Maitreyi Ramakrishnan says her lucky Attack on Titan sweater helped her land Best of the Best

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan talks about her lifelong obsession with Attack on Titan on the latest episode of Books That Changed My Life. The Never Have I Ever star says the same Hot Topic sweater she bought in middle school has become a good-luck charm she wears to auditions, including for her lead role in Netflix’s upcoming dance movie Best of the Best.

Why it matters: - Ramakrishnan’s comments show how a fandom can become part of a performer’s creative identity and routine. - The episode also gives Netflix’s upcoming dance movie Best of the Best an extra burst of attention through Ramakrishnan’s audition story. - Her remarks frame Attack on Titan as more than entertainment, pointing to the anime and manga’s cultural reach and lasting influence.

What happened: - Maitreyi Ramakrishnan appeared on the latest episode of Books That Changed My Life with host Chris Collins. - Ramakrishnan said Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan is her favorite work of art. - Ramakrishnan said she would choose the series over any book, painting, film or TV show. - Ramakrishnan said her first clothing purchase was an Attack on Titan sweater from Hot Topic. - Ramakrishnan still wears the sweater. - Ramakrishnan said she brings the sweater to every audition and takes it with her when she travels. - Ramakrishnan said the sweater was with her for the audition that led to her lead role in Netflix’s upcoming dance movie Best of the Best. - Ramakrishnan also said she has Attack on Titan tattoos.

The details: - Ramakrishnan found the series in middle school during the anime’s hiatus. - Ramakrishnan said the story meant revenge to her at age 13. - Ramakrishnan said the meaning changed by age 24 to a more complicated view of good and bad. - Ramakrishnan said her background as the daughter of Sri Lankan refugees shaped how she sees the story’s themes. - Ramakrishnan said she was taken to her first protest at age five. - Ramakrishnan described Attack on Titan as a story about cycles of oppression. - Ramakrishnan pushed back on fans who try to separate the series from politics. - Ramakrishnan said she likes stories that make her feel stupid and pull the rug out from under her.

Between the lines: - Ramakrishnan’s account suggests her attachment to Attack on Titan is emotional, political and practical at the same time. - The sweater story also gives her a memorable off-screen ritual that fits the kind of fan devotion audiences often respond to. - Her comments help position Books That Changed My Life as a format built around personal storytelling, not just book recommendations.

What’s next: - The full conversation is available to watch online. - Books That Changed My Life will continue featuring guests who connect a single work to their personal and professional lives. - Ramakrishnan’s rising profile around Best of the Best and her fandom may keep drawing attention to both projects.

The bottom line: - Ramakrishnan’s luckiest audition accessory is also a clue to her taste: she likes stories that challenge her, surprise her and keep changing with time.