Indian reality shows love their drama — but Rise & Fall took things to a whole new level.
From basement struggles to penthouse power trips, this show wasn’t just about who could win — it was about who could survive, scheme, and rise from the bottom. And in the end, it was Arjun Bijlani, the beloved TV actor, who walked away with the trophy, ₹28.10 lakh in prize money, and the hearts of fans across the country.
Let’s break down what made Rise & Fall the most talked-about reality show of the year — from the rules and rivalries to the big win.
🎬 What’s the Show About?
Rise & Fall is a new reality show hosted by none other than Ashneer Grover (yes, the no-nonsense Shark Tank guy). The concept? Simple — but ruthless.
• 15 celebrity contestants start the game.
• They’re split into two groups: Rulers, who live in a luxury penthouse and hold the power, and Workers, who live in a basic basement and do all the hard tasks.
• The twist? Nothing is permanent. One day you’re a Ruler — the next, you’ve fallen to the basement. The game is all about climbing the social ladder and staying on top… until the very end.
Each episode brought new challenges, shifting alliances, power plays, emotional breakdowns, and shocking eliminations. Think Bigg Boss meets Squid Game (minus the violence).
👑 The Winner: Arjun Bijlani
If there’s one person who truly lived the “rise and fall” journey, it was Arjun Bijlani.
He started out as a Worker, grinding through the tasks, dealing with the lack of comfort, and staying patient. Over time, he made his way up to the Rulers’ penthouse — then fell, rose again, and kept fighting.
Unlike others who played loud or dirty, Arjun stayed calm, smart, and emotionally steady. He avoided unnecessary fights, kept his dignity, and played a clean, strategic game.
At the grand finale, Arjun defeated Aarush Bhola and Arbaaz Patel to take the crown. The moment he reunited with his wife Neha Swami and their son Ayaan was pure emotion — tears, hugs, and a lot of love. Even the host Ashneer had a smile on his face (a rare sight!).
“This win means everything to me,” Arjun said, holding the trophy. “I didn’t expect to come this far — I just wanted to play honestly.”
💥 The Most Talked-About Moments
While Arjun kept things graceful, the show was anything but calm. Here are a few moments that got people talking:
🔹 Dhanashree Verma vs Everyone
YouTube dancer and ex-cricketer’s wife Dhanashree Verma joined the show, and let’s just say — viewers had strong opinions. Her emotional breakdowns, constant drama, and comments about her divorce with Yuzvendra Chahal didn’t sit well with many fans.
She was called “fake” and “manipulative” online, with many accusing her of playing the victim card.
Even Arjun, when asked about her, said,
“She spoke openly. I wouldn’t have.”
🔹 The Middle Finger Drama
In the final week, contestant Akriti Negi showed Arjun the middle finger during an argument — sparking a huge backlash. Arjun kept his cool and didn’t react much, which only earned him more respect.
Fans praised him for handling the moment with class.
🔹 The Suitcase Verdict
In the finale, public votes were revealed through “suitcases” — a twist that some viewers loved, and others called “unnecessary drama.” Either way, it added tension to the last moments of the show.
What Made the Show Different?
Reality shows are usually about shouting matches, dance-offs, or romance. But Rise & Fall introduced something fresh:
• The Rich vs Poor Concept: The upstairs/downstairs setup created real tension. The Rulers decided everything — even who got food — while Workers had to prove their worth daily.
• Constant Shifts in Power: No one was safe. A person ruling today could be scrubbing the floor tomorrow. That unpredictability kept viewers hooked.
• A Game of Strategy, Not Just Screentime: Unlike some shows where the loudest wins, this one rewarded smart players who stayed balanced.
💬 What People Are Saying
Fans:
• “Arjun deserved it. He never disrespected anyone, played smart, and showed real leadership.”
• “This is the kind of reality show we need — actual gameplay, not just noise.”
Critics:
• Some felt the show leaned too heavily on drama and lacked transparency in final votes.
• Others questioned the role of producers in deciding who “rose” or “fell.”
Still, most agreed that Rise & Fall brought something new to India’s reality TV scene — and opened the door for future seasons.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Rise & Fall wasn’t just about tasks or prize money. It was about character. And Arjun Bijlani proved that you don’t need to be the loudest or flashiest to win. Sometimes, staying calm, consistent, and respectful is enough to take you to the top — and keep you there.
From basement struggles to penthouse celebrations, his journey was everything the show promised. A true rise after the fall.
by Chandan Sharma-10-20-2025
