Shehzad Poonawalla has said he will “rise again” after a physical altercation with fellow contestant Siwet Tomar on Rise & Fall 2 left him with a torn kurta and sparked reactions online. Poonawalla thanked viewers for their support and said the incident would not break his spirit.
Shehzad Poonawalla responds after clash
Poonawalla addressed the controversy in a statement shared on X, saying he had maintained his composure during the confrontation and continued to treat other contestants with respect. His statement also referred to his personal circumstances, including losing his father as a child and having differences with his brother over ideological views.
According to the statement, Poonawalla had entered the reality show to participate, work and earn a living. It also alleged that he was verbally provoked before the confrontation became physical.
The message said that while he could be abused, silenced or pushed down, his spirit could not be defeated. Poonawalla concluded by thanking viewers for their “overwhelming love and support” and signed off with “Jai Hind.”
What happened on Rise & Fall 2?
The confrontation followed the Ultimate Ruler race, which determined who would hold greater power in the Tower and remain safe from the week's Fall. Contestants were first asked to identify the weakest decision-maker, with several naming Siwet while Karan Patel selected Shehzad.
After Siwet was eliminated from the race, he was given another opportunity to name a Ruler he considered weak and chose Shehzad.
The disagreement escalated later when Shehzad questioned Siwet about speaking to Swara Bhasker after previously saying he would not interact with her. The argument eventually turned physical, with Siwet grabbing Shehzad by the neck and pushing him to the ground.
Shehzad was subsequently seen showing his torn kurta on camera. Physical violence is prohibited on the show, and Siwet was asked to leave.
The incident has since become a major talking point among viewers, with videos of the confrontation circulating online.
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