Riya Barde (also known as Arohi Barde or Banna Shaikh) is a Bangladeshi-raised adult film and fashion model who has been in the headlines due to legal issues in India. Below is what is available on her life, career, and ongoing investigations.
Identity & Personal Details
Real Name: Riya Arvinda Barde
Aliases: Arohi Barde, Banna Sheikh
Nationality: Bangladeshi
Estimated Age: Approximately 27 years in the year 2024 (not officially confirmed)
Height & Build: According to reports, her height is approximately 5 feet 7 inches, and she weighs around 57 kilograms. Eye color is brown, and hair color is black.
Family details have emerged in the course of investigations: her mother (also known by names “Ruby Sheikh” / “Anjali Barde”) and siblings are mentioned in police reports. It is also claimed she had a stepfather who facilitated some of the documentation. Her mother and father (biological), according to some reports, are living abroad, including in Qatar.
Career & Public Claims
Riya Barde is described by media sources as being an adult film actress and a fashion model. She is alleged to have been involved in films under Raj Kundra’s production, though Raj Kundra has officially denied any association.
She is said to have also worked with Gehana Vasisth in a few productions. One of her better-known credits is for a film titled Aamras (2023) per IMDb listings.
Legal Issues & Arrest
In September 2024, Riya was arrested in Ulhasnagar, Thane district, Maharashtra, India, for allegedly using forged documents to stay in India illegally. Sections for cheating, forgery, and offenses under the Foreigners Act were reportedly applied.
Police reports say that various official documents — school leaving certificates, birth certificates, passports — showed conflicting places of birth.
Her stepfather is alleged to have married her mother in Achalpur (Maharashtra) and used legal loopholes to obtain Indian documents for Riya and her siblings.
After her arrest, some family members and associates reportedly went into hiding. Authorities have reportedly issued lookout notices for them.
Raj Kundra Case – Denial of Link
Raj Kundra, the businessman who has frequently been associated with controversies in the adult entertainment space, has denied any connection or employment relationship with Riya Barde. He has publicly stated that he has never met her, and that rumors linking his name to her work are false and defamatory.
He is said to be considering legal action against media outlets publishing those alleged false claims.
Remaining Unclear / Disputed Facts
There are several details about Riya’s biography and career that remain unverified or under investigation:
Her exact date of birth is not publicly confirmed.
Whether she has legal credentials for work in India is clearly disputed.
The extent and nature of her involvement in specific film productions are mixed in reports (some claiming Raj Kundra’s production, while others deny it).
Her current whereabouts after certain legal proceedings are also unclear.
Summary
Riya Barde / Arohi Barde is a controversial figure who has come under legal scrutiny for alleged misuse of documentation in India, and for claims linking her to known names in the adult film sector like Raj Kundra — though those links are officially denied. Much of what is reported remains under investigation, and many details are unconfirmed.
