The highly anticipated second season of the captive reality show Rise & Fall is set to captivate audiences starting September 26, 2026. Premiering concurrently on MX Player and Prime Video, the show brings back former Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag as its host. A unique twist allows viewers to actively influence contestants' fates, determining who resides in the coveted penthouse and who is relegated to the basement, as a diverse lineup of 15 personalities prepares to enter the competition.
Television Powerhouses and Reality Show Veterans
Several familiar faces from the small screen and previous reality competitions are joining the cast. Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, who rose to prominence in Udaariyan and finished third on Bigg Boss 16, returns to reality TV after her appearance in Naagin 7. Salman Khan notably praised her gameplay during her Bigg Boss stint.
Another Bigg Boss winner, Gautam Gulati, who triumphed in Season 8 in 2015, makes his comeback to the reality format. Gulati was previously known for shows like Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani and Diya Aur Baati Hum, and more recently participated in MTV Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand in 2023 and Roadies XX in 2025.
Punjabi actor and singer Sara Gurpal, known for films such as Manje Bistre, will also compete. After an early exit from Bigg Boss 14, she later achieved runner-up status in Reality Ranis of The Jungle 2 in 2025. Veteran television actor Karan Patel, celebrated for his role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (2013-2019), adds significant star power. His extensive career includes roles in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2, and he previously competed in Khatron Ke Khiladi 10 and The 50.
Model and actor Siwet Tomar brings a strong reality show background, having been the first runner-up on Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand and a finalist on Splitsvilla 15, in addition to his participation in The 50. Content creator Niharika Tiwari, a former contestant on Roadies and Splitsvilla 16, where her relationship with Sorab Bedi drew attention, also joins the lineup. Rounding out this category is model and actor Irina Rudakova, who previously competed in Bigg Boss Marathi.
Bollywood Presence and New Entrants
Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker is a notable addition, marking her first appearance in a captive reality show. Known for critically acclaimed films like Veere Di Wedding and Raanjhanaa, Bhasker is also recognized for her outspoken views on social issues, having previously appeared in the reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga. Bhojpuri film star Kajal Raghwani, celebrated for her roles in hits such as Pratigya 2 and Patna Se Pakistan, completes the 15-member cast.
Making their reality television debuts are Tej Pratap Yadav, hailing from a prominent family in Bihar, and commentator Shehzad Poonawalla. Their inclusion brings a fresh dynamic to a cast largely dominated by entertainment figures.
Digital Stars and Unique Personalities
The show also features a strong contingent of digital creators and online personalities. Dentist and content creator Kaira Anu gained recognition as a prominent female contestant on Splitsvilla 16. Manish Kashyap, known as the 'Son of Bihar', is a digital creator with a significant following, focusing his content on everyday life issues. YouTuber Raj Grover has built his audience through comedy and slice-of-life videos often featuring his family.
Content creator Anish Bhagat, who started in 2018, is known for storytelling centered on personal experiences and has also released singles like "Souvenir." Bhagat additionally appeared in Bandish Bandits Season 2 as Kingshuk.
Show Format and Anticipation
The second season of Rise & Fall aims to build on the success of its inaugural run, maintaining its unique interactive format. Viewers will play a crucial role in shaping the competition, influencing who enjoys the luxuries of the penthouse and who faces the challenges of the basement. With Virender Sehwag at the helm and a diverse mix of celebrities, actors, and digital creators, the show is poised to deliver a compelling and unpredictable viewing experience when it premieres in late September 2026.