Riya Sen, born on January 24, 1981 (45 years old), in the vibrant city of Kolkata, India, is a well-known name in Indian cinema and fashion. She became popular for her charming screen presence and her roots in a legendary film family.
Riya stepped into the spotlight as a teenager through hit music videos like Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi, which became a youth favorite in the late 1990s.
She later made her mark in films such as Style, Jhankaar Beats, and Ananthabhadram, working across the Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries.
Coming from a royal background and being the granddaughter of iconic actress Suchitra Sen, Riya carries a rich legacy with modern flair.
Keep reading Riya Sen’s Wiki to learn more about her husband, family, early life, education, career highlights, net worth, and more.
Riya Sen Wiki & Early Life

| Full Name | Riya Sen (born Riya Dev Varma) |
| Profession | Actress, model |
| Age | 45 years old |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1981 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Current Address | Yet to be updated |
Riya Sen Husband

Riya Sen is married to Shivam Tewari. They tied the knot on 16 August 2017 (some sources mention the ceremony held on 18 August) in a private Bengali-style wedding in Pune.
The ceremony was attended only by close family and a few friends, and photos were shared by her sister Raima Sen on social media.
About Shivam Tewari
Shivam Tewari is known as the husband of actress Riya Sen, but outside of this public connection, he keeps a very private life.
He is often described as a photography enthusiast with a deep interest in travel and nature. Though not part of the film industry, Shivam has been spotted in a few social gatherings alongside Riya and seems to enjoy a creative lifestyle.
Shivam appears to value a quieter, more grounded life away from media attention. His calm personality and simple living style contrast well with Riya’s more public-facing career.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Shivam Tewari |
Riya Sen Family
Riya Sen comes from one of the most respected and well-known film families in India. Her roots go deep into both cinema and royalty, giving her a unique blend of fame and heritage.
Father

Bharat Dev Varma (also known as Maharaja Bharat Kishore Dev Burman), born in 1941 in Agartala, Tripura, was a prominent member of the erstwhile royal family of Tripura.
His mother, Princess Ila Devi of Cooch Behar, was the elder sister of Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, and his grandmother Indira was the only daughter of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda.
He spent his childhood between Agartala and Kolkata, deeply rooted in a lineage known for both royal heritage and artistic connections.
In 1978, he married actress and politician Moon Moon Sen, forging a strong partnership that lasted until his death. He was a quiet pillar of the family, offering unwavering support to his wife and daughters, actresses Raima and Riya Sen.
On 19 November 2024, at the age of 83, Bharat Dev Varma passed away at his residence in Kolkata due to age-related ailments. He suffered a stroke during transport when being taken to a hospital, though he died before reaching medical care.
His passing prompted heartfelt condolences from many, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the family and called him a “great well-wisher” and remembered him fondly as affectionate and caring
Mother

Moon Moon Sen, the mother of Riya Sen, and a well-known Indian actress and politician. She is the daughter of legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, and carried forward her mother’s legacy in cinema with a bold and modern touch.
She began her film career in the early 1980s with Andar Baahar (1984), opposite Jackie Shroff. Unlike her mother, who was known for graceful and traditional roles, Moon Moon became famous for playing bold and glamorous characters.
Over her career, she appeared in more than 60 films across several languages, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, and Kannada.
Before stepping into films, she was a teacher and also held a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. She even taught English at a school in Kolkata, showing her strong academic background.
In 2014, Moon Moon Sen entered politics by joining the Trinamool Congress (TMC). That same year, she won the Bankura Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, defeating a senior Communist leader. She again contested in 2019 from Asansol, but this time lost to singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo from the BJP.
Apart from her professional life, Moon Moon is known for her candid personality and stylish presence. She has often spoken proudly of her daughters, Raima and Riya Sen, calling them independent and talented.
Sister

Riya has one elder sister, Raima Sen, who is also a popular actress, especially in Bengali cinema. Raima is known for her powerful performances in films like Chokher Bali, The Japanese Wife, and Baishe Srabon.
Unlike Riya, Raima often takes on more serious and artistic roles, and the two sisters are often compared for their very different styles of acting.
Family Legacy
Riya’s maternal grandmother was the legendary actress Suchitra Sen, a true icon in Bengali and Hindi cinema. She was known for her elegance, strong performances, and private lifestyle. Suchitra’s influence is still deeply respected in the Indian film world.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Bharat Dev Varma Mother: Moon Moon Sen |
| Siblings | Sister: Raima Sen |
Riya Sen Education
Riya Sen has a strong academic background along with her film career. She completed her early education at Loreto House, a well-known school in Kolkata.
After finishing school, she went on to pursue higher studies in the arts and fashion.
She earned a degree in Philosophy from Rani Birla Girls’ College, which is affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Alongside her regular studies, Riya also followed her interest in fashion and design.
She took professional courses at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Mumbai.
Later, she attended short-term courses in acting in London, fashion styling in Paris, and even studied culinary arts in Thailand.
| School | Loreto House, Kolkata (ICSE) |
| Alma Mater | Rani Birla Girls’ College (Philosophy, Calcutta University); NIFT Mumbai |
| Highest Qualification | Fashion design degree & acting & styling courses abroad |
Riya Sen Career

