Later reports suggested that the woman in the images was actually Mahshid Boroumand, Ebi’s second wife — not Riahi. Nonetheless, the controversy revealed the vulnerability of Iranian actresses to moral and political scrutiny, where personal life could easily become a target of public scandal.
Riahi returned briefly to television in 2016 as a guest on the popular talk show Khandavaneh, where she appeared relaxed and thoughtful, offering glimpses of her continued engagement with Iranian culture despite her long absence from acting.
Writing Career: From Screen to Page
In 2014, Riahi reemerged in the public sphere as a writer, publishing two books that showcased her literary sensibilities. Her first book, A Window for Me, was a collection of eight short plays that explored themes of love, loss, and human resilience. The cover was designed by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, a testament to her respected status in Iran’s artistic community.
The introduction to A Window for Me contained autobiographical reflections, giving readers insight into her artistic evolution and the personal struggles behind her professional silence. Her second book, a children’s story titled Little Red Riding Hood, reimagined the classic fairy tale through a distinctly Iranian lens, blending moral lessons with poetic language.
