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 16. Since then she has appeared in music video, television commercials, fashion shows, and magazine covers.
Riya has worked as an activist, and has appeared in an AIDS awareness music video with the aim of dispelling popular myths about the disease. She helped raise funds for pediatric eye-care. Riya has faced controversies such as an infamous MMS clip with actor Ashmit Patel, her semi-nude photograph on photographer Dabboo Ratnani's annual calender and her on-screen kisses in a conservative Indian film industry.
Riya Sen is considered a major sex symbol in Bollywood. She has shared many on screen kisses with her co-stars which is considered inappropriate in India. She became an actress at a very young age and has appeared on the cover of many magazines. She is also an advertising model for several big companys. She became a popular model when she appeared in numerous music videos for songs by popular Indian singers.