Riya Sen’s career is a blend of early fame, strong screen presence, and bold choices across multiple Indian film industries.
She started young, caught national attention with music videos, and went on to act in films and web series in several languages.
Let’s explore her journey step-by-step.
Childhood Debut in Films (1991)
Riya’s first appearance on screen was in the film Vishkanya (1991), where she played the role of a young girl. Though her part was small, it marked the beginning of her journey in the world of cinema.
Acting was already in her blood; her mother, Moon Moon Sen, and grandmother, Suchitra Sen, were both famous actresses.
Rise to Fame Through Music Videos (Late 1990s)
Before becoming a full-time actress, Riya became extremely popular through music videos.
Her biggest hit was Falguni Pathak’s Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi (1998). Teenagers across India connected with her innocent yet glamorous appearance.
She also appeared in other popular music videos of that era, including Asha Bhosale’s Jhumka Gira Re remix and Chanchal.
Film Debut in Tamil Cinema (1999)
Riya’s first lead role in a feature film was in Taj Mahal (1999), a Tamil-language romantic drama directed by Bharathiraja.
The film didn’t do well commercially, but critics praised her confidence and screen presence, especially since she acted in a language that wasn’t her own.
Bollywood Breakthrough (2001–2005)
In 2001, Riya entered mainstream Bollywood with the comedy film Style. Made on a small budget, the film became a surprise box office hit.
Her glamorous role caught attention, and she followed it up with roles in Qayamat, Jhankaar Beats, and Plan.
One of her standout films during this time was Jhankaar Beats (2003), a musical comedy-drama that won hearts with its fresh storytelling and music. Riya’s character added depth to the film’s emotional tone.
She also appeared in Shaadi No. 1 (2005), Silsiilay, and Apna Sapna Money Money, where she mostly played fashionable, urban characters.
Acting Across Languages and Genres (2005–2011)
Riya didn’t limit herself to Hindi films. She took bold steps into regional cinema, and it paid off.
In 2005, she starred in the Malayalam film Ananthabhadram, directed by Santhosh Sivan. The film was a visual treat and a big success.
Her portrayal of Bhama, a mysterious and graceful character, was well-received by both audiences and critics.
She also acted in the Telugu thriller Nenu Meeku Telusa…? (2008), and the Bengali film Noukadubi (2011), based on a story by Rabindranath Tagore.
For Noukadubi, she earned critical praise and even won a Star Guide Award for Best Actress.
Shift to Digital Platforms (2017–Present)
As cinema moved online, so did Riya. In 2017, she appeared in ALTBalaji’s horror-thriller Ragini MMS: Returns.
The web series had bold content and was targeted at young viewers, and Riya’s role helped her connect with a newer digital audience.
Later, she played a mysterious character in the crime series Poison on ZEE5, showing that she could adapt to changing trends and platforms in the entertainment industry.
Side Projects and Fashion
Besides films and web series, Riya Sen has been active in modeling and fashion.
She’s walked the ramp for major designers, featured in top magazines like Femina and Maxim, and appeared in ad campaigns for brands like Limca, Lakme, and Cadbury.
| Year | Project / Role | Language / Platform |
| 1991 | Vishkanya (Child role) | Hindi Film |
| 1998 | Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi | Music Video |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal | Tamil Film |
| 2001 | Style | Hindi Film |
| 2003 | Jhankaar Beats | Hindi Film |
| 2005 | Shaadi No. 1, Ananthabhadram | Hindi & Malayalam Films |
| 2008 | Nenu Meeku Telusa…? | Telugu Film |
| 2009 | Love Khichdi | Hindi Film |
| 2011 | Noukadubi | Bengali Film |
| 2017 | Ragini MMS: Returns | ALTBalaji (Web Series) |
| 2019 | Poison | ZEE5 (Web Series) |
Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Riya Sen has received recognition for her acting talent and stunning presence, earning awards and honors across film and fashion platforms.
| Year | Award / Recognition |
| 2012 | Star Guild Bengali Film Award – Best Actress |
| 2007 | Ranked 9th in Femina Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful Women” |
Controversies
The table below highlights some of the major controversies that drew media attention during different stages of Riya Sen’s career.
| Year | Incident | Details |
| 2005 | MMS scandal with Ashmit Patel | Private video leaked; career momentum declined |
| 2012–2016 | Party kiss photo | Viral image of Riya kissing a woman; tabloid coverage |
| 2017 | Allegation on the Ragini MMS set | Co‑actor claimed Riya removed his pants during the shoot |
| 2012 | False link with party organiser | Rumor denied by Riya as “completely untrue” |
Riya Sen Net Worth, Salary
Riya Sen’s estimated net worth and annual income are yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Riya Sen Height, Weight & Physical Stats

Riya Sen is known for her petite frame and charming looks. She stands at around 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) and weighs approximately 55 kg (121 lbs). Her skin tone is fair, and she has naturally black hair and brown eyes.
| Height | In centimetres: 155 cm In meters: 1.55 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 1 in |
| Weight | In kg: 55 kg In lbs: 121 lbs |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Riya Sen Instagram, X, Facebook
| X | |
Interesting Facts About Riya Sen
- Riya comes from a royal family background through her father’s side.
- She started her acting career at the age of five.
- She trained in Kathak dance during her childhood.
- Apart from acting, she studied fashion design at NIFT Mumbai.
- She’s a certified yoga teacher and teaches wellness.
- Riya once studied culinary arts in Thailand.
- She has acted in films across six different languages.
- Her grandmother was the legendary actress Suchitra Sen.
- Riya was once ranked among India’s 50 Most Beautiful Women by Femina.
FAQs
Who is Riya Sen married to?
She is married to Shivam Tewari, and they had a private wedding in Pune in August 2017.
What is Riya Sen famous for?
She is famous for her roles in films like Style, Jhankaar Beats, and her early appearance in music videos like Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi.
What is Riya Sen’s age?
As of 2025, Riya Sen is 45 years old. She was born on January 24, 1981.
Is Riya Sen related to Raima Sen?
Yes, Raima Sen is her elder sister and also a well-known actress.
Has Riya Sen acted in regional films?
Yes, she has worked in Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu films besides Hindi cinema.



