SHANTHI Ranganathan is the mother of talented actor, comedian and presenter Romesh.
She’s become a much-loved figure in her own right thanks to appearances alongside her son on various shows — the latest being ITV’s Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents Evening.
Background
While specific details about Shanthi Ranganathan‘s early life are limited, we know that she has Sri Lankan roots.
She moved to the UK with her husband in 1970, where Romesh was born and raised.
This cultural background has played a significant role in shaping his comedic material.
Birth of Romesh
Romesh was born in Crawley, West Sussex on March 27, 1978.
He and his little brother Dinesh attended the fee-paying Reigate Grammar School in Surrey.
However, when Romesh was 12 his father announced that he was leaving Shanthi for another woman.
Husband’s imprisonment
Just a few months later, Shanti’s husband was arrested for fraud and sent to prison for two years.
This led to the family’s home being repossessed, and they were forced to live in a local B&B for 18 months.
They were later rehoused in a council house, which their father came back to once he was released from prison.
Romesh was forced to leave Reigate Grammar School and instead attend the Hazelwick Secondary School in Crawley, where he later returned to work as a maths teacher.
He told the Radio Times: “It started off in a very comfortable two-up, two-down house.
“The TV was the centre of the living room — until our house was repossessed.”
The presenter continued: “My dad went to prison. My mum, brother and I ended up in one room in a B&B.
“I didn’t have a sofa — the view of the telly was from the bed.”
Romesh said: “My parents had come from Sri Lanka and they were obsessed with me going to private school. I didn’t enjoy my time there. I was a bit of an outsider.
“Without getting too dark, I was racially abused. So, I wasn’t that bothered about leaving.
“I went to a state school, had a great time and went on to teach at that same school — which is where I met my wife [drama teacher, Leesa].”
TV appearances
Shanthi’s relationship with Romesh is characterised by their witty banter and loving dynamic, which has become a central feature of their on-screen appearances together.
Their interactions often involve playful teasing and humorous exchanges, showcasing their tight family bond.
Shanthi has gained popularity through her appearances on various television shows alongside her son, including:
- Asian Provocateur (2016): This BBC Three series saw Romesh sent by Shanthi on a “ramshackle odyssey” around Sri Lanka to connect with his heritage
- Romesh Ranganathan: Irrational Live (2016): Shanti appeared as herself in the audience of her son’s first ever stand-up show
- QI (2017): Shanti appeared as a panelist on the BBC‘s stalwart comedy quiz
- Just Another Immigrant (2018): In this series on Showtime, Romesh uprooted his entire family, including his wife, three kids, mum and eccentric uncle, and immigrated to Los Angeles
- Judge Romesh (2019): Shanti was a guest on an episode of the show where her son resolved real-life disputes in his court assisted by fellow comics Tom Davis and Kerry Howard
- The Ranganation (2019-22): Shanti has appeared in over 30 episodes of this popular BBC Two, where the Ranganation — a focus group made up of 25 Britons — examines life in the UK.
Shanthi has also joined Romesh on popular chat shows, including Alan Carr: Chatty Man, Loose Women and The One Show.
Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents Evening
Shanthi is set to appear on the comedian’s latest show — Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents Evening.
It premieres on ITV Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 9.35 pm.
Romesh Ranganathan invites celebrity guests and their children or parents to relive their school days in the six-part comedy series.
The famous faces appearing on the show are:
- Alison Hammond and her son Aidan
- Tony Bellew and his son Corey
- Joel Dommett and his mum Penny
- Mel B and her daughter Phoenix
- Jonathan Ross and his daughter Honey
- Carol Vorderman and her son Cameron
- Iain Stirling and his mum Alison
- Richard Madeley and his daughter Chloe
- Vicky Pattison and her mum Caroll
In each episode, Romesh and his mother Shanthi sit down with a celebrity guest and their parent or child to go through their old school reports.