Rise & Fall’ Season 2: Shehzad Poonawala Says, “I Want to Win Emotions, Not Events”

Shehzad Poonawala talks about making his debut on the show with the blessings of "Ganpati Bappa Morya." Before entering the show, he sought the blessings of "Bappa."

Shehzad is set to give tough competition to his political peers on the show, unhesitatingly. He will be straightforward in delivering his comments on the show as well. His mantra about winning and losing is simple, and he is also open to doing Telugu films if an opportunity is presented to him.

This season of "Rise & Fall Season 2" will witness contestants from varied fields. We get an opportunity to speak to Shehzad Poonawala as he enters the reality show. The show is all set to premiere on September 26, 2026.

Excerpts:

You are known for being a very straightforward speaker. How do you think your straightforwardness will help you in playing and winning your game in "Rise & Fall" Season 2?

For me, winning or losing is not the most important thing. What matters is that I present who I truly am. People have appreciated me in debates because I speak my mind, I have a sense of humour, and most importantly, I present facts. Even at home, if someone argues, lies or creates a narrative, I prefer to put the facts forward. Sometimes, whether you win or lose can mean a victory for someone else or a loss for someone else. But if you are satisfied with the work you have done, that itself is the biggest victory. As long as my conscience is clear, I will continue to be the same person, straightforward and guided by facts.

Have you ever developed a particular strategy or mindset before going into this reality show, given that this is your debut in the glitz and glamour world?

Honestly, I don't believe in having a fixed strategy. Sometimes, you have to play in the moment. I take inspiration from Mr. Virender Sehwag. When Sehwag used to bat, he played the ball on its merit. That’s exactly how I want to approach things. If I get a full toss, I'll hit a six. If I get a bouncer, I'll respond accordingly. Although, knowing Sehwag, he could hit a six even on a bouncer! (Laughs)

Everyone wants to win. How strong is your desire to be the winner?

Of course, everyone likes to win. But for me, winning a trophy is not as important as winning people's hearts. Winning a trophy is an event, but winning people's hearts is an emotion. I want to win emotions, not events.

Entering "Rise & Fall" Season 2, will this give you an opportunity to enter many more reality shows?

The name of the show is "Rise & Fall," but I definitely believe this platform can lead to a rise and rise. Of course, I hope Amazon does many more shows with me! (Laughs) But, jokes apart, I believe life gives you different platforms, and you should explore them. The more people you connect with, the more opportunities you get.

"Rise & Fall" is doing well, while there has been a lot of discussion around other reality shows too. "Bigg Boss," for instance, has been receiving mixed reactions lately. What do you think about that?

Honestly, I haven't had the time to watch television over the last few days. I'm not giving you a diplomatic answer! (Laughs) This is my first time entering a reality show, so there are so many things to figure out: what to pack, what not to pack, how much to pack and so on. There's a lot happening before the entry.

So, genuinely, I haven't been able to watch much.

What do you say about Salman Khan as the host of "Bigg Boss"?

From whatever I have seen, Salman Khan is a great person, and he does a fantastic job hosting "Bigg Boss." I have met him at a few social gatherings and occasions, and I think he has tremendous charisma.

And what about host Virender Sehwag?

At the same time, I am sure Virender Sehwag will have a very different style of hosting. Sehwag is also a very straightforward, no-nonsense person. When he was on the cricket field, he was no-nonsense, and I'm sure he'll bring the same quality here. He has a lot of charisma and his own unique style.

If you get an opportunity to enter "Bigg Boss" in the future, would you consider it?

I think we should first experience this reality show completely. Once I understand what the experience is like, we'll decide when and how to enter another reality show. (Laughs)

You are now entering a reality show. Would you also be open to working in films?

If you get me an offer, why not? (Laughs)

Would you be interested in working in the South Indian film industry, particularly in Telugu, Tamil or Kannada cinema?

Absolutely. I have immense respect for actors and filmmakers from the South Indian film industries. We have seen several major personalities from cinema making their mark in politics as well. Tamil Nadu, especially, has a long history of personalities from the film industry entering politics. We have also seen major stars and political figures emerge from the Telugu film industry.

Will you learn South Indian languages if you do a South Indian film?

I don't know the South Indian languages very well at the moment, but if I get an opportunity, I would be more than happy to learn Tamil, Kannada or Telugu. Learning is a never-ending process. Telugu cinema, in particular, has become a huge industry globally. "RRR" is a great example of how Telugu cinema has reached audiences across the world. So, yes, I would definitely be open to exploring opportunities there.

So, you're ready to learn a new language for a film?

Absolutely. If the opportunity comes, why not? I'm always ready to learn.

Before we conclude, what is your message to the other contestants entering the show? Should they consider you a friend, a competitor or someone they should be careful around?

I would simply say that I am an open book, and I'm entering the show with an open heart. My only aim is to spread positivity and happiness wherever I go. I hope everyone who comes on the show this season enjoys the experience and takes back good memories and a positive impression.

But reality shows also bring out anger, frustration, sadness and other emotions. You cannot always control how you react. How do you think you will behave when situations become intense?

That's something I can't predict right now. In life, we all have different sides to our personalities. I may be very calm and composed while talking to you, but depending on the situation, I may react differently with someone else. It all depends on the circumstances. So, I don't think I can predict how I'll behave inside the show. You'll simply have to wait and watch.

Finally, you are entering the show on the 26th. Is there anything you would like to say before you leave?

My biggest sadness right now is that on the 25th, Ganpati Bappa will be leaving us. But Ganpati Bappa is always in my heart and on my mind. Before entering the show, I will worship Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings. I believe his blessings will give me the strength and positivity to begin this new journey. Jai Ganesh! Ganpati Bappa Morya! Ganpati Bappa!