Riva Arora on casting couch in Bollywood; reveals how Aditya Dhar created a safe environment on Uri set: ‘My mother was always there’ |

Actress Riva Arora has opened up about her experience growing up in the entertainment industry, revealing that she has never faced any casting couch situation or inappropriate behaviour. The young actress also recalled her memorable experience working with director Aditya Dhar on Uri: The Surgical Strike, praising him for creating a safe and supportive environment on set.

‘I have never faced anything inappropriate’

During a conversation with Hauterrfly, Riva was asked whether she had ever encountered any untoward behaviour or casting couch experiences while working as a child actor.Responding firmly, she said, “No. Never.”The actress credited her mother for always being by her side throughout her journey in the industry.“My mom has always been there for me. She’s my knight in shining armor,” Riva shared.She added that she has been fortunate to work with good people throughout her career.“Touch wood, I have always gotten the best people to work with,” she said.

‘Aditya Dhar made sure I was comfortable’

Speaking about her experience on the sets of Uri: The Surgical Strike, Riva recalled how director Aditya Dhar went out of his way to ensure she felt comfortable before filming an emotional sequence.“I still remember when I gave the audition and got a call asking me to come directly to his house. When I met him, it felt like I wasn’t meeting him for the first time,” she said.According to the actress, Dhar took the time to understand what kind of atmosphere she needed before performing an emotionally demanding scene.“He asked my mother if I needed a different environment and wanted to make sure no one was distracting me or joking around if I needed space,” Riva recalled.She said the filmmaker’s sensitivity and trust helped her deliver the scene with confidence.

‘Everyone was crying after my first take’

Riva also remembered the emotional response her performance received from the cast and crew.“When I did that crying scene, everyone on set was emotional. There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t crying or clapping,” she shared.The actress admitted that the memory still overwhelms her.“When I think about that moment, I still feel emotional. Those were tears of happiness because I received so much love from everyone on my very first take,” she said.Reflecting on her journey as a child actor, Riva said that having her mother by her side and working with filmmakers like Aditya Dhar helped her navigate the industry safely.