Born for the spotlight
Editor : Gopal Venkat | Updated: Aug 04, 2025 at 20: 00
Riya is a data analyst by profession and a model by passion. Growing up in an army family taught her discipline, resilience, and the importance of going after what she believed in. Modeling gives her a sense of purpose and confidence—it’s where she feel most alive and expressive.
She was a top finalist in Femina Miss India Karnataka, which solidified her decision to pursue modeling more seriously. She aspire to represent India on global platforms with authenticity, elegance, and strength.
Hi, I’m Riya. I work as a data analyst, but my heart also beats for modeling—being in front of the camera truly makes me feel alive. I come from an army background, and growing up in a disciplined yet encouraging environment has shaped who I am today. My family has always supported me in chasing my dreams, and that’s given me the courage to pursue both my analytical and creative passions.
My inspiration has always been my mother. She dreamt of becoming a model when she was younger but couldn’t pursue it due to certain circumstances. She often tells me how happy she was to have a daughter, hoping I might one day live the dream she couldn’t. I initially started modeling for her—but along the way, I discovered my own love for it. Now, it’s something that brings me joy and confidence.
For me, the most ideal modeling icon is Gisele Bündchen. She’s not just a supermodel, but a global changemaker. Her career is the perfect blend of elegance, professionalism, and purpose. I especially admire her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations—using her platform to advocate for environmental sustainability. She proves that modeling can be both glamorous and meaningful, and that’s the kind of impact I hope to make in my own way.
My modeling journey began when I participated in a pageant held at an army club. That experience changed everything for me. It was there that I met Rajesh Shetty sir, who saw potential in me and took the time to groom and guide me. His mentorship sparked my interest in modeling, and from that moment on, my passion for it only grew stronger.
I’d describe my personal style as soft, feminine, and elegant. I love outfits that highlight grace—whether it’s flowy silhouettes, delicate fabrics, or subtle details like lace, pastels, or dainty jewelry. I enjoy dressing in a way that feels expressive yet effortless, and I’m drawn to looks that celebrate femininity while still feeling strong and confident.
Runway is definitely my favorite type of photoshoot. There’s something electrifying about the energy backstage, the lights, and the rush of walking in front of a live audience. It’s where I feel the most powerful, present, and alive in the moment.
My dream designer to work with would be Sabyasachi. I’ve always admired how his creations celebrate Indian heritage with such richness and elegance. Walking for his show would feel like stepping into a timeless story and I’d be honored to bring that vision to life on the runway.
Preparation starts from within. I make sure I’m well-rested, hydrated, and mentally focused. Before a shoot or runway, I like to practice my walk or poses if needed, and get into the right headspace with music or affirmations. It’s all about showing up feeling strong, calm, and ready to own the moment.
My most exciting modeling experience so far has been being a top finalist for Karnataka in Femina Miss India. It was a proud and empowering moment for me—it gave me the confidence to believe in my potential and fueled my passion for modeling even more.
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a new model was building confidence in front of the camera. In the beginning, I felt a bit unsure, but I learned that the key is to feel comfortable in my own skin and truly be present in the moment. Once I stopped overthinking and started embracing who I am, everything changed. I began to enjoy the process and express myself more freely.
For me, confidence comes from preparation and mindset. Before I step in front of the camera or onto the runway, I take a moment to ground myself, remind myself of my strengths, and let go of any self-doubt. I focus on being present and letting my energy shine through. The more I embrace who I am, the more natural and powerful I feel in front of the camera.
I want to use modeling as a platform to support causes that have personally shaped me. Growing up in an army family, I’ve seen the strength it takes to stay resilient in tough situations—but I’ve also seen how often mental health gets ignored, especially in structured or traditional environments. I want to raise awareness about mental well-being and self-worth, especially among young girls who are taught to stay silent or play small.
In five years, I see myself as an established model who’s not just working with leading Indian and international brands, but doing it with authenticity. I want to represent India on global platforms bringing our elegance, culture, and strength into every frame. My goal is to build a career that’s not just successful, but true to who I am and where I come from.
I’m open to wherever life takes me whether it’s acting, entrepreneurship, or any other creative path. What matters most to me is giving my best and staying true to my journey. I believe that with hard work and the right mindset, every experience can lead to growth, and I’m excited to explore different aspects of myself along the way.
My advice would be: believe in yourself before anyone else does. The modeling industry can be challenging, but if you stay true to who you are, keep learning, and show up with discipline and humility, you’ll find your place. Don’t compare your journey to others, everyone grows at their own pace. And most importantly, enjoy the process. it’s as much about self-discovery as it is about fashion.
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who’ve guided me through the industry—Rajesh Shetty and Aditya. Rajesh sir was the first to believe in my potential and helped me with the fundamentals of modeling, from posture to confidence. Aditya has also played a key role in supporting and guiding me through the professional side of the industry. Their belief in me has made a huge difference in my journey.