Shehzad Poonawalla is stepping into a very different kind of public arena with Rise & Fall Season 2. Known for television debates and political commentary, Shehzad has now joined the reality show alongside actors, influencers and other public figures, including Swara Bhasker.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Shehzad opened up about what prompted him to accept the reality-show offer, his decision to step away from active politics and his expectations from life inside the Rise & Fall house.
He also spoke about his faith in Neem Karoli Baba and Hanuman ji, saying the timing of the show offer felt significant to him.
Shehzad Poonawalla Says Hanuman Ansh Led Him to Rise & Fall
According to Shehzad, joining Rise & Fall happened at a point when he was already planning his next professional move after leaving active politics and returning to the private sector.
He recalled that he had been considering how to manage his finances while exploring opportunities in television and digital media. Shehzad said that he had previously worked as an anchor, participated in television debates and handled political analysis, and was considering returning to that space.
“I have to pay my rent,” he said jokingly while describing that phase of his life.
Shehzad then connected the timing of the opportunity with his religious faith.
“I was always from media; I was an anchor, doing TV debates, political analysis, etc., and that’s what I was going to transition back to. That was what I was going to begin doing, and very divinely, I saw Hanuman Ansh, and suddenly, after that, this offer came to me,” he said.
He added that after returning from a movie, he had been thinking about approaching television channels and exploring digital work for the next few months. The following day, he said, he received a call regarding the reality show.
“I had gone for the movie, and I was thinking what to do next. I was like, okay, I have to pay rent, so let’s start approaching channels, explore something digitally, make a plan for how we’ll get through one or two months. And the next day I got a call from the show,” he recalled.
Shehzad said his faith in Neem Karoli Baba and Hanuman ji ultimately shaped his decision.
“I was like, boss if this is Neem Karoli Baba’s adesh, blessings, then who am I to reject?” he said.
Shehzad Opens Up About Leaving the BJP
Shehzad’s entry into reality television comes after his departure from active political work. In the interview, he rejected the idea that his exit was the result of a political fallout.
“Many a time, people leave political parties because they don’t get what they expected. That’s not the case with me,” he said.
According to Shehzad, he had originally expected to remain in politics until the 2024 elections before moving back to the private sector. However, he said his political involvement continued for another two years.
He described the eventual decision to leave as emotional and linked it partly to financial circumstances.
“Then I had this financial issue, so it was not a happy decision. I love BJP, I love Modi ji. For me, the BJP is a great party with great people and leaders,” he said.
Shehzad added that his departure took place on what he described as a “very mature, happy and consensual note” and said there was no “heartburn” involved.
He also said that although he had stepped away from active politics, he expected to maintain an association with the BJP in a different form.
“It’s always an emotional moment when you leave a party you really love. But majboori bhi ek cheez hai, financial,” he said, referring to financial circumstances.
Why Shehzad Thinks Television Debates Prepared Him for Reality TV
Although Rise & Fall is structurally very different from a political debate programme, Shehzad believes his years in front of television cameras could help him adjust to the format.
He compared the two environments, pointing out that debates require participants to react quickly under pressure, while reality television gives contestants an entire day to respond to situations and other people.
“In debates, you can either become a villain or a hero. In debates, it’s just one hour or half an hour to respond and give reactions; in reality shows, you have 24 hours to do so. So I think debates are like reality TV only,” he said.
At the same time, Shehzad hopes the reality show will allow audiences to see a more personal side of him.
“I hope people see the real side of me. I am fun, I am humorous, I am not a bad guy. I am a pretty decent human being. That’s what I want to convey,” he said.
Shehzad Poonawalla Talks About Swara Bhasker
Swara Bhasker is among the Rise & Fall Season 2 contestants, and Shehzad acknowledged that their differing political views could become a source of disagreement.
While discussing the possibility of political or social issues being raised inside the house, Shehzad criticised positions he attributed to Swara on subjects including the Ram Mandir, Kashmir, patriarchy and Jauhar in Padmaavat.
“These are my views about her views,” Shehzad said in substance, arguing that he would respond if such issues became part of conversations on the show.
“If she is going to bring those kinds of issues to the table in the show, then she’s gonna watch out because I am not going to spare anyone spewing venom, hatred against India or against our society on a platform like this,” he said.
He made a distinction between ideological arguments and the routine conflicts that can arise in a reality-show environment. According to Shehzad, he would have no problem interacting with Swara over everyday house matters.
“But if she restricts herself to the daily problems of the show, then I guess there’s no problem. But if she is going to say something that is not palatable to society, then obviously I am going to hit back,” he said.
These remarks represent Shehzad’s assessment of Swara’s political and social views; they are not independent findings about her positions.
Who Does Shehzad Consider an Ally or Rival?
Despite the competitive nature of Rise & Fall, Shehzad said he does not want to enter the house with fixed ideas about who will become an ally or rival.
“I don’t look at life as rivals or allies. I always think with an open mind. So I think I am up for friendship with everyone barring 1-2 people who are really obnoxious,” he said.
He pointed out that the contestants come from different professional backgrounds and will be experiencing the show’s circumstances together for the first time.
“It’s not like I know them before, or they know me from before. All are going to be put in these unique circumstances,” he added.
Shehzad also drew on his political experience, saying that politics had taught him how to work with people whose company or views he might not always prefer.
“In politics, we learn to work with people whom you do not necessarily want to be around,” he said.
He added that many of his fellow contestants had achieved a great deal in their respective careers and deserved respect. However, he singled out Swara when discussing one exception to that broad statement.
Shehzad Says Rise & Fall Is Also a Platform for His Views on Indian Culture
For Shehzad, the reality show is not merely an entertainment opportunity. He said he wants to use the platform to connect with younger viewers and speak about what he describes as India’s culture, civilisation and value system.
“The only thing on my mind is that wherever I go or whichever platform I use, I leverage that to tell people, especially Gen Z, who I think kind of vibe with me, how great our country and civilisation is,” he said.
He explained that he wants to communicate those ideas in language that younger audiences can relate to.
“I want to give them a glimpse of our value system, but in the contemporary lingo that they get, and maybe Rise & Fall is a great platform to advocate that cause,” he said.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the outcome of the competition, Shehzad said he viewed the programme as an opportunity to reach a new audience.
“Forget winning or losing; these things keep happening in life. But it’s a great platform and opportunity, and why wouldn’t I use this platform to show the best thing in our society?” he said.
He also argued that OTT content can offer themes beyond confrontation and sensationalism.
“Everyone thinks OTT is only violence and only creates ruckus, but sometimes there can be good positive things that can come out,” Shehzad said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that reality television often generates attention around contestants who speak candidly. He indicated that he would not deliberately avoid controversy or strong opinions during his time on the show.
Rise & Fall Season 2 Begins With 15 Contestants
According to the supplied report, Rise & Fall Season 2 premiered on Prime Video and MX Player on September 26, 2026. The season features 15 contestants and is hosted by Virender Sehwag.
The reported contestant lineup includes Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, Gautam Gulati, Raj Grover, Niharika Tiwari, Kiara Anu, Siwet Tomar, Sara Gurpal and Swara Bhasker, among others.
With Shehzad Poonawalla bringing his television-debate experience and clearly stated political and cultural views into a reality-show setting, his interactions with the other contestants are likely to form an important part of his on-screen journey. His comments also make clear that he sees the programme as both an entertainment opportunity and a platform through which he can present a different side of himself to viewers.