India, Sept. 3 -- Model-actor Rhiya Ahir never imagined that a moment during a protest against NEET paper leak would become one of the most defining chapters of her career. After a video of her standing in front of a police van during the protest went viral, Rhiya suddenly found herself at the centre of public attention. Later, reports suggested that the actor was set to enter Bigg Boss 20, prompting social media users to allege that the viral van episode had been a planned stunt to get herself noticed and eventually land a spot on the reality show. Speaking to us, Rhiya denies the claims.

"If I had to do this, I would have done it a long time ago," says Rhiya, pointing to the physical and emotional toll the incident took on her. For her...