Rise & Fall, hosted by Ashneer Grover, premiered on September 6 with 16 contestants competing as ‘Rulers’ and ‘Workers’
The reality show Rise & Fall has quickly captured viewers’ attention since its launch earlier this month on Sony Entertainment Television and Amazon MX Player. Hosted by Ashneer Grover, the show puts celebrity contestants in a battle of privilege and survival, dividing them into two contrasting groups: the “Rulers,” who live in luxury, and the “Workers,” who are forced to endure tough conditions in a basement. Through tasks and challenges, contestants can change their status, making the game unpredictable and dramatic.
Sangeeta Phogat’s Heartbreaking Exit
Wrestler Sangeeta Phogat had to leave Rise & Fall midway after receiving the devastating news of her father-in-law’s death on September 11, 2025. The moment was captured on camera, where she broke down in tears upon learning about the loss. Soon after, she made the difficult decision to quit the show and return home. Her husband, Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia, later shared a heartfelt message on social media, remembering his father as “the backbone of their family.”
About the Show
Rise & Fall, hosted by the outspoken entrepreneur and former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover, made its television debut on September 6, 2025. The format is built around a clear divide:
Rulers: who enjoy the comforts of a luxurious penthouse
Workers: who live with limited resources in the basement
Contestants must complete challenges to rise in status or risk falling down the ranks. The show airs nightly on Sony Entertainment Television at 10:30 PM, and new episodes also drop on Amazon MX Player daily at 12 PM.
The Contestants
The celebrity participants include:
- Arjun Bijlani
- Kubbra Sait
- Kiku Sharda
- Aahana Kumra
- Aditya Narayan
- Dhanashree Verma
- Anaya Bangar
- Sangeeta Phogat
- Nayandeep Rakshit
- Pawan Singh Bali
- Arbaaz Patel
- Aarush Bhola
- Akriti Negi
- Noorin Sha
Among those making waves, Pawan Singh has been praised for showing significant improvement and playing with more confidence as the competition progresses.
Meanwhile, comedian Kiku Sharda has struck an emotional chord with viewers by sharing his personal story. He revealed that he missed his mother’s final phone call before her passing and later endured another tragedy when his father died just 45 days afterward. His openness has brought depth and relatability to the show.
The audience reaction to Rise & Fall has been divided. On one hand, many appreciate the fresh mix of well-known contestants and the idea of a “Rulers vs Workers” setup, which highlights themes of privilege and struggle. On the other hand, some critics argue that the format feels too similar to shows like Bigg Boss and The Traitors, reducing its novelty.
Even so, the show has managed to keep itself in the headlines thanks to emotional moments, power shifts, and ongoing drama. Since its premiere, it has stayed in the spotlight, ensuring steady buzz around the contestants and their journeys.
Also Read: Navratri 2025 Celebration Begins from September 22: First Day Dedicated to Goddess of Strength
