Mumbai: Political commentator Shehzad Poonawalla has emerged as the winner of Rise & Fall Season 2, defeating actor Priyanka Chahar Choudhary in the finale after six weeks of intense competition, arguments and changing alliances. Poonawalla took home the trophy and announced that he would donate the entire Rs 35 lakh prize money to the Chief Minister’s fund for flood relief.
The reality show, hosted by former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, brought together contestants from different backgrounds and placed them in a competitive environment built around power, survival and strategy. Contestants were divided between two groups: the Rulers, who stayed in the Penthouse, and the Workers, who lived in the Basement.
The contrasting living arrangements and the power dynamics between the two groups became central to the show’s format. Contestants had to navigate challenges, build alliances and make decisions that could strengthen or weaken their positions.
Poonawalla’s victory came after a campaign marked by repeated confrontations, unexpected friendships and strategic moves. His journey included a physical altercation with Siwet Tomar, disagreements with actor Swara Bhasker and tense exchanges with Priyanka and Gautam Gulati.
Priyanka finished as the first runner-up, while Gautam secured third place. Swara came fourth and Karan Patel finished fifth.
Shehzad dedicates Rs 35 lakh prize to flood relief
One of the most significant announcements following Poonawalla’s victory was his decision to donate the Rs 35 lakh prize money towards flood relief. He said the amount would go to the Chief Minister’s fund for states affected by floods.
The announcement gave his victory a humanitarian dimension beyond the reality show competition. While the contestants spent six weeks competing for power and the eventual title, Poonawalla said he wanted the financial reward to support people facing the consequences of flooding.
Speaking after lifting the trophy, Poonawalla described the victory as an emotional moment and reflected on the difficulties he faced during the competition.
“Winning Rise and Fall Season 2 is a feeling I can’t put into words. This journey wasn’t easy — from the highs of the Tower to the uncertainty of the Basement, I had to constantly adapt and push through, even when things weren’t going my way. There were moments of doubt, but deep down, I always believed I could make it. Standing here with the trophy, that belief has become reality. This victory is proof of what determination and resilience can do,” he said.
He also spoke about the relationships he developed during the show and the importance of remaining true to himself despite the changing circumstances.
“I’m proud of every decision I made and the person I remained through the highs and lows. The bonds I formed, the laughs, the competition — those memories go far beyond this show. I’m going home with a trophy, unforgettable memories, and the satisfaction of knowing I gave it absolutely everything,” he added.
Poonawalla thanked the show’s makers, including MX Player by Prime Video and Banijay Asia, for giving him the opportunity to participate. He described the experience as one he would cherish.
Physical altercation with Siwet Tomar became a major controversy
Poonawalla’s journey was not without controversy. One of the most widely discussed incidents of the season involved a heated argument with fellow contestant Siwet Tomar that escalated into a physical confrontation.
During the incident, Tomar grabbed Poonawalla by the neck and tore his kurta. The altercation became a major talking point among viewers and added to the tension surrounding the competition.
Physical violence was against the show’s rules. As a result, Tomar was evicted from the programme.
Poonawalla later said that he had requested the makers not to remove Tomar despite the incident. His reported appeal became another talking point, particularly because it came after a confrontation that had put the show’s rules and contestants’ conduct under scrutiny.
The incident also highlighted how personal disagreements could escalate in a format where contestants were required to live and compete together under pressure.
Swara Bhasker and Shehzad’s changing equation
Poonawalla’s relationship with actor Swara Bhasker was another recurring storyline. The two entered the show with an existing ideological disagreement, which initially shaped their interactions.
As the competition progressed, however, their relationship went through several changes. There were moments when they appeared to develop a friendship, but disagreements over game decisions repeatedly brought them into conflict.
One of their most significant arguments followed Poonawalla’s decision to save Gautam Gulati instead of Swara during a crucial stage of the competition. Swara accused him of trolling her for years, while Poonawalla defended his position.
The exchange became increasingly personal before the situation eventually cooled down. Following Gautam’s intervention, the two apologised to each other and shared a hug.
Their changing equation reflected the difficulty of separating personal differences from strategic decisions in a competitive reality show. Even when contestants developed friendships, the possibility of elimination and the need to protect allies could quickly create fresh disagreements.
Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Gautam Gulati were key rivals
Poonawalla’s interactions with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary also attracted attention throughout the season. Their exchanges frequently involved sharp remarks and disagreements, often becoming part of the show’s larger power struggles.
Some of Poonawalla’s comments about Priyanka also generated discussion beyond the competition. During one interaction, host Virender Sehwag questioned him about referring to the actor as a “vamp”. Poonawalla defended his remarks when asked about them.
Despite their disagreements, Priyanka remained one of the strongest competitors and eventually reached the finale, finishing as the runner-up.
Poonawalla’s relationship with Gautam Gulati was more complicated. Although they shared moments of understanding, their equation was not consistently smooth. His decision to choose Gautam over Swara during a key game decision triggered another confrontation and showed how alliances could influence the atmosphere inside the show.
His friendship with Tej Pratap Yadav offered a contrast to the frequent arguments. Their bond showed a more personal side of Poonawalla’s experience, away from the confrontations that dominated several episodes.
Ticket to Finale challenge gave Shehzad a major advantage
A decisive moment in Poonawalla’s campaign came when he won the Ticket to Finale challenge alongside Rishabh Jaiswal.
The pair completed a circuit-board task in 23 minutes and 46 seconds, finishing ahead of Karan Patel and Jashwanth Bopanna. Their victory secured Poonawalla’s place in the finale and made him the first contestant to qualify for the final stage.
The achievement also helped him reclaim the Ultimate Ruler title for the second time. The position strengthened his standing in the competition and gave him a significant advantage as the remaining contestants continued to fight for a place in the finale.
Winning the challenge was an important strategic breakthrough after a season in which his position had repeatedly been tested by rivalries, changing alliances and difficult decisions.
Poonawalla subsequently cleared the remaining challenges and went on to lift the trophy, finishing ahead of Priyanka.
Rise & Fall concludes its second season
The second season of Rise & Fall ended with Poonawalla’s victory, bringing to a close six weeks of competition involving power struggles, personal disagreements and strategic gameplay.
The show’s format, which separated contestants into Rulers in the Penthouse and Workers in the Basement, placed particular importance on shifting positions and the ability to adapt. Poonawalla’s journey reflected those demands, with his campaign featuring both controversial moments and important strategic wins.
Actor Arjun Bijlani had won the first season of the reality show. Poonawalla’s victory gives him the second-season title, while his decision to pledge the Rs 35 lakh prize money towards flood relief has become a notable part of the finale announcement.
The finale episode is available to stream on Prime Video.