olitical commentator Shehzad Poonawalla is set to enter the world of reality television as one of the contestants on Rise & Fall Season 2. In a recent interview, he opened up about his unexpected transition from politics to entertainment, his faith in Hanuman ji and his equation with actor Swara Bhasker on the show.
Poonawalla said his journey towards the reality show began after he watched Hanuman Ansh. He recalled that he had been considering his next professional move after stepping away from active politics when the opportunity to join Rise & Fall came his way.
He attributed the timing to his faith in Neem Karoli Baba and Hanuman ji, saying he viewed the offer as a possible blessing and chose to accept it. According to Poonawalla, he had been exploring opportunities in television and digital media when he received the call about the show.
The former BJP spokesperson also spoke about his decision to leave active politics. He said the move was not the result of a fallout with the BJP and described his departure as an emotional but consensual decision. He added that he plans to remain associated with the party in a different capacity.
Poonawalla believes his years of participating in television debates could help him adapt to reality television. He compared political debates to reality TV, pointing out that while debates require quick responses over a limited period, a reality show involves living with contestants and reacting to situations around the clock.
One of the major talking points surrounding his participation is his interaction with Swara Bhasker. The two have publicly expressed contrasting political views in the past, and Poonawalla acknowledged that disagreements could arise if political or social issues become part of conversations inside the house.
He said he would be willing to challenge views he disagrees with, while also indicating that he would prefer to keep ordinary disagreements related to the show’s daily dynamics. His comments suggest that ideological differences could become a point of discussion during the season.
Poonawalla also said he does not intend to enter the show with fixed ideas about who will be his allies or rivals. Instead, he wants to meet the contestants in the environment of the show and form relationships based on their interactions there.
For him, Rise & Fall is also an opportunity to connect with younger viewers. He said he hopes to use the platform to discuss Indian culture and values in a contemporary way that resonates with Gen Z.
Rise & Fall Season 2, hosted by former cricketer Virender Sehwag, features a mix of actors, influencers and public figures, including Poonawalla and Bhasker. The show premiered on September 26, 2026, on Prime Video and MX Player.
