Shehzad Poonawalla, who emerged as the winner of the second season of the reality show Rise and Fall, has expressed regret over his controversial remark about fellow contestant Priyanka Chahar Choudhary. During the show, Shehzad called Priyanka a gold digger, leading to a heated exchange between the two contestants. The comment became one of the season's widely discussed moments and attracted reactions from viewers.
Following the show's conclusion, Shehzad addressed the controversy in an interview. He said he regretted using certain words against Priyanka and wanted to take them back. He also acknowledged her achievements as an actor and wished her success in her career.
The apology comes shortly after Shehzad secured the winner's title in Rise and Fall Season 2. Priyanka finished the competition as the first runner-up, while actor Gautam Gulati secured the third position.
Shehzad Poonawalla Expresses Regret Over His Remark
In an interview after the finale, Shehzad reflected on his relationship with Priyanka during the competition. He said that she was an established actor who had already achieved considerable success in her career.
Shehzad acknowledged that the circumstances inside the reality show had influenced the way contestants reacted to one another. He explained that the competitive environment often led to disagreements and emotional exchanges.
However, he made it clear that he regretted using certain words against Priyanka. He said that even if the remarks were made in response to something said during an argument, he should not have used them. He also stated that he took those words back.
His comments indicated a willingness to move beyond the disagreement that had developed between the two contestants during the programme. He described Priyanka as an accomplished actor and expressed confidence in her future career.
How the Gold Digger Controversy Started
The disagreement between Shehzad and Priyanka developed during their time together on Rise and Fall Season 2. The contestants frequently disagreed over the show's tasks, strategies and changing positions inside the competition.
During one argument, Priyanka reportedly referred to Shehzad as a manchild. Shehzad responded by using the term gold digger, which immediately intensified the exchange.
The remark became a major talking point among viewers. Priyanka objected to the personal nature of the comment, and the disagreement continued beyond the initial conversation.
The incident attracted attention because it moved beyond ordinary disagreements about the game's strategy. The exchange involved personal remarks, creating tension between the contestants and prompting discussions among viewers on social media.
The controversy also became part of the wider narrative surrounding the season, which featured shifting alliances, disagreements and confrontations between participants.
Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Reaction
Priyanka Chahar Choudhary did not appear to take the remark lightly during the show. The actor expressed her displeasure and challenged Shehzad over the language he had used.
The disagreement became more intense as both contestants continued to exchange comments. Priyanka also warned Shehzad during one confrontation that she would not tolerate his behaviour.
The incident drew attention from viewers because Priyanka had developed a strong presence in the competition. Her participation in the show, along with her disagreements with other contestants, became an important part of the season's discussions.
Shehzad's post-show comments have now brought the issue back into focus. His acknowledgement of Priyanka's professional achievements and his regret over the remark suggest that he wants to put the disagreement behind him.
However, there has been no confirmation in the available interview report that Priyanka has publicly responded to his latest comments or accepted the apology.
Shehzad Poonawalla Wins Rise and Fall Season 2
The controversy was among several dramatic moments during Shehzad's journey on Rise and Fall Season 2. After six weeks of competition, he emerged as the winner of the reality show hosted by former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag.
Shehzad defeated a group of contestants that included television personalities and other public figures. Priyanka Chahar Choudhary finished as the first runner-up, while Gautam Gulati secured the third position.
The finale featured several challenges and voting decisions before the winner was announced. The competition had been shaped by changing positions between the Penthouse and Basement, with contestants regularly competing to improve their standing in the game.
Shehzad's ability to maintain his position through different stages of the competition helped him reach the final round and secure the trophy.
He also won a cash prize of Rs 35 lakh. Following his victory, he announced his intention to donate the prize money to the chief minister's relief funds in Bihar and Assam for flood relief and other public welfare purposes.
Shehzad Reflects on His Reality Show Journey
In the post-finale interview, Shehzad also looked back at the difficult moments he experienced during the competition. He discussed his relationships with other contestants, including Priyanka, Swara Bhasker and Siwet Tomar.
He acknowledged that he had underestimated some of his fellow participants and that the experience had taught him lessons about patience and dealing with people from different backgrounds.
Shehzad also reflected on his disagreements with Siwet Tomar. The two contestants had been involved in a physical altercation during the programme, which became another major controversy of the season. Shehzad said that he did not support violence and hoped that Siwet would have a successful career in the future.
His comments showed that he wanted to move beyond the confrontations that had taken place during the show.
What Happens After the