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Who Is Riya Ahir?
Riya Ahir, also known as Rhiya Ahir, is an Indian model, actress, theatre performer and entrepreneur from Mumbai, Maharashtra.
She became widely known in 2026 after a video and photograph of her standing in front of a Mumbai Police van during a student protest went viral across social media.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Rajkumar Rhiya Yadav
- Known As: Riya Ahir, Rhiya Ahir
- Date of Birth: December 27, 1998
- Age: 27
- Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Model, Actress, Theatre Performer and Entrepreneur
- Known For: Stopping a police van during the 2026 Mumbai student protest
- Education: Sathaye College and Mumbai University
- Field of Study: Psychology and English Literature
- Business: Rhiyasat
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed
Early Life and Education
Riya Ahir was born on December 27, 1998, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
She comes from a defence family. Her father served in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, while other members of her family have also reportedly served in the armed forces.
Riya completed her schooling in Mumbai before attending Sathaye College, where she studied psychology.
However, she was unable to complete the programme after receiving opportunities in modelling and acting. She later continued her education through distance learning and began pursuing a degree in English Literature at Mumbai University.
Riya also developed an interest in performing at an early age. She has spent years training and working in theatre, which helped shape her confidence as an actress and performer.
Career
Riya Ahir built her career through modelling, acting, theatre and entrepreneurship.
She has worked as a fashion model and actress and has appeared in advertisements, dance projects and independent music videos.
Riya also has a long background in Hindi theatre, where she spent years developing her skills as a performer.
In 2025, she appeared in the music video Dilbara, adding another project to her work in the entertainment industry.
Outside acting and modelling, Riya entered entrepreneurship by founding Rhiyasat, a luxury handcrafted apparel venture. The brand focuses on working with Indian artisans and promoting locally made fashion.
Her business journey was partly influenced by discussions around traditional Indian craftsmanship and the need to give greater recognition to local artisans.
Although she had already been building her career before 2026, Riya’s public profile changed dramatically after her involvement in the Mumbai student protest.
Riya Ahir and the 2026 Mumbai Protest
Riya Ahir gained nationwide attention in July 2026 during a student protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
She noticed a police van carrying detained protesters, including women, and stepped in front of the vehicle.
Riya refused to move and demanded the release of the people inside. The confrontation continued as videos and photographs of the moment began spreading across social media.
The image of Riya standing in front of the police van while wearing a hoodie in the rain quickly became one of the most widely shared images from the protest.
She later explained that she had not planned to become a public figure or the face of a movement. According to her, she acted instinctively after seeing protesters being taken away.
Following the incident, Riya faced online trolling, harassment and alleged threats.
An FIR was also registered against her following the protest. In August 2026, she publicly called for the case to be withdrawn and asked authorities to take action against people who had allegedly threatened and abused her online.
Her viral moment brought enormous attention to her life, career and personal background.
Personal Life
Riya Ahir is unmarried. She has largely kept her dating life and romantic relationships private, and there is no widely confirmed public information about a boyfriend or husband.
Outside her work, Riya has interests in acting, theatre, fashion and creative expression. Her career reflects her interest in both entertainment and entrepreneurship, while her public profile has also grown because of her outspoken response to the 2026 protest controversy.
Social Media
- Instagram: @rhiyaahir
Riya Ahir’s Net Worth
Riya Ahir’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
Her income is connected to several areas of her career, including modelling, acting, theatre, event work, brand opportunities and her fashion venture, Rhiyasat.
However, her total earnings, assets, investments and business valuation have not been publicly revealed.
For that reason, there is no confirmed figure for Riya Ahir’s personal net worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Riya Ahir?
Riya Ahir is an Indian model, actress, theatre performer and entrepreneur who became widely known after stopping a police van during a student protest in Mumbai.
- When was Riya Ahir born?
Riya Ahir was born on December 27, 1998.
- How old is Riya Ahir?
She is 27 years old.
- Where is Riya Ahir from?
She is from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- What is Riya Ahir famous for?
She became famous after standing in front of a Mumbai Police van during a student protest in 2026.
- What does Riya Ahir do for a living?
She works as a model, actress, theatre performer and entrepreneur.
- Where did Riya Ahir go to college?
She attended Sathaye College and later pursued English Literature through Mumbai University.
- What did Riya Ahir study?
She studied psychology at Sathaye College before later pursuing English Literature.
- Why did Riya Ahir go viral?
She went viral after standing in front of a police van carrying detained protesters during a protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
- What business does Riya Ahir own?
She is the founder of Rhiyasat, a fashion venture focused on handcrafted clothing and local artisans.
- Has Riya Ahir appeared in a music video?
Yes. She appeared in the 2025 music video Dilbara.
- Who is Riya Ahir’s father?
Her father reportedly served in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
- Is Riya Ahir married?
No. She is unmarried.
- What is Riya Ahir’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram handle is @rhiyaahir.
- What is Riya Ahir’s net worth?
Riya Ahir’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
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