Riya Sen

Infobox actor
name = Riya Sen


caption = Riya Sen at a fashion show.
birthname = Riya Dev Varma
birthdate = birth date and age|mf=yes|1981|1|24
location = Kolkata, West Bengal, India
religion =
othername =
occupation = Actor, model
yearsactive =
parents = Bharat Dev Varma, Moonmoon Sen
spouse =
salary =
networth =
website =

Riya Sen (Bengali: রিয়া সেন; Hindi: रिया सेन;IPA2|ria ʃen ITRANS:riYA sen) (born Riya Dev Varma in Kolkata, India on January 24, 1981) is an Indian film actress and model. Riya, who hails from a family of actors including her grandmother Suchitra Sen, mother Moon Moon Sen and sister Raima Sen, began her acting career in 1991 as a child artiste in the film "Vishkanya". Her first commercial success in her film career was with "Style", a 2001 Hindi low-budget sex comedy directed by N. Chandra. Some of her other films include producer Pritish Nandy's musical film, "Jhankaar Beats" (2001) in Hinglish, director David Dhawan's comedy film, "Shaadi No. 1" (2005) and director-cinematographer Santhosh Sivan's Malayalam horror film "Ananthabhadram" (2005).

Riya was first recognised as a model when she performed in Falguni Pathak's music video "Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi" at the age of sixteen. Since then, she has appeared in music videos, television commercials, fashion shows, and on magazine covers.

Riya has worked as an activist and appeared in an AIDS awareness music video with the aim of dispelling popular myths about the disease. She also helped raise funds for pediatric eye-care. Riya has faced controversies such as a MMS clip with actor Ashmit Patel, her semi-nude photograph on photographer Dabboo Ratnani's annual calendar and her on-screen kisses in a conservative Indian film industry.

