From Comedy to Chaos: Kiku Sharda’s Bold Move into Ashneer Grover’s Rise and Fall Reality Show

Indian television has never been short of trying out formats that entertain viewers, and 2025 appears to be setting the bar high with one of the most engaging reality ideas ever presented. The most recent buzz in the entertainment world is Rise and Fall, a new series presented by Ashneer Grover with the very popular comedian Kiku Sharda in a completely different role than ever before. Kiku has been a household name for years due to his super funny acts on The Kapil Sharma Show. His perfect comic timing and witty characters have kept the audience in laughter. But this time, he is leaving comedy behind and walking directly into a realm of survival challenges, deceit, changing power equations, and harsh conditions.

The format of the show itself guarantees something new to Indian viewers who have been used to singing, dancing, and adventure-based celebrity contests. Rise and Fall is a social experiment where 15 celebrities are kept under one roof and asked to adjust to ever-changing situations. The most thrilling aspect of the idea is that power changes so unpredictably, rendering today’s kings workers for tomorrow and vice versa. This unpredictability not only makes the contestants nervous but also leaves the audience wondering what will unfold next. With Kiku Sharda joining this battleground and Ashneer Grover hosting the show with his fearless hosting style, there already seems to be a sense of excitement around the launch.

The Rise and Fall Concept: What Makes It Unique

Reality shows live off drama and surprises, but Rise and Fall adds one that isn’t common in Indian entertainment. The contestants are placed into two opposite teams—those who reside in opulence in a penthouse and those who barely have any resources at all in a basement. This extreme divide sets a defined line between luxury and survival, putting to the test not only physical stamina but also psychological toughness.

What makes the show gripping is the rule that nothing remains the same for long. At any moment, a ruler enjoying luxury can be thrown into the basement, while someone surviving in harsh conditions can rise to a life of privilege. This constant flip of circumstances ensures that no contestant ever feels secure in their position. The anxiety of losing control or the excitement of acquiring it makes the game so fascinating for both players and viewers.

The trailer has already given us a hint of betrayals, changing allegiances, emotional collapse, and unexpected friendships. It suggests that the experience will not only be survival but also to what extent contestants will push to establish their place at the pinnacle.

Where and When to Watch Rise and Fall

The show officially launched on September 6, 2025, and can be viewed on several platforms, allowing the audience across various viewing habits. For viewers who prefer watching online, episodes are available to stream every day at 12 PM on MX Player on the MX Player app, Amazon Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme. For those who like watching from the comfort of traditional television with family and friends, the show is shown nightly at 10 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

This double availability is a guarantee that the show is accessible to more viewers. Whether you are the type of viewer who wants to watch episodes on your phone during the day or one who likes to relax with the family in the night, Rise and Fall has ensured you do not miss the drama.

Rise and Fall contestants

The celeb-studded cast of contestants is among the strongest reasons why Rise and Fall has made headlines even before its launch. All the participants belong to a different profession, bringing diversity and making sure that the interactions do not grow monotonous. The following confirmed contestants have been named:

Arjun Bijlani, the well-known TV actor famous for his charismatic on-screen presence.

Kubbra Sait, the talented actress renowned for playing bold and strong roles.

Kiku Sharda, the comedian entering survival reality for the very first time.

Dhanashree Verma, a popular choreographer and influencer.

Aditya Narayan, a singer and TV host with a decade of entertainment experience.

Aahana Kumra, a television actress known for her powerful performances.

Nayandeep Rakshit, an entertainment journalist providing a new point of view.

Pawan Singh, the Bhojpuri megastar bringing his regional fan following to the show.

Arbaz Patel, a digital influencer with a large online fan base.

Aarush Bhola, a young influencer with an energetic presence.

With such a diverse mix, audiences can expect plenty of conflicts, strategies, and surprises. Every contestant brings their unique personality to the game, making the competition even more intense and entertaining.

Kiku Sharda’s Surprising Shift from Comedy to Reality Survival

Of all the contestants, Kiku Sharda’s entry comes as a big surprise. The star of light-hearted comedies and humorous roles, Kiku has never done anything that isn’t funny. Seeing him on a survival reality show is a welcome relief for his fans, who wish to know what he is like in a whole new setting.

The question that comes to mind is whether his sense of humor will sustain him through the stresses of betrayal, power shift, and perpetual ambiguity. On the one hand, his sense of humor could make him a crowd favorite among contestants, and on the other, his bubbly nature might conflict with the seriousness of power battles. Regardless of what the result is, his presence will certainly add something special to the program and engage viewers in his journey.

Ashneer Grover as Host: Why He is the Perfect Fit

Ashneer Grover’s image is ahead of him. Since his stint on Shark Tank India, everyone has looked up to him for his sharp business mind, straightforward honesty, and unadulterated opinions. Getting him on board as the host of Rise and Fall is a stroke of genius. His attitude keeps contestants on their toes, as Grover has the reputation of calling a spade a spade.

Talking to IANS, Grover said Rise and Fall is one of the most interesting formats in international reality TV. He reiterated that the gap between “haves and have-nots” will introduce a fresh and exciting element of unpredictability in Indian reality television. What thrills him the most is the dynamic nature of power in the game since contestants and audiences never know who will exercise power the next moment.

This strategy guarantees that Grover is not only a host but a part of the experience itself, creating tension and reality to the whole show.

Why Rise and Fall Could Become India's Next Big Reality Show

Indian viewers have always enjoyed reality TV for its content of entertainment, drama, and emotional connect. But most shows tend to become predictable after a point. Rise and Fall stands out because it is never predictable. No one contestant can relax, and no result can be predicted. This makes each episode novel.

The multi-talented cast is appealing to a broad range of viewers, from TV and movie enthusiasts to followers of online creators and influencers. Kiku Sharda’s surprise entry attracts comedy enthusiasts, while Ashneer Grover’s blunt presence lends authenticity. This combination can possibly attract viewers from all over the country and turn the show into a family watercooler topic.

Final Thoughts on Rise and Fall

Rise and Fall is more than just another reality TV show to add to India’s repertoire—it’s an ambitious experiment that takes both stars and viewers into uncharted territory. Its innovative format, fluctuating power relations, and contrasting cast promise a daily fix of entertainment that will have people tuning in again and again.

Kiku Sharda’s transition from comedy to survival is welcome, and Ashneer Grover’s hosting guarantees that the drama is still raw and uncut. The amalgamation of these two makes the show stand out amidst the noise and puts it among the most promising reality projects of the year.

For fans of reality TV shows that are full of emotional roller-coasters, dramatic surprises, and fierce battles for survival, Rise and Fall is a must-see. It is not merely who wins and loses, but how fast their fortunes shift and how far they will go to reach the top.