Mumbai, August 25, 2026: Rhiya Ahir, the Mumbai-based model and actor who became a viral face of the recent student protests after standing in front of a police van carrying detained demonstrators, may now be heading to the Bigg Boss 20 house.
The 27-year-old has been placed in a public vote against Punjabi actor and model Love Gill, with viewers being given the power to decide which one of them will secure a place in the Salman Khan-hosted reality show.
Who Is Rhiya Ahir?
Rhiya Ahir, also known as Rhiya Ekousiya in some reports, is a Mumbai-based fashion model, actor and entrepreneur. She has worked in modelling, acting, theatre and music-video projects and is also associated with Rhiyasat, a handcrafted apparel venture that works with Indian artisans.
She has reportedly undergone extensive theatre training and has also been pursuing an English Literature degree through distance education after previously studying Psychology.
The Protest Moment That Made Her Viral
Ahir shot to national attention in July 2026 during a student protest in Mumbai. Videos and photographs showed her standing with her arms outstretched in front of a police van carrying detained protesters near Shivaji Park.
The dramatic moment quickly spread across social media, making her one of the most recognisable faces associated with the Mumbai demonstrations. Ahir later said her decision to intervene was spontaneous after she saw protesters being taken away in the vehicle.
Now, a Possible Bigg Boss 20 Entry
Ahead of the premiere of Bigg Boss 20, the makers have revived the “Fans Ka Faisla” format, allowing viewers to choose one potential contestant before the season begins.
In the latest promo, Salman Khan introduces Rhiya Ahir and Love Gill as the two contenders. The contestant receiving the most votes will get a place inside the Bigg Boss house as an official participant.
Who Is Love Gill?
Love Gill is a Punjabi actor and model who has worked across music videos, television and films. She is known for her television work, including Tu Patang Main Dor, and has appeared in Punjabi projects such as Haterz, Vekhi Ja Chhedi Na and Furlow.
How Can Fans Vote?
According to reports, viewers can vote for their preferred contestant through the JioHotstar app. Voting is reported to remain open until September 2 at 11:59 pm, with the winner expected to be revealed around the show’s grand premiere on September 6, 2026.
From Viral Protester to Reality TV?
Rhiya Ahir’s potential Bigg Boss entry has generated significant discussion online, with her journey from a viral protest moment to a possible reality-show contestant attracting both support and criticism on social media. Her actual entry, however, will depend on the outcome of the public vote against Love Gill.
With Bigg Boss 20 just weeks away from its reported September 6 premiere, the fan vote could determine whether Rhiya Ahir’s next major public appearance takes place inside India’s most watched reality-show house.
