"From the very beginning, it was dancing, and only dancing that I preferred. Modelling and acting were just my whims."

Riya learnt at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) when she was only a child. She took dancing as her career before finishing her HSC. But people saw her first as a model in a TV commercial of Cocola Biscuit Company in the year 1992. Since then she took part in many popular TV commercials. Recently, she has cut her work as a model. "Of course I will work in the commercials again if I am offered better prospects," smiles Riya.

Among the characters she played in the TV plays, she admires most the characters in "Kichu Choto Boro Dirghoshansh" directed by Faria Hossain and "Dujone"directed by Mohon Khan. "Actually, I haven't taken part in the plays all that much," she says. She finished shooting of a 26 episodic drama serial (title of the serial is yet to be decided) recently, which will be aired in ATN Bangla.

As for her dancing, she recently performed in the cultural programme arranged to celebrate the golden jubilee of Siemens. She has taken part in several dance programmes for different TV channels as well. She however enjoys dancing in live programmes for the excitements it renders.

Does she believe in dancing in pairs? Riya says she is working with Sohel mostly because she does believe in pairing: It helps to grow a better understanding between the dancers. Among the dance artistes of the country, she appreciates the performance of Farhana Chowdhury.

Being an artiste with some exposure in the media, Riya advises newcomers: "To achieve success, one has to focus on the particular point of his/ her interest and capability. Going for different things at a time will ruin things. Concentrate on what you want to achieve most, that's all."