Acting career

Riya first appeared as a child artist in the film "Vishkanya" in 1991, where she played the role of the young Pooja Bedi. At the age of fifteen, National Film Awards winning director Bharathiraja's Tamil film, "Taj Mahal" (2000), which did not achieve commercial success. [cite web| title = Riya Sen’s new role | work = Films | publisher = Behindwoods | date= 2004 | url = http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/sep-06-03/20-09-06-riya-sen.html | date = 2006-09-06 | format = HTML | doi = | accessdate=2008-05-31] She was scheduled to make her Bollywood film debut in "Love You Hamesha", opposite actor Akshaye Khanna; however, the film was stalled, and she ultimately made her debut in N. Chandra's "Style" (2001). [cite web | title = Riya Sen | work = India's Who is Who | publisher = Maps of India | url = http://www.mapsofindia.com/who-is-who/entertainment/riya-sen.html | format = | accessdate=2008-05-31] This low-budget sex comedy [cite news | last = Singh | first = Harneet | title = Friday ko kya ho raha hai? | publisher = Times of India | date= 2002-09-10 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/24797889.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | last = Chetan | first = Mallik | title = Paisa vasool | publisher = Times of India | date= 2004-08-05 | url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13282393_ITM | accessdate=2008-05-31] was the first commercial success in over a decade for the director, whose previous successes included "Ankush" (1986) and "Tezaab" (1988). [cite web | title = Paisa vasool | work = Times of India | publisher = BSNL | url = http://portal.bsnl.in/bsnl1/content%20mgmt/html%20content/entertainment/entertainment40144.html | accessdate=2008-05-31] A launch pad for Riya, cast in the female lead along with fellow-newcomers, Sharman Joshi, Sahil Khan and Shilpi Mudgal, the film pioneered a trend of commercial success for small budget films in India. [cite news | title = Style sets new Bollywood 'Sen'sation | publisher = Times of India | date= 2002-04-30 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8490998.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = Talk of the Town | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2002-01-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2002/01/02/stories/2002010201900200.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] Riya and the second female lead of the film were replaced by aspirant actresses Sunali Joshi and Jaya Seal in "Xcuse Me", the sequel of "Style". [cite news | title = Are you ready for comedy? | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-06-03 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2582.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite web | title = Movie Review: Xcuse Me | publisher = India Info | url = http://movies.indiainfo.com/reviews/xcuse_me.html | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Her next success was "Jhankaar Beats", a comedy revolving around the music of legendary composer R D Burman, which saw her playing a small and glamorous role alongside Shayan Munshi, Juhi Chawla, Rahul Bose, Rinke Khanna and Sanjay Suri. Produced by Pritish Nandy, publishing director of "The Times of India", and directed by debutant director Sujoy Ghosh,cite news | title = Bollywood bug bites Hollywood | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-07-23 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/90550.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] the film was made on a budget of Rs. 25 million (US$525,000 ), marking the sixth in a row of small to medium budget films made by Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC).cite news | title = Box-office bonanza | publisher = Hindu Business Online | date= 2003-01-30 | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2003/06/30/stories/2003063000160400.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] Despite being part of a wave of offbeat films that mostly failed to make an impact at the box office, [cite news | title = 'Bhoot' factor makes way for this week's offbeat films | publisher = NewIndPress | date= 2003-06-17 | url = http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEE20030617032558&Title=Startrek&rLink=0 | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = Plan focuses on male bonding | publisher = Times of India | date= 2004-01-07 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/409514.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] it surprisingly drew public attention upon its release, which led to a commercial success among a restricted audience targeted by a selective release in twenty cities. [cite news | title = For better or for worse? | publisher = India Television | date= 2004-02-10 | url = http://www.indiantelevision.com/perspectives/y2k4/tv_films.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] It was one of the first films made in Hinglish, a mixture of Hindi and English. [cite news | title = It's boom time for Hinglish films | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-01-13 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/34221273.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = Where are 'Made in India' English films headed? | publisher = Music India Online | date= 2007-11-05 | url = http://www.musicindiaonline.com/n/i/hindi/696/ | accessdate=2008-05-31] In 2005, she starred in "Shaadi No. 1", which saw her sharing screen time with Esha Deol, Soha Ali Khan and Ayesha Takia, without anyone getting established as the female lead. [cite news | title = Loaded with glamour! | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2005-11-07 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/07/stories/2005110700610100.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] This comedy, which is based on the theme of modern marriage, was directed by David Dhawan, a renowned film director from this genre. [cite news | title = The timing is perfect! | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2005-11-03 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/03/stories/2005110300060400.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = The master purveyor of comedy is back, but…. Cinema | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2007-07-22 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/22/stories/2007072251190200.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Although films like "Style" and "Jhankar Beats" succeeded commercially, most of her later films have generated less revenue. [cite web| title = Exclusive: Sexy Struggling Actress! | author= Rajiv Dutta | publisher = India Target | url = http://www.indiatarget.com/cgi-bin/slide_shows.cgi?935:3 | format = HTML | accessdate=2008-05-31] A number of them remained unfinished. While many of her appearances have been item numbers and cameos, [cite news | last = Almadi | first = Manisha | title = There's too much politics in Bollywood | publisher = Times of India | date= 2006-10-17 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2190528.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news | last = Sharma | first = Mandvi | title = Oh Riya-lly! | publisher = Times of India | date= 2005-10-14 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1263025.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | last = Staff Reporter | first = | title = Screen On & Off | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2005-06-30 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050630/asp/calcutta/story_4931480.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] few of her leading roles have been in low-budget films. [cite web| last=Srivastava | first=Rajesh |title = Riya Sen: The hottest Bollywood actress and model | publisher = Every Query | date= 2006-10-21 | url = http://articles.everyquery.com/detail/article-3673.html | format = HTML | accessdate=2008-06-10] Though she had small roles in "Dil Vil Pyar Vyar" (2002), "" (2003) and "Plan" (2004), attention was drawn to her item numbers in all three, especially the one in "Qayamat" that featured her in a bubble-bath. [cite news | title = Bollybabes get wetter and wilder | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-10-17 | url = http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20051109-1.html | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = In your dreams, honey...! | publisher = Times of India | date= 2004-06-10 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/729173.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] Besides this, she performed another item number in "James" (2005) on director-producer Ram Gopal Varma's behest, who has a history of casting aspirant actress-models like Sameera Reddy, Isha Koppikar and Koena Mitra in similar roles. [cite news | title = Factory fresh | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2005-06-30 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050630/asp/calcutta/story_4931480.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] Furthermore, she took part in a dance number for Sajid Khan's "Heyy Babyy" (2007) that featured several mainstream Bollywood actresses such as Amisha Patel, Diya Mirza, Neha Dhupia, Amrita Rao and Celina Jaitley, among others. [cite news | title = 21 Bollywood beauties dance for Sajid's 'Hey Baby' | publisher = NowRunning.com | date= 2007-01-21 | url = http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.aspx?it=9256 | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Non-Hindi films

Riya has, in addition to Bollywood films, appeared in Bengali, Tamil,Telugu, Malayalam and English films. Her film career began in the earnest with Tamil films such as Bharathi Raja's "Taj Mahal", co-starring Manjoj Bharatiraja in the male lead, and Manoj Bhatnaghar's "Good Luck", oppsite Prasanth. Both of the films failed commercially, and she had a brief reappearance in Tamil cinema only to perform in a dance number for N. Maharajan's "Arasatchi". [cite web | title = Riya Sen in Arasatchi | publisher = India Varta | url = http://www.indiavarta.com/Startrek/Archives.asp?Page=&ID=IEE20040814035202&dt=8/14/2004 | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Her first English language movie was "It Was Raining That Night", a remake of the Bengali film "Hei Brishtir Raat", scripted by Sudeshna Roy and directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. In the film, she collaborated with mother Moon Moon Sen. [cite news | title = Sush makes her Bangla debut | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-03-19 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/40704551.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] Riya was slated to appear in Anjan Dutta's Bengali-English bilingual film "The Bong Connection" with her sister, but she was eventually dropped from the project and replaced by Peeya Rai Chaudhary. [cite news | title = Riya Sen dropped from The Bong Connection | publisher = BollyVista | date= 2006-02-13 | url = http://www.bollyvista.com/article/a/32/6214|accessdate=2008-05-31] The two sisters were later cast together in director Ajai Sinha's "The Bachelor", a Bengali film that, as of 2008, is yet to be finished. [cite news | title = Fun, Raima, fun | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-03-24 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/41209564.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Her most successful non-Hindi film has been director Santhosh Sivan's "Ananthabhadram" (2005). The first Malayalam venture for both Riya and Sivan, [cite news | title = Movie Review: Ananthabhadram | publisher = Chennaionline.com | date = 2005-12-09 | url = http://www.chennaionline.com/film/Moviereviews/2005/12anandabhadram.asp|last=Mannath|first=Malini] [cite web | title = Riya Sen in Ananthabhadram | publisher = That's Malayalam | url = http://thatsmalayalam.oneindia.in/movies/news/2005/03/031205riyasen.html | accessdate=2008-05-31] was both a critical and commercial success. It won five Kerala State Film Awards [cite news | title = Thanmatra, Ananthabhadram bag five State film awards each | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/08/stories/2006020820990100.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] and surfaced as one of the biggest Malayalam successes that year. [cite news | title = Santosh on a roll | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2005-11-24 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/24/stories/2005112400380100.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] She played the role of "Bhama" in the film, a village girl who is lured by Digambaran, the evil magician portrayed by Manoj K Jayan. In a song-and-dance sequence showing Digambaran turning Bhama into a medium for demonic rituals, the choreographer Aparna Sindoor made abundant use Kathakali movements.cite news | title = Mesmerising mystery | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] The use of Kathakali has been a high point in the resurgence of the classical dance form in other major Indian films as well, [cite news | title = Indian Dance | publisher = BBC | date= 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2982378 | accessdate=2008-05-31] including Shaji Karun's "Vanaprastham" (1999) and Adoor Gopalakrishnan's "Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair" (2005). [cite web | last = | first = | title = Vanaprastham | publisher = Keral | url = http://www.keral.com/celebrities/shajikarun/films.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = Kathakali comes alive on screen | publisher = Deccan Herald | date= 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jul32005/finearts113624200572.asp | accessdate=2007-03-29] She is making her Telugu Debut with Nenu Meeku Telusa opposite Manoj Kumar.

