Dr. Riva Arora flaunts PhD at 19, internet asks ‘how is that possible

Photo: Instagram/@rivaarora

Bollywood actor and social media influencer Riva Arora, known for her childhood roles in movies like Bharat and Uri: The Surgical Strike, has recently been awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. At just 19 years old, she received the title in Digital Influence & Women’s Empowerment. However, her achievement has sparked mixed reactions on social media.

Riva Arora Shares Her Big Moment on Instagram

Riva took to Instagram to share her excitement, posting several photos where she was seen wearing a red convocation cap and gown while holding her degree. Despite having an injured leg, she posed with a big smile. In her caption, she wrote:

“It’s Dr. (H) Riva Arora now!!! Reaching this milestone is a dream come true, and I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve achieved. Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Digital Influence & Women’s Empowerment—‘In Recognition of Exceptional Leadership in Digital Media, Inspiring Millions, and Pioneering Women’s Empowerment at a Remarkably Young Age.’”

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She also thanked those who supported her, writing:

“I’m incredibly grateful for @keshvanandag and @sachingupta1208, who supported me along the way. Here’s to new adventures, continued learning, and embracing all the possibilities that lie ahead!”

Riva’s Massive Social Media Presence

For those who don’t know, Riva has a huge fan base on Instagram, with 11.5 million followers. This is more than some of India’s top celebrities, including Nayanthara (9.9 million), Karisma Kapoor (8.5 million), Suhana Khan (6 million), and even legendary actor Rajinikanth (1.2 million).

Mixed Reactions from the Internet

While many people congratulated Riva for her honorary PhD, others questioned its authenticity. Some internet users found it surprising that someone so young could receive such a degree.

One user commented: “Seriously? They’re giving PhD degrees at this age? Because of followers, they’ve turned PhDs into a joke.”

Another asked: “How did you get this degree… any logic?”

A third person joked: “This is great! Got a degree without studying!”

Others were even more critical. One comment read: “Everything chukti mein for these influencers.” Another user sarcastically wrote: “(Paisa lo degree do) is se koi is field ka question puchna chalu karo toh ek answer nhi aana hai is ko.” (This means: “Degrees are being sold for money. If you ask her something about this field, she won’t know a single answer.”)

What Is an Honorary PhD?

A Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) is an honorary degree given to individuals who have made significant contributions to society or their field without completing the usual academic requirements. The Latin term Honoris Causa means “for the sake of honor.” In Riva’s case, she was recognized for her influence in digital media and her work in promoting women’s empowerment.

Riva Arora’s Acting Career

Riva has appeared in several Bollywood films in minor roles. She has been part of movies like:

• Uri: The Surgical Strike (starring Vicky Kaushal)

• Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (starring Janhvi Kapoor)

• Bharat (starring Salman Khan)

• Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (starring Kangana Ranaut)

She was also featured in the web series Bandish Bandits. More recently, she played a role in the superhero TV series Power of Paanch, produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor under Balaji Telefilms. The show, starring Jaiveer Juneja, Aditya Arora, Anubha Arora, Bianca Arora, Yash Sehgal, Barkha Bisht, and Urvashi Dholakia, premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on January 17, 2025.