Despite cinematic bloodline spanning three generations, Riya and Raima Sen’s Bollywood careers never took off—Here’s why

In Bollywood, being born into a film family doesn’t always guarantee stardom—a fact proved time and again. From Arjun Kapoor to Tusshar Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan to Twinkle Khanna, several star kids have struggled to live up to the legacy of their famous parents. Among them are sisters Riya and Raima Sen, born into cinematic royalty yet unable to make a lasting impact on the silver screen.
The two belong to a revered lineage—granddaughters of the legendary Suchitra Sen, the first Indian actress to win an international award (at the 1963 Moscow International Film Festival), and daughters of veteran actress Munmun Sen, who carved her own space with over 60 films across multiple Indian languages in the 1980s. Despite this powerful legacy, the third generation found the path to stardom far less welcoming.

Riya Sen debuted in Bollywood in 2001 with Style, a youth-centric comedy that created some buzz. However, her acting career soon spiraled into a string of forgettable films. According to Box Office India, following her 2006 comedy 'Apna Sapna Money Money', Riya delivered 12 consecutive flops—an unfortunate record. She gradually faded from the big screen and eventually turned her back on films altogether. In 2017, she tied the knot with Shivam Tiwari and settled into a quieter personal life after making frequent headlines for her high-profile relationships during her early years in the spotlight.
Raima Sen, on the other hand, gravitated towards more meaningful cinema. She gave notable performances in critically acclaimed films like 'Daman', 'Chokher Bali', 'Parineeta', and 'Antar Mahal'. While her Bollywood innings remained limited, Raima earned more respect in the Bengali film circuit. Still, her fame remained a flicker compared to the dazzling spotlight once owned by her grandmother.
Despite having cinematic heritage, royal blood (from the Tripura royal family), and media attention, both Riya and Raima Sen struggled to establish themselves as leading ladies in Bollywood. Their journey is a reminder that legacy may open doors, but it’s audience connection, consistent performance, and the right roles that truly sustain stardom.