The power game is returning with a fresh set of faces. Rise & Fall Season 2 has officially revealed its first four contestants, with former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag taking charge as the host.

The newly announced contestants are Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, Swara Bhasker, Karan Patel and Shehzad Poonawalla. The four names were unveiled through the show's latest promotional campaign, giving viewers their first look at the personalities who will enter the power-driven reality format.

Priyanka Chahar Choudhary returns to reality television

Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, known for her television work and her appearance on Bigg Boss 16, is returning to reality television with a format that puts decision-making and shifting power at the centre.

Speaking about the show, Priyanka said the Ruler-to-Worker dynamic makes the experience different from her previous reality-TV appearances. She said she is prepared to adapt to whatever position she gets and see how far she can rise in the game.

Swara Bhasker enters the power game

Actor Swara Bhasker is another prominent name joining the new season. She has previously participated in reality television and is now entering a format where alliances, strategy and competing viewpoints will play a major role.

Bhasker said she has always been open about her opinions and expects the combination of contrasting personalities, power and strategy to create interesting dynamics inside the show.

Karan Patel to appear as himself

Television actor Karan Patel is also part of the first batch of contestants. Having spent years playing fictional characters on television, Patel said the reality show gives him an opportunity to appear as himself.

He highlighted the competitive aspect of the format, particularly the need to make decisions, stand by them and adapt as the circumstances change.

Shehzad Poonawalla joins the contestants

The fourth announced contestant is Shehzad Poonawalla, who brings a different public profile to the reality-show lineup.

Poonawalla linked the show's title to his own life journey and said he is interested in a format where contestants with different perspectives have to form alliances at certain points and oppose one another at others. He also joked that he would not have to pay rent during the six weeks of the competition.

What is Rise & Fall Season 2 about?

Produced by Banijay Asia, the show is based on the British format created by Studio Lambert. The Indian version revolves around two groups — Rulers and Workers.

The Rulers live in a luxury penthouse and have greater control over the game, while Workers stay in the basement and undertake tasks to build the prize pot. Through challenges, alliances, decisions and power shifts, Workers can rise to become Rulers, while those at the top can lose their position.

The second season will feature 15 contestants and run for 42 days, with the remaining names expected to be revealed later.

When and where to watch Rise & Fall Season 2?

According to the latest announcement, Rise & Fall Season 2 will stream from September 26, 2026, with new episodes scheduled daily at 12 PM on Prime Video and the MX Player Android app.

The first season was hosted by Ashneer Grover and was won by television actor Arjun Bijlani. Sehwag's entry as host marks a change for the second season as the show returns with a new set of contestants and a fresh power dynamic.