Shehzad Poonawalla in the frame. (Photo by arrangement)

After winning Rise and Fall Season 2, Shehzad Poonawalla is receiving love and appreciation from fans. From his differences with Swara and Priyanka to his political rivalries inside the house, his journey kept viewers interested. In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, he talks about his winning journey, fellow contestants, his plans for the RS 35 lakh prize money and what he hopes to do next.

Interview:

First of all, congratulations on winning Rise and Fall Season 2! How does it feel to emerge as the winner?
I’m extremely happy. I think I played the game well. I stayed cool, but at the same time, I knew how to get others to play according to the situation. You were actually one of the first people to predict that I would do well, so thank you for that.
How did you like the show, especially after watching all the episodes?
I watched all the episodes. I have been associated with several shows, but Rise and Fall is definitely one of the best reality shows I have seen.

The last time I asked you to compare it with Bigg Boss, you gave me a diplomatic answer. Now that you have won, what do you think?

(Laughs) Our show is different, and it has worked!
You and Swara were two strong personalities on the show, despite having very different views outside. How did you manage to work together so effectively?
Politics is the art of the possible. When you don't have the numbers in Parliament, you have to seek the support of people who may never have worked with you before. You have to make them understand that you are coming together for a larger interest.
In our case, the larger interest was staying in the penthouse. Swara, Karan and I may have completely different views outside the show, but inside, we supported each other because we had a common objective. That is the art of politics.
So, would you say your equation with Swara was a perfect example of political strategy?
Absolutely. Very few people realise that even opposition parties sometimes have to work with the ruling party when there is a larger interest involved. I always say that Congress helps the BJP, and the BJP helps Congress in different situations. Politics is all about understanding the circumstances and making strategic decisions.
You and Tej Pratap Yadav also had an interesting equation. You didn't want him to leave the show. Why do you think he couldn't sustain himself?
I think he got scared. When I became the ultimate ruler, I tried to save him because I didn't want him to fall. But I don't think he had the confidence to think, "If I go to the basement, how will I survive?" Someone or the other from another camp could have sent him down. Perhaps that pressure got to him. In this game, you need a little courage to survive.
What was your reaction when your brother entered the show? Were you genuinely shocked?
I was genuinely shocked. You could see it on my face! Everything became a meme because I was so quiet. I thought they were bringing him in as a wildcard. I had no idea.
So, the makers didn't tell you beforehand?
Of course not! How would they tell me? This is a completely unscripted show. They weren't going to call me and say, "Listen, your brother is also coming." Mr. Sehwag even played along and made me believe that my brother was entering as a wildcard. Initially, I was a little tense, but then he told me to relax.
What makes Rise and Fall different from other reality shows?
This show isn't about finding an ex-girlfriend or an ex-boyfriend, or simply fighting with each other. It is about strategy, gameplay and intelligence. It's a mind game. The show has a serious format, and I think it also has a certain stature because of the kind of people participating in it.
Do you think you and your brother will continue to have political differences outside the show?
Shahzad: My brother and I don't have any personal rivalry. Our differences are purely political. He believes that a particular person or party is doing better for the country, whereas I believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are doing very well for the country. That's where we differ.
There are many families where brothers have different political views. People tend to cite us as an example because we are in the public eye, but at the end of the day, it's a difference of opinion, not a personal rivalry.
Now that you have been part of such a popular reality show, would you consider entering Bollywood or exploring more television and OTT projects?
I am open to any kind of good work. I think I can explore films, OTT and television. However, my heart will always be in media, journalism, commentary and political commentary. I enjoy doing serious work related to the country.
If information and entertainment can come together, as you are doing, that's something I would definitely be interested in exploring. So, yes, tell the good OTT people, filmmakers and showmakers to contact me!
Have you ever thought of starting your own channel?
I can. Why not? The only question is funding!
You won ₹35 lakh as prize money. What are you planning to do with it?
Shahzad: I am donating the entire ₹35 lakh prize money towards flood relief work in Bihar and Assam. The floods happened before my arrival, and I wanted to contribute to the relief efforts. The money will go towards the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, where it can be used for relief work either immediately or in the future.
There was also a lot of discussion about your equation with Irina. Were you actually interested in her?
No, are you mad? (Laughs) I told everyone on the very first day that all the women in the house were like my sisters. So, I wasn't interested in Irina in that way.
Then why did you save Irina?
I saved Irina because her mother was supposed to come. If I had sent her down, she would have been nominated and eventually exited, which is what happened towards the end. That's why I saved her. I thought Gautam would understand my decision, but he got very angry.
Do you think Gautam's reaction stemmed from male ego?
I don't know about that. But he is a good guy and is like my brother. So, we will make Gautam understand.
You also had tough competition with Priyanka. What do you think of her now that the show is over?
Priyanka is a very strong woman and a formidable player. She is also a great actress with a wonderful personality. I have tremendous regard for her.
Yes, we fought a lot during the show, but if I meet her outside, I would genuinely love to sit down, have a conversation and become friends with her.
And what about Swara? What kind of relationship do you think you will share with her outside the show?
That depends on Swara. (Laughs) We had a good love-hate relationship. When two parties come together, they work out a common minimum programme. We also had an understanding that there were certain issues we wouldn't discuss. If she says something I don't agree with, or I say something she doesn't agree with, we might end up fighting again. So, I think we will have to take it day by day.
You mentioned that your college girlfriend was very beautiful. After everything you have experienced, are you now 'once bitten, twice shy'?
Honestly, I am not looking for a girlfriend. Right now, I am looking to do one thing for one woman in my life.
And who is that special woman?
My mother. (Laughs)
That's very sweet! Finally, what would you like to say to everyone who supported you throughout your Rise and Fall journey?
Shahzad: Thank you for all the love, affection and blessings. I am genuinely grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. It means a lot to me.
Tags: