Shehzad Poonawalla wins Rise & Fall 2, pledges prize money for flood relief

Political commentator Shehzad Poonawalla has won Rise & Fall Season 2, finishing ahead of first runner-up Priyanka Chahar Choudhary after six weeks of arguments, shifting loyalties and power struggles. Hosted by Virender Sehwag, the reality show placed contestants from different backgrounds in a battle for survival and control, dividing them between the Rulers in the Penthouse and the Workers in the Basement.

Shehzad's route to the trophy included a physical altercation with Siwet Tomar, repeated clashes with Swara Bhasker and tense exchanges with Priyanka and Gautam Gulati. He also formed unexpected friendships and strengthened his position through key strategic decisions. Gautam finished third, Swara fourth and Karan Patel fifth.

Shehzad received Rs 35 lakh as prize money. He announced that he would donate the amount to the Chief Minister's fund for flood-affected states. Actor Arjun Bijlani had won the first season of the reality show. Credit: MX Player Credit: MX Player Credit: MX Player

Speaking on the win, Shehzad Poonawalla said, "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 added, "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. I would also like to thank the makers of the show, MX Player by Prime Video and Banijay Asia for pulling off this show so beautifully and giving me an opportunity on this platform. This is a moment I'll cherish forever."Physical clash with Siwet Tomar

One of the season's biggest controversies began with an argument between Shehzad and Siwet. The exchange escalated into a physical altercation, during which Siwet grabbed Shehzad by the neck and tore his kurta.

Siwet was evicted because physical violence violated the show's rules. Shehzad later said he had asked the makers not to remove Siwet despite the incident, which became one of the season's most discussed moments.From rivalry to friendship with Swara Bhasker

Shehzad's relationship with Swara changed repeatedly during the season. The two entered the show with an existing ideological disagreement, but their interactions gradually led to a friendship before further clashes drove them apart again.

One of their biggest fallouts came when Shehzad chose to save Gautam over Swara during a crucial game decision. Swara accused Shehzad of trolling her for years, while he defended himself. Their argument became increasingly personal, but the two later apologised and hugged after Gautam intervened.Clashes with Priyanka and Gautam

Shehzad's equation with Priyanka was another recurring talking point. They exchanged sharp remarks, and their disagreements often became part of the show's wider power struggles. His comments about Priyanka also drew attention outside the game. At one point, Sehwag questioned him about calling the actor a “vamp”, and Shehzad defended his remarks.

His relationship with Gautam was similarly complicated. Although the two shared moments of understanding, their equation was not always straightforward. Shehzad's decision to choose Gautam over Swara during a crucial stage of the game triggered another confrontation.

His friendship with Tej Pratap Yadav showed a different side of his time on the show, away from the frequent arguments and confrontations.Ticket to Finale secured his place

Shehzad's biggest strategic breakthrough came when he won the Ticket to Finale challenge with Rishabh Jaiswal. They completed a circuit-board task in 23 minutes and 46 seconds, defeating Karan Patel and Jashwanth Bopanna.

The win made Shehzad the first finalist and helped him reclaim the Ultimate Ruler title for the second time. He then cleared the remaining challenges and lifted the trophy, completing a season shaped by confrontations, changing alliances and strategic decisions.

The finale episode is available to stream on Prime Video.- EndsALSO READ | Divine intervention: Shehzad Poonawalla says Hanuman Ansh led him to Rise & Fall 2