Rhiya Ahir Exclusive with PTC Punjabi: Opens up about Bigg Boss 20, Salman Khan and Love Gill

With the Bigg Boss 20 Grand Finale just a day away on September 6, the excitement around the show’s Fans Ka Faisla has reached its peak. Viral NEET girl and actor Rhiya Ahir is competing against Love Gill for the chance to enter the Bigg Boss house. Ahead of the big decision, Rhiya spoke exclusively to PTC Punjabi about Salman Khan, life inside the house, Gen Z, Love Gill and the viral moment that made her a familiar face.

Punjab Holds a Special Place in Riya Ahir’s Heart

Riya Ahir revealed that her connection with Punjab goes back to her childhood. She studied at Guru Nanak Mission School in Mumbai, where she was introduced to Punjabi through prayers and singing Shabads. She even participated in inter-school competitions where she performed Shabads. Her bond with Punjab grew stronger through her 13 years of theatre, during which she performed across cities including Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar and Chandigarh. She also recalled a special performance at the Attari Border, where she performed for the Indian Army. When asked about her favourite place in Punjab, Riya instantly spoke about Amritsar and the Golden Temple. She described visiting the Golden Temple and bowing her head there as one of her most beautiful experiences.

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Rhiya Is Ready For The Bigg Boss Challenge

Rhiya knows that entering the Bigg Boss house will not be easy. She admitted that contestants are often placed in situations where their patience and limits are tested.

However, she believes her experiences outside the show have already taught her how to deal with difficult situations. Rhiya said that if fans choose her and she makes any mistakes inside the house, she hopes they will forgive her because challenging situations are part of the Bigg Boss format.

She also understands that people inside the house may try to provoke her or put her down. While she prefers to stay calm and respectful, Rhiya believes there are moments when a strong answer becomes necessary.

‘I’m Really Looking Forward To Meeting Salman Khan’

One of the biggest moments Rhiya is waiting for is meeting Salman Khan. She revealed that she has never met the superstar before.

Rhiya admitted that although she may say she will remain calm, she does not know what her real reaction will be when Salman is standing in front of her. According to her, Salman has such a powerful personality that you only understand its impact when you are actually in the same room with him. There is also a fun connection between the two Rhiya and Salman share the same birthday, December 27. She said she would love to tell him about this and even hopes to share a dance step with him.

Rhiya vs Love Gill: ‘May The Best Woman Win’

Rhiya is competing with Love Gill for the audience's vote. She said she has not specifically researched Love, although her name has naturally come up since the competition began.

For Rhiya, the focus is not on obsessing over her competitor but on being herself. Her attitude is simple: may the best woman win. The final decision, however, rests with the fans.

‘I’m Just Going To Be Rhiya’

Rhiya was also asked whether she sees herself as a representative of Gen Z inside Bigg Boss 20. Her answer was clear: she does not want to enter the show claiming to represent an entire generation. Instead, she wants to simply be herself.

She believes one of Gen Z’s biggest strengths is that young people are not afraid to express their opinions. Rhiya wants to bring that confidence into the Bigg Boss house while also showing the fun side of her personality. She joked that viewers may see her acting like a “full monkey” inside the house, laughing, having fun and enjoying the experience.

Story Behind Her Viral Picture

Rhiya's viral fame is connected to a picture that sparked a lot of conversation online. But she revealed that the incident was not simply an impulsive attempt to go viral. She recalled visiting Shivaji Park on the 21st, where she saw children being held in a police van. She questioned the authorities and asked for proof that their detention was lawful. Rhiya said she remained there until she was satisfied that proper procedures were being followed. She stressed that she had researched the issue and knew what she was doing. Her actions, she explained, were not simply spontaneous.

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Will Rhiya Enter Bigg Boss 20?

Rhiya’s personality is a mix of confidence, humour and fearlessness. She can stand up strongly when she believes something is wrong, but she also believes in laughing, enjoying life and never losing the child within. Now, the decision is in the hands of the fans. Rhiya Ahir or Love Gill who will win Fans Ka Faisla and get the opportunity to enter Bigg Boss 20?

- PTC PUNJABI