Rhiya Ahir
| |
| Rhiya Ahir in 2026 | |
| Born | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Sathaye College, Mumbai; University of Mumbai |
| Occupation | Actress, Model, Host, Entrepreneur |
| Years active | |
| Known for | Bigg Boss 20, Modelling, Acting, Dilbara, Rhiyasat |
| Notable works | Dilbara, Rhiyasat |
| Awards | |
| Parents | |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Rhiya Ahir is an Indian actress, model, host and entrepreneur. She gained wider public attention in July 2026 after a video showing her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van carrying detained student protesters during a protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai went viral on social media. She later became a contestant on Bigg Boss 20, the Salman Khan-hosted Hindi reality television show.[1][2][3]
Early Life and Education
Rhiya Ahir was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, while her family hails from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. She comes from a defence family. Her father served in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), while other members of her family have also served in the armed forces.
Rhiya Ahir completed her early education in Mumbai and studied Psychology at Sathaye College. However, she did not complete the course because of her professional commitments. She later began pursuing a degree in English Literature from the University of Mumbai through distance education.
Rhiya Ahir also received extensive theatre training and has reportedly trained in theatre for nearly 13 years. Her theatre experience helped her develop confidence and performance skills.
Career
Rhiya Ahir built her career across modelling, acting, event hosting and entrepreneurship. She has appeared in music videos, advertisements and other entertainment projects. One of her music-video appearances was in Dilbara, released in 2025.
Alongside her entertainment career, Riya entered the fashion and business sector. In 2025, she launched the luxury clothing brand Rhiyasat. The brand was described as a venture aimed at connecting local artisans with buyers. In an interview, she said that the idea for the brand was influenced by the controversy surrounding Prada's design of Kolhapuri chappals.
Her work as a model, actress and host, along with her entrepreneurial activities, established her presence in Mumbai's fashion and entertainment industry.
NEET UG 2026 Protest
In July 2026, Riya Ahir gained significant attention after a video from a student protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai circulated widely on social media.
The video showed her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van carrying detained student protesters. The footage became one of the widely discussed visuals associated with the protest and generated debate over the detention of demonstrators and her actions at the scene.
Rhiya Ahir was not a NEET aspirant. She participated in the demonstration in support of students raising concerns over alleged examination irregularities and the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak.
The incident brought her increased national attention and introduced her to audiences beyond her existing modelling, acting and entrepreneurship work.
In 2026, Riya Ahir became a contestant on Bigg Boss 20, the Hindi-language reality television show hosted by Salman Khan.
Her participation in the show marked a new phase in her entertainment career and brought her wider national visibility. Her journey on Bigg Boss 20 also introduced her to television audiences beyond her previous work in modelling, acting, hosting and entrepreneurship.[4][5][6]
Notable Works
Rhiya Ahir's work includes modelling assignments, acting projects, event hosting, advertisements and music videos. Her notable entertainment appearance includes the 2025 music video Dilbara. She also launched the luxury clothing brand Rhiyasat in 2025.
Her participation in Bigg Boss 20 in 2026 became one of the major milestones in her television career.
Achievements and Recognition
Rhiya Ahir has developed a multi-faceted career spanning modelling, acting, theatre, event hosting and entrepreneurship. Her extensive theatre training contributed to her development as a performer, while her work in fashion and entertainment helped establish her professional profile.
Her appearance during the July 2026 Mumbai student protest brought her widespread social-media attention. Her subsequent participation in Bigg Boss 20 further increased her public visibility.
Personal Life
Rhiya Ahir is based in Mumbai and comes from a family with a defence background. Her father served in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, while other members of her family have served in the armed forces.
Her family has roots in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Details regarding her marital status and other aspects of her private life have not been widely disclosed.
External Links
See also
References
- ↑ Who Is Rhiya Ahir? All About the Model, FIR Against Her and How She Hogged Limelight Amid Mumbai Gen Z Protest . In LiveMint (20 August 2026) . Retrieved 6 September 2026
- ↑ Who Is Rhiya Ahir? Education Qualification, Career and Why the Model Is in the Spotlight . In The Times of India (20 August 2026) . Retrieved 6 September 2026
- ↑ Who Is Rhiya Ahir? Woman Who Broke Internet by Blocking Police Van at Mumbai CJP Protest . In The Business Standard (24 July 2026) . Retrieved 6 September 2026
- ↑ Bigg Boss 20 confirmed list: Qazi Touqeer, Mahhi Vij, Gullu, Isha Rikhi and others . In India Today (3 September 2026) . Retrieved 5 September 2026
- ↑ Bigg Boss 20 Rumoured Contestants List: From Karan Wahi to Arishfa Khan and Mary Kom . In The Times of India . Retrieved 4 September 2026
- ↑ Bigg Boss 20 Rumoured Contestant List: Karan Wahi, Arishfa Khan, Mary Kom and More . In Sunday Guardian Live . Retrieved 4 September 2026