Rhiya Ahir hits back at Bigg Boss 20 critics: ‘I have to earn a living too…’

Rhiya Ahir has responded to the criticism surrounding her possible entry into Bigg Boss 20, after the actor, model and entrepreneur became a familiar face online following her appearance at a Mumbai student protest. The makers of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show have now put the decision in the hands of viewers, with Rhiya and Love Gill competing for a place in the Bigg Boss house.

The controversy stems from allegations on social media that Rhiya participated in the CJP protest primarily to gain publicity and eventually secure a spot on the reality show. Addressing the criticism, Rhiya shared a supportive comment on social media and made it clear that activism is not her profession.

Rhiya Ahir responds to criticism

Rhiya, 27, reposted a comment from a social media user who defended her against those questioning her motives. The user pointed out that Rhiya had participated in a single protest that subsequently went viral and said people should not expect her to make activism her career.

“She is not an activist. That is not her profession or her job. She participated in one protest, it went viral, and suddenly people started expecting activism from her as if that’s her career (sic).”

Rhiya endorsed the sentiment and added a light-hearted remark about having to earn a living, saying, “Paapi Pet Ko Bhi Paalna Hai (I have to earn a living too).”

She also suggested that responding too directly to the criticism could lead to accusations of her using a "victim card". According to Rhiya, her decision to consider a reality television opportunity should not invalidate her actions during the protest.

What did Rhiya say about the viral protest video?

Rhiya first attracted widespread attention after footage from a Mumbai protest circulated online. The visuals showed her standing in front of a police vehicle as officers were reportedly taking detained protesters away.

The incident occurred during a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party over the alleged NEET examination paper leak. Rhiya said she believed intervening at the time was the right thing to do.

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She has also clarified that she did not make any money from the video that made her popular online.

The viral footage subsequently brought her a significant amount of attention on social media, with the episode becoming closely associated with her public image.

Rhiya says acting has been her career

While her protest appearance turned her into a viral personality, Rhiya has stressed that she was already pursuing a career in the performing arts.

She said she had been involved in theatre for around 13 years, beginning when she was approximately four-and-a-half years old. Alongside theatre, she has worked as a model and appeared in music videos.

Rhiya is also an entrepreneur and founded Rhiyasat, a luxury handcrafted apparel label that works with Indian artisans. Her professional pursuits, she has indicated, extend well beyond activism and the protest that brought her widespread attention.

On August 5, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also featured Rhiya among a group of young voices in a post shared on Instagram.

Why is Rhiya's Bigg Boss 20 entry controversial?

The controversy intensified after the makers of Bigg Boss 20 launched the 'Fans Ka Faisla' campaign. Under the concept, viewers get to choose which of two proposed contestants should enter the show.

Rhiya is competing against Love Gill, with the contestant receiving the highest number of votes set to secure a place in the Bigg Boss house.

The voting opportunity has brought renewed scrutiny of Rhiya's protest appearance. Critics online have questioned whether her participation in the demonstration was connected to her ambitions in entertainment. Rhiya, however, has rejected the suggestion that the viral incident was staged or undertaken for financial gain.

She has maintained that she acted according to what she believed was right at the time and sees no contradiction in pursuing an entertainment opportunity after the incident brought her additional visibility.

When does Bigg Boss 20 premiere?

Meanwhile, Bigg Boss 20 is gearing up for its return with Salman Khan once again taking charge as host. The season is scheduled to premiere on September 6 on Colors TV.

The makers have already begun releasing promos, including one featuring Salman that brings back the 'Fans Ka Faisla' format. The upcoming season has also been promoted under the theme 'Tathaas-Two', with the audience being given a greater say in determining who enters the reality show.