On October 17, TV actor Arjun Bijlani emerged as the winner of Ashneer Grover’s reality game show Rise & Fall, taking home a cash prize of ₹28.10 lakh. It was the grand finale that had fans on the edge of their seats, the culmination of six weeks of drama, strategy, and unforgettable moments on MX Player.
But this wasn’t just another reality TV victory—this was a masterclass in emotional intelligence, strategic gameplay, and genuine human connection. Let’s dive into how a 42-year-old television icon proved that grace, composure, and kindness can triumph over chaos.
Table of Contents
Rise and Fall Finalists and the Final Showdown
Arjun Bijlani defeated reality TV star Arbaaz Patel and social media personality Aarush Bhola in the grand finale. But getting to this point required navigating an unpredictable tower where contestants could swing from luxury “Ruler” status to basement “Worker” positions with each twist.
| Contestant | Position | Key Strength | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arjun Bijlani | Versatile Player | Strategic Thinking & Calm Demeanor | WINNER |
| Aarush Bhola | Social Media Star | Charm & Popularity | Runner-Up |
| Arbaaz Patel | Reality TV Veteran | Experience & Aggression | Second Runner-Up |
| Akriti Negi | TV Personality | Competitive Edge | Semi-Final (3rd) |
| Dhanashree Verma | Dancer/Content Creator | Energy & Enthusiasm | Evicted (Top-6) |
| Nayandeep Rakshit | Content Creator | Adaptability | Evicted (Top-6) |
From Basement to Throne: The Winning Journey
What made Arjun’s victory truly special wasn’t just that he won—it was how he won. Throughout his journey, he demonstrated that “every fall is just a step toward rising stronger,” with each day bringing new challenges and new reasons to keep going.
Known for his roles in popular TV series like Left Right Left, Miley Jab Hum Tum, Naagin, and Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi, Arjun impressed both the audience and mentors with his strategic thinking, leadership skills, and calm demeanor under pressure.
The Turning Points That Defined His Game
Early Setbacks – Like many strong competitors, Arjun faced demotion from Ruler status early in the competition. But rather than crumbling, he used it as fuel for his comeback strategy.
Strategic Gameplay – He balanced aggression with diplomacy, understanding when to fight and when to build alliances. His calm demeanor became his superpower in an emotionally volatile environment.
Human Connection – Arjun won hearts with kindness, even donating a part of his prize money to help a contestant in need, an act that made viewers appreciate his humanity more than his gameplay.
The Emotional Grand Finale
The finale wasn’t just about winning a trophy—it was about redemption and family. When Arjun was announced as the winner, his wife, Neha Swami, who attended the finale to support him, became emotional and was seen tearing up with pride and joy.
The reality television series Rise and Fall premiered on September 6, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video’s MX Player, with 15 competitors battling it out across six weeks.
Why Arjun’s Win Matters Beyond Reality TV
After Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11, Arjun Bijlani has won another reality-based show, proving himself as one of India’s most versatile reality TV competitors. This victory adds another feather to an already impressive career spanning hit shows like Naagin and Miley Jab Hum Tum.
For more on reality TV competitions and game show strategies, explore our comprehensive guide to reality television. Also check out our celebrity comeback stories section for more inspiring transformations.
FAQs
Q1: What made Arjun Bijlani’s gameplay different from the other finalists, and why did he deserve to win over Aarush Bhola?
Arjun’s gameplay was distinctly different because he combined strategic intelligence with emotional maturity—a rare combination in high-pressure reality shows. While Aarush Bhola built his game on social media charm and popularity, Arjun focused on building genuine trust with his fellow contestants. The crucial difference: Arjun acknowledged that “without” other players like Aarush and Arbaaz “taking his name to be the winner,” his victory wouldn’t have been possible. This speaks to his integrity. Aarush’s approach became increasingly confrontational toward the end, whereas Arjun maintained respect even during heated disagreements. The internal voting system favored Arjun because his fellow contestants recognized his authentic gameplay—he didn’t just play to win; he played to inspire. This human touch is what separated him from competitors relying purely on aggressive strategies.
Q2: How does the Rise and Fall format differ from traditional reality shows like Bigg Boss or Khatron Ke Khiladi, and why was it effective for Arjun’s victory?
Rise and Fall introduced a revolutionary format where contestants constantly shifted between “Ruler” and “Worker” positions, creating dynamic power structures that changed with every task and vote. Unlike Bigg Boss, which focuses on relationships and drama, or Khatron Ke Khiladi, which emphasizes physical challenges, Rise and Fall tested contestants’ adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking simultaneously. The game divided people into Rulers and Workers, testing strength, patience, and intelligence. This format perfectly suited Arjun because he didn’t rely on a single strength—he could be a strategic Ruler and a humble Worker. His ability to navigate both roles without losing his composure gave him an edge. When others struggled with sudden demotions, Arjun thrived, turning every “fall” into a learning opportunity and ultimately rising to claim the ultimate prize.
