Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Rhiya Ahir Defends Bigg Boss 20 Decision Amid Protest Debate
Rhiya Ahir became well known after standing in front of a police van during a student protest in Mumbai.
She is now trying to enter the television show Bigg Boss 20.
She must first win enough audience votes in a competition called Fans Ka Faisla.
Rhiya says she was unsure about joining because children and other people look up to her.
She says joining the show is also part of her work and a chance to show people who she really is.
If Salman Khan criticises her, she says she would calmly explain her side.
However, she thinks she might cry if he shouted at her.
Rhiya says she will accept the result whether she enters the house or not.
The audience is expected to decide her fate on 6 September.
Rhiya Ahir is competing against another contestant in Fans Ka Faisla for a possible Bigg Boss 20 entry.
Her entry is not confirmed because the audience will decide who advances through voting.
Rhiya says she would respectfully challenge Salman Khan if she felt unfairly criticised, but might cry if he yelled.
She says she was initially reluctant to join because of the responsibilities linked to her protest image.
Rhiya’s audience decision is scheduled for 6 September, ahead of the show’s premiere on JioHotstar and Colors TV.
- Who
- Actress and model Rhiya Ahir, Salman Khan, and the audience voting in Fans Ka Faisla.
- What
- Rhiya is competing for a possible place in Bigg Boss 20 and discussing her protest image, responsibilities, and how she would handle Salman Khan.
- When
- The audience decision is scheduled for 6 September; Bigg Boss 20 premieres on Sunday, with broadcasts at 9 p.m. on JioHotstar and 10:30 p.m. on Colors TV.
- Where
- The earlier protest took place at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park; the possible next appearance is in the Bigg Boss 20 house and on its stage.
- Why
- Rhiya wants the opportunity to enter the show while explaining that joining Bigg Boss is also part of her professional work.
Rhiya’s Perspective
Critics’ Perspective
Meaning of the protest moment
Rhiya’s Perspective
Rhiya says she stood in front of the van to protect students and fulfil her responsibility as a citizen, after concluding that the detention was unlawful.
Critics’ Perspective
Critics described the protest action as a publicity stunt and questioned whether it was being used to build her public image.
Joining Bigg Boss
Rhiya’s Perspective
Rhiya says Bigg Boss is her job and an opportunity to show people her own actions rather than rely on narratives about her.
Critics’ Perspective
Some people criticised her decision because they believed it conflicted with the image and responsibilities associated with her protest stand.
Handling criticism
Rhiya’s Perspective
Rhiya says she would respectfully present her perspective to Salman Khan and accepts that people can hold different views.
Critics’ Perspective
Those who criticise her may interpret her participation or responses through the public image created by the protest and subsequent media attention.
- Show
- Bigg Boss 20, hosted by Salman Khan
- Selection process
- Fans Ka Faisla, in which the audience decides who enters
- Rhiya’s status
- Her entry into the Bigg Boss 20 house is not yet confirmed
- Protest moment
- She went viral after standing in front of a police van during a student protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park
- Experience
- Rhiya says she has performed in more than 100 shows and has modelled for six years
- Audience decision
- Scheduled for 6 September
- Broadcast
- JioHotstar at 9 p.m. and Colors TV at 10:30 p.m.
