Riya Ahir, a 27-year-old actor and entrepreneur, gained attention after standing in front of a police van carrying detained protesters during a Mumbai demonstration. Soaked in rain, she refused to move for around 40 minutes, questioning the legality of the detentions and demanding the release of protesters. Videos of the incident went viral as demonstrations continued over alleged examination irregularities and police action in Delhi.

Rhiya Ahir, a 27-year-old model, had not planned on becoming one of the defining faces of the protest at Shivaji Park on Wednesday | Mumbai news

A young woman stands in front of a blue police van in a rain-soaked hoodie, one hand pressed against the metal. Behind the windshield sit police officers.