After six weeks of intense competition, shifting alliances and unexpected twists, Rise and Fall Season 2 has finally crowned its winner. Shehzad Poonawalla emerged as the ultimate winner of the MX Original reality show, lifting the trophy and taking home the ₹35 lakh prize money. Priyanka Chahar Choudhary finished as the first runner-up, while Gautam Gulati secured the second runner-up position.
Hosted by former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, the second season brought together 15 celebrity contestants for a game built around strategy, survival and power. Contestants had to navigate the contrasting worlds of the Tower and the Basement, where their positions could change through tasks, alliances and the decisions of fellow participants.
Shehzad managed to stay ahead through the changing dynamics of the game and spent a significant part of his journey as a Ruler in the Penthouse. His ability to adapt to shifting circumstances helped him reach the final showdown and eventually claim the title.
Shehzad Poonawalla wins Rise and Fall Season 2
Reflecting on his victory, Shehzad described the experience as one that tested his determination and resilience. He spoke about the challenges of moving between the highs of the Tower and the uncertainty of the Basement, explaining that he had to keep adapting even when circumstances did not favour him.
“Winning Rise and Fall Season 2 is a feeling I can’t put into words. This journey wasn’t easy — from the highs of the Tower to the uncertainty of the Basement, I had to constantly adapt and push through, even when things weren’t going my way. There were moments of doubt, but deep down, I always believed I could make it. Standing here with the trophy, that belief has become reality. This victory is proof of what determination and resilience can do,” he said.
The winner also reflected on the relationships and experiences he gained during the show. He said he was proud of the decisions he made and the person he remained throughout the competition, adding that the friendships, rivalries and memorable moments would stay with him beyond the reality show.
Thanking the makers, Shehzad acknowledged MX Player by Prime Video and Banijay Asia for giving him the opportunity to participate in the show. He described the victory as a moment he would cherish forever.
Shehzad Poonawalla to donate ₹35 lakh prize money to flood relief
In a significant announcement following his victory, Shehzad pledged to donate his entire ₹35 lakh prize money towards relief efforts for people affected by floods in Bihar and Assam.
The gesture added another dimension to his victory, as the winner chose to direct the cash reward towards supporting flood-affected communities. His announcement was reported following the finale.
Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Gautam Gulati finish as runners-up
The final contest came down to three contestants: Shehzad Poonawalla, Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Gautam Gulati. Priyanka, known for her television work including Naagin 7, finished as the first runner-up, while Bigg Boss 8 winner Gautam Gulati secured third place and the second runner-up position.
The finale also featured a series of eliminations that narrowed the competition. After the Top 6 finalists performed, the Fortune Floor Pyramid challenge resulted in Niharika Tiwari’s elimination. The Tower lights subsequently turned red for Karan Patel and Swara Bhasker, ending their chances of winning.
That left Shehzad, Priyanka and Gautam competing for the trophy. In the final twist, the winner was put to a vote. When the top three contestants ended up in a deadlock, the remaining participants were asked to decide the ultimate winner.
The final decision went in Shehzad’s favour, making him the second-season champion.
How the Tower and Basement shaped Rise and Fall Season 2
The central concept of Rise and Fall remained one of the season’s biggest attractions. Contestants were divided between the luxurious Penthouse, where the Rulers enjoyed privileges, and the Basement, where the Workers faced tougher living conditions while attempting to climb the hierarchy.
The format required participants to constantly protect their positions, build alliances and negotiate relationships. A contestant enjoying the privileges of the Tower could suddenly find themselves facing uncertainty in the Basement, while Workers had opportunities to challenge the existing power structure.
The two Takhta Palat moments were particularly important because they changed the balance of power and gave contestants opportunities to move up the Tower. With the game’s hierarchy constantly shifting, no participant could feel completely secure.
The season also featured rivalries, unexpected friendships and strategic decisions that influenced the competition. These changing equations kept the contestants on their toes throughout the six-week journey.
Rise and Fall Season 2 finale brings contestants together
The grand finale brought together the finalists and former contestants for a final celebration. The evening opened with energetic performances by the Top 6 finalists, followed by a reunion that allowed participants to revisit their experiences inside the Tower and Basement.
Comedian Harsh Gujral added humour to the celebrations, while the presence of finalists’ family members brought an emotional element to the occasion.
However, the celebrations did not take away from the competitive atmosphere. The Fortune Floor Pyramid challenge, subsequent eliminations and final voting process ensured that the winner was decided only after one last round of uncertainty.
With Shehzad Poonawalla lifting the trophy, Priyanka Chahar Choudhary finishing as the first runner-up and Gautam Gulati taking third place, Rise and Fall Season 2 has brought its six-week journey to a close. Shehzad’s ₹35 lakh victory, along with his announcement to donate the prize money to flood relief, became one of the defining moments of the finale.
FAQs
1. Who won Rise and Fall Season 2?
Shehzad Poonawalla won Rise and Fall Season 2, lifting the trophy after six weeks of competition.
2. How much prize money did Shehzad Poonawalla win?
Shehzad won ₹35 lakh in prize money along with the winner’s trophy.
3. Who was the first runner-up of Rise and Fall Season 2?
Priyanka Chahar Choudhary finished as the first runner-up.
4. Who was the second runner-up of Rise and Fall Season 2?
Gautam Gulati secured the second runner-up position.
5. Did Shehzad Poonawalla donate his prize money?
Yes. Shehzad announced that he would donate his ₹35 lakh prize money towards flood relief efforts in Bihar and Assam.
