The second season of the hit reality show Rise & Fall has kicked off with intense drama. Former BJP spokesperson and political commentator Shehzad Poonawalla has found himself at the center of back-to-back controversies inside the house.
Following a violent altercation that led to the sudden eviction of reality TV star Siwet Tomar, Shehzad has now revealed that he personally pleaded with the show’s producers not to send Siwet home.
”Forgive Him”: Shehzad’s Surprising Plea to the Makers
The physical fight broke out during the third episode of Rise & Fall Season 2 during the ‘Ultimate Ruler’ task. After an argument escalated, Siwet charged at Shehzad, ripping his kurta and pushing him to the ground before crew members intervened. Following the strict zero-tolerance policy against physical violence, the makers promptly evicted Siwet from the competition.
However, speaking inside the house during medical treatment, Shehzad revealed his immediate reaction to the incident.
”When I got beaten and I went out, in two hours of that while taking treatment, I told the makers, ‘Don’t send him out, keep him. Forgive him,'” Shehzad recalled. “You know why I said so? Because that boy is 29-30 years old. This is his bread and butter. It’s not my bread and butter. So when I can forgive Siwet, you think I can’t apologize to Priyanka?”
Growing Frustration Over Double Standards
Despite offering forgiveness to Siwet, Shehzad expressed deep frustration over feeling forced to compromise during disputes with other housemates, notably Priyanka Chahar Choudhary. After a heated row where he called her a “gold digger,” Shehzad was seen discussing his desire to leave the show entirely with co-contestant Irina Rudakova, citing concerns over his professional reputation.
When Irina urged him to stay civil and offer an apology to maintain peace, Shehzad argued that he is consistently expected to step down and apologize, even when he feels he was provoked or portrayed unfairly.
Siwet Tomar Fires Back with Counter-Claims
Meanwhile, following his eviction, Siwet Tomar released a video sharing his side of the story. While acknowledging that physical violence is unacceptable on reality TV, Siwet denied intentionally striking Shehzad. He claimed the kurta tore when he grabbed Shehzad by the collar as he slipped.
Siwet further alleged that Shehzad repeatedly provoked him by bringing personal, religious, and caste-based comments into their debate. Siwet argued that bringing religion into arguments was a rule break in its own right, claiming Shehzad should have faced disciplinary action as well.
Rise & Fall Season 2, hosted by former cricketer Virender Sehwag, continues to stream daily.