Modeling career

Riya became a popular model when she appeared in numerous music videos for songs by popular singers, including Falguni Pathak's "Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi" (alternative title: "Chudi Jo Khankayi"), Asha Bhosle's "Jhumka Gira Re", Jagjit Singh and Bhosle's "Jab Samne Tum" and "Kahin Kahin Se", Lata Mangeshkar, Bhonsle and Singh's "Dil Kahin Hosh Kahin", Sonu Nigam's "Jeena Hai Tere Liye" and Shaan's "Sutta Maro". She shot for her first music video, "Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi", at the age of sixteen. [cite news | last =Gupta | first =Aparna | title =And now, Riya creates a Sen-sation! | work =India Times | publisher =Times of India | date =2003-01-05 | url =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/8540.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | last =Shahin | first =Ruhi | title ="What is the big deal about being sexy?" | work =India Times | publisher =Times of India | date =2003-01-05 | url =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1913578.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] This led to her being identified primarily as a performer for music videos early in her career, [cite news | title = 'I was stuck with a sexy image' | publisher = Times of India | date= 2004-05-04 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/657469.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] an image she aimed to shed in 2005. [cite news | title = More than oomph | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2005-01-31 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050131/asp/calcutta/story_4315499.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] Riya has appeared on several magazine covers, including "Femina", "Elaan", ["Elaan", August-September 1999] "Man's World", ["Man's World", February 2007] "Gladrags", "Savvy" and Indian versions of "Elle", "Maxim" and "Cosmopolitan", ["Cosmopolitan", February 2004; "Cosmopolitan", February 2007] as well as on the ramp of major fashion shows like Lakmé Fashion Week (2005–07) and Wills Fashion Week (2006–2007). She participated in fashion shows along with her elder sister, Raima Sen.cite news | last = Pradhan | first = Bharathi S. | title = Riya and Raima, Lolo and Bebo | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2007-06-08 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070408/asp/7days/story_7619680.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] Besides modeling, Riya has ventured into the advertisement world as well. A high point of her modeling career came in 2006, when she became the soft drink, Limca's brand ambassador, replacing Deepika Padukone. [cite news| title = Coca-Cola signs up Riya as brand ambassador for Limca | author= PTI | publisher = Access My Library | date= 2008-02-11 | url = http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-14436366_ITM | format = HTML | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite web| title = Limca: Water, water everywhere publisher = AgencyFAQs | date= 2008-02-11 | url = http://www.afaqs.com/perl/news/index.html?sid=17477 | format = HTML | accessdate=2008-05-31] Her other notable assignments include Colgate, Dabur Vatika, Reliance Industries, Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate, and Nirma.

In 2004, she was featured partially nude in leading Indian photographer Dabboo Ratnani's annual calendar, which is a major happening in the Indian glamor industry.cite news | last = Vijayakar | first = Rajiv | title = Capturing the X factor: Daboo Ratnan | publisher = Deccan Herald | date= 2006-02-03 | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb32006/living113218200623.asp | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070314001753/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb32006/living113218200623.asp | archivedate=2007-03-14 | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news | last = Ratnani | first = Dabboo | title = 24 frames make a year | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2006-01-06 | url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060106/asp/calcutta/story_5684379.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] According to Daboo, "Her mother saw it much later, after the calendar released. She thought it was too sexy, and Riya shouldn't have done it. But the response to the photograph was superb. Riya was so thrilled that for her next ad campaign, she asked me to light her up like I did in this."cite web | last = Ratnani| first = Daboo| title = "Riya has one of the finest faces" | publisher = Rediff | url = http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/mar/23slid6.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] A career highlight for the model, [cite news | last = Ratnani | first = Dabboo | title = Being Riya | publisher = Times of India | date= 2008-02-29 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Being_Riya/articleshow/2823229.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] it led to a three year contract with Ratnani to feature her on his annual calendar. [cite web| title = Riya Sen biography | work = Biography | publisher = RiyaSen.net | url = http://www.riyasen.name/biography.php | format = HTML | doi = | accessdate=2008-05-31] She is the only female face to be featured on the calendar in five consecutive years (2003–07). [cite web| title = Riya has one of the finest faces | author= Dabboo Ratnani | work = Rediff special | publisher = Rediff | date= 2004 | url = http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/mar/23slid6.htm | format = HTML | doi = | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite web| title = Dabboo Ratnani’s 2004 calendar launched | work = Films | publisher = Screen India | date= 2004 | url = http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=7066 | format = HTML | doi = | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Personal life and family

Born on January 24, 1981 in Kolkata, West Bengal, Riya is the daughter of Moon Moon Sen, a former actress,cite news | last = Vasisht | first = Divya | title = Straight Answers | publisher = Times of India | date= 2002-11-07 | url = http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/13594453.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news | last = Jha | first = Subhash K | title = Riya and Raima Sen to act together | publisher = Mid-Day | date= 2008-03-28 | url = http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertainment/bollywood/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1057159&_EXT_5_groupId=14 | accessdate=2008-06-10] and granddaughter of Suchitra Sen, a legend in Bengali cinema. [Citation | last = Chatterji | first = Shoma A. | title = Suchitra Sen : A Legend in Her Lifetime | place= New Delhi | publisher = Rupa & Co. | year = 2002 | isbn = 81-7167998-6] Before moving to Mumbai, she lived in Kolkata with her parents and sister Raima Sen, also an actress. Her father Bharat Dev Varma is a member of the royal family of Tripura.cite web | last = Buyers | first = Christopher | title = The Manikya Dynasty: Genealogy | publisher = Royal Ark India | url = http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/tripura6.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] Her paternal grandmother, Ila Devi, was the princess of Cooch Behar, whose younger sister Gayatri Devi is the Maharani of Jaipur. Her paternal grandmother Indira was the only daughter of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. [ [http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/c/coochbehar.html COOCH BEHAR (Princely State)] , University of Queensland; Retrieved: 2008-04-18] [Geraldine Forbes et al, [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ohnfWmSgFkAC&pg=PA135&lpg=PA135&dq=indira+Sayajirao+&source=web&ots=TSofmCKI9G&sig=bAQApAeo0E_k9kq5OLYTE4IGJ0I&hl=en The new Cambridge history of India] , page 135, Cambridge University Press, 2003, ISBN 0521267277] Riya's maternal great-grandfather Adinath Sen was a prominent Kolkata businessman, whose father Dinanath Sen was the Diwan or a Minister of the Maharaja of Tripura. [cite book |last= Chatterji |first= Shoma A. |title= Suchitra Sen: A Legend in Her Lifetime |publisher= Rupa & Co. |year= 2002 |isbn= 81-7167998-6] The sisters are credited on-screen under their grandmother's maiden name, although their official papers carry the surname Dev Varma. [cite news | title = Will you change your surname after marriage? | publisher = Times of India | date= 2004-01-24 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/443410.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Riya completed her schooling at Loreto House and Rani Birla College, both in Kolkata, but dropped out of both institutions. She briefly studied at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, [cite news | last = George | first = Vijay | title = Acting is a serious profession | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2006-06-18 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/06/18/stories/2005061802480100.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] and she took up jewellery-designing as a hobby. [cite news | title = Rich dividends for celebrity interests? | publisher = Times of India | date= 2007-04-11 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/229397.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] She designs most of the clothes that she wears in films and commercials. [cite news | last = Sharma | first = Smriti | title = Limca girl loses her F.I.Z.Z. | publisher = The Tribune | date= 2007-08-18 | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070818/ttlife1.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] Riya is trained in Kathak and kickboxing and took lessons in belly dancing. [cite news | last = Pai | first = Aditi | title = Dance like a star | publisher = India Today | date= 2008-03-01 | url = http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5241&issueid=43&Itemid=1 | accessdate=2008-05-31] Riya entered the film industry through small-time modeling assignments, commuting between Mumbai and Kolkata and traveling by public transport during the her early career. [cite news | first= Aparna | last = Gupta | title = Singing along with the stars | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-04-25 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/44429533.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news | title = Star tracks: Signposts for wannabe | publisher = The Tribune | date= 2004-02-15 | url = http://ww.telegraphindia.com/1041219/asp/look/story_4132447.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] After breaking into the film industry, she shifted from her mother's house in Ballygunge Circular Road in south Kolkata to Mumbai. [cite news | title = The other Garbo | publisher = Times of India | date= 2007-03-25 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/13064325.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] There she moved into the family house in Juhu, where she stays with her sister. [cite news | title = Now it's Raima's turn to rule Bollywood | publisher = NewIndPres | date= 2007-09-15 | url = http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE420070325060026&Page=4&Title=Features+-+People+%26+Lifestyle&Topic=0 | accessdate=2008-05-31] During her stay in Mumbai, the media romantically linked her to model and actor John Abraham. [cite news | title = John & Riya made for each other? | publisher = Hindustan Times | date = 2006-08-07 | url = http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/929006951.cms|accessdate=2008-05-31]

Riya has suffered a number of untimely incidents. During the filming of "Shaadi No. 1" in France, she was knocked unconscious after being accidentally run over by a stuntman's motorbike, but she was not seriously injured.cite news | title = Riya Sen's near death experience | publisher = Express India | date= 2006-08-25 | url = http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=53427 | accessdate=2008-05-31] Shortly before the release of "Silsiilay", in which she starred opposite her boyfriend Ashmit Patel, a 90-second video clip was circulated through Multimedia Messaging Services and the internet, showing the pair in compromising situations.cite news | title = Ashmit's raunchy private video leaked | publisher = Mid-Day | date= 2005-04-27 | url = http://in.news.yahoo.com/050427/57/2kzpt.html | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20061110021457/http://in.news.yahoo.com/050427/57/2kzpt.html | archivedate=2006-10-11 | accessdate=2008-05-31] This was one of a number of controversies that erupted when celebrities were caught in similar situations using cameraphones. [cite news | title = MMS Bug | publisher = Zee News | date= 2006-01-01 | url = http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=264685&sid=ZNS | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news| last = Das | first = Madhuparna | title = 11/10 | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2006-06-30 | url = http://ww.telegraphindia.com/1060630/asp/etc/story_6387700.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] Following this incident, the couple split up,cite news | title = Riya blasts ex-lover | work = HT Tabloid | publisher = Style Icon | url = http://www.styleikon.com/riya-blasts-ex-lover-ashmit.htm | date= 2006-09-30| accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | last = Rastogi | first = Tavishi Paitandi | title = Bongshells ringing in Bollywood | publisher = Hindustan Times | date= 2006-12-24 | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=c6acb3d6-51d6-4ca1-9f99-1a2671ac037f | accessdate=2008-05-31] although Riya denied that she was the female in the MMS clip. One commentator claimed that the footage was an orchestrated publicity stunt. [cite news | last = Jha | first = Subhash K | title = Ashmit-Riya MMS clip to garner publicity? | work = Movies | publisher = India Times | date= 2005-06-27 | url = http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1153378.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] In 2007, she underwent a brief detoxification session in Bangkok for addiction to chocolate. [cite news | title = What's cooking with the stars? | publisher = Times of India | date= 2007-09-15 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Whats_cooking_with_the_stars_/articleshow/2370464.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Public persona

Riya's on-screen performances have established her as a sex symbol and youth icon in India.cite news | last = Siddiqui | first = Rana | title = Image matters | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2005-11-18 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/06/18/stories/2005061800820400.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | last = George | first = Vijay | title = Mesmerising mystery | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2005-11-18 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] Since entering the film industry, she has gained attention for wearing a bikini in "Shaadi No. 1" [cite news | title = Now, some hot stuff from Riya Sen | publisher = Apun Ke Choice | date= 2005-10-04 | url = http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20051004-2.html | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = How Riya Sen was convinced to wear a bikini | publisher = Apun Ke Choice | date= 2005-11-09 | url = http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20051109-1.html | accessdate=2008-05-31] and sharing on-screen kisses with co-stars Ashmit Patel in "Silsiilay" and Sharman Joshi in "Style", respectively. Such performances garnered attention because of the relatively conservative outlook of Indian cinema and her own statements about such practises. [cite news | last = Nandgaonkar | first = Satish | coauthors = Swagata Sen | title = Much ado about kissing | publisher = The Telegraph | date= 2004-12-19 | url = http://ww.telegraphindia.com/1041219/asp/look/story_4132447.asp | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news | title = 'Men are born hunters' | publisher = HTTabloid | date= 2006-06-12 | url = http://www.httabloid.com/news/7242_1718762,00180007.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] Before becoming a film identity, she had a reputation for partying, which started at the age of fifteen. [cite web | title = Style | publisher = Radio Sargam | url = http://www.radiosargam.com/movies/filmpreviews/s/style.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] [cite news | title = Sen philosophy | publisher = Times of India | date= 2003-10-12 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/229397.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] Riya's public persona is compared to her mother Moon Moon, who was seen as a sex symbol of her time, [cite news | title = Discover Moon Moon Sen's world | publisher = Times of India | date= 2007-06-05 | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bombay_Times/Discover_Moon_Moon_Sens_world/articleshow/2175357.cms | accessdate=2008-05-31] while her sister Raima is mostly compared their grandmother Suchitra. [ [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Frames.htm?pageid=http://httabloid.in/news/7242_2051236,00180013.htm Raima Sen won't mind shedding clothes] , Hindustan Times, 15 October 2007]

Although her film career has yet to achieve large-scale success, Riya has generated considerable media attention. She was ranked ninth on "Femina 50 Most Beautiful Women", published in the magazine's September 2007 issue. She was a jury member for the 2008 Final of the Mr. India contest. [cite web| title = Mr. India World 2008 Finale | author= Kkomal Seth, Gautam Seth | work = SmashHits News | publisher = SmashHits | date= 2008-02-11 | url = http://ww.smashits.com/events/3030/1/Mr-India-World-2008-Finale.html | format = HTML | doi = | accessdate=2008-05-31] Along with Bollywood actors such as Waheeda Rehman, Shilpa Shetty, Dia Mirza, Raveena Tandon, Jackie Shroff, Naseeruddin Shah, Tabu and Lara Dutta, Riya appeared in "Haath Se Haath Mila", an HIV/AIDS awareness music video.cite news | title = Joining hands to spread AIDS awareness on television | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2006-07-25 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/25/stories/2006072512960200.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] cite news | last = Kumar | first = Anuj | title = Simply incredible | publisher = The Hindu | date= 2006-07-07 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/07/07/stories/2006070701340400.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31] She made charity appearances at McDonald's India to raise money for paediatric eye-care during World Children's Week (November 14–20) in 2003. [cite news | last = Bhatia | first = Ravi | title = Effective interventions needed to check neonatal deaths | publisher = Tribune India | date= 2003-11-03 | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031123/ncr3.htm | accessdate=2008-05-31]

Filmography

See also

* List of Indian movie actresses
*
* Sex in Indian entertainment

References

External links

*
* [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050131/asp/calcutta/story_4318546.asp Interview with Riya Sen] in "The Telegraph"
* [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070408/asp/7days/story_7619680.asp Riya and Raima compared] in "The Telegraph"
* [http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=76067ef6-542b-40a1-924a-5c4d18ba2e36&&Headline=Star+daughters+on+their+moms Riya Sen on her mother] in "Hindustan Times"