked me if I could come down to Kerala to judge Miss Queen of India.” Uma plans to stay in Kerala till the end of the month and shoot for a Malayalam advertisement. Expressing a desire to work in Malayalam films, Uma says, “Though I have not worked here, I have heard great things about the industry both from my mother and husband. My mother despite being a Tamil actor has worked with almost all mainstream actors in Malayalam. Riyaz’s explanations about the industry have also increased my urge.”