Arjun Bijlani, known for his roles in popular television shows and winner of "Rise and Fall," has addressed a controversial comment made by fellow contestant Arbaaz Patel regarding Dhanashree Verma's interactions with male contestants on the show. The reality show "Rise and Fall" has kept viewers engaged with its mix of entertainment and drama, leading up to Arjun Bijlani's victory.
The controversy arose when Manisha Rani, a wildcard entry on "Rise and Fall," revealed that Arbaaz Patel had advised Dhanashree Verma against giving front hugs to male contestants. Arbaaz reportedly suggested she should only give side hugs. This revelation visibly surprised Arjun Bijlani.
Arjun reacted to the comment, stating, "He shouldn't have said this; it means something completely different". He expressed disbelief, questioning why Arbaaz would make such a statement, as it could easily be misinterpreted. Nikki Tamboli, who is reportedly in a relationship with Arbaaz, addressed his behavior, suggesting it stemmed from his reserved background and protective nature. She advised him to avoid such actions, especially with new acquaintances, as it "looks wrong from the outside".
Bijlani further clarified that he confronted Arbaaz about the comment, emphasizing that Dhanashree wasn't in a relationship with him, and therefore, Arbaaz's remarks were inappropriate. However, he also noted that when he observed Dhanashree not reacting to Arbaaz's comment, he chose not to interfere further. "When I saw that Dhanashree herself wasn't reacting, who am I to interfere?" he explained. He concluded that while he was aware of certain details, he didn't feel it was his place to intervene. "I knew certain things, but who am I to say anything or come between them?".
This incident occurred against the backdrop of Dhanashree Verma's personal revelations on the show, where she accused her ex-husband, cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, of infidelity early in their marriage. While some viewers speculated that Dhanashree was sharing her personal life to gain attention, Arjun Bijlani offered her support during that time. He clarified that his actions were not strategic but rather a display of empathy, as Dhanashree was emotional and sharing details from her past. He also questioned the double standard surrounding men socializing and partying, adding that he had no way of knowing if Dhanashree's actions were part of a game strategy and was simply being kind.
Arjun Bijlani's journey on "Rise and Fall" was marked by challenges and emotional moments. He spent time in both the penthouse and the basement, ultimately showcasing his resilience and strategic gameplay. He beat out other finalists including Aarush Bhola, Arbaaz Patel, Akriti Negi, and Nayandeep Rakshit to win the title and a prize of ₹28 lakh.
