Mumbai, October 17, 2025 – Television actor Arjun Bijlani has emerged as the winner of the reality show Rise and Fall, taking home the trophy and a prize money of ₹28.10 lakh. The grand finale, hosted by Ashneer Grover, aired today, October 17, concluding a season filled with intense competition and unpredictable twists. Aarush Bhola was named the first runner-up, while Arbaz Patel secured the second runner-up position.
Bijlani's journey on Rise and Fall was marked by its challenges. Starting as a worker in the basement, he navigated the complex dynamics of the show to rise through the ranks and eventually become a ruler. The show's format involved contestants alternating between the roles of "rulers" in a penthouse and "workers" in a basement, with regular eliminations adding to the pressure. Bijlani's ability to adapt, strategize, and persevere proved crucial to his success. He showcased strong leadership qualities and managed to flip the game with support from fellow contestants.
The finale episode saw Bijlani compete against five other top contenders: Aarush Bhola, Arbaz Patel, Dhanashree Verma, Nayandeep Rakshit, and Akriti Negi. The episode included performances from the top six, accompanied by messages from their friends and families. After the public vote was revealed, Nayandeep Rakshit and Dhanashree Verma were eliminated. The remaining contestants then voted, leading to Akriti Negi's exit and solidifying the final three.
A particularly touching moment followed Bijlani's victory when he reunited with his wife, Neha Swami. Swami, who was present at the finale to cheer him on, was visibly emotional as her husband's name was announced. Overwhelmed with joy, Bijlani shared an emotional embrace with his wife, expressing how much he had missed her during his time on the show. He stated that being on the show made him fall in love with Neha all over again. Swami has been a constant source of support for Bijlani throughout his journey on Rise and Fall. In an earlier interview, she expressed her pride in his courage and honesty, noting his ability to lead with empathy and motivate others.
Bijlani, reflecting on his win, said, "Rise and Fall proved that every fall is just a step toward rising stronger. This journey was anything but easy—each day brought a new challenge, a new lesson, and a new reason to keep going. Winning feels surreal". He also thanked his fellow contestants, especially Aarush and Arbaz, for their roles in his victory.
Prior to Rise and Fall, Bijlani had established himself as a prominent figure in the television industry, with roles in popular shows such as Naagin, Miley Jab Hum Tum, and Left Right Left. He also won Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 11 in 2021. In 2022, he and Neha participated in Smart Jodi, becoming the second runners-up.
Rise and Fall premiered on MX Player on September 6, 2025. The show featured 15 celebrity contestants navigating a unique format where they switched between being "rulers" and "workers". The finale episode is available for streaming on Amazon MXPlayer and airing on Sony TV.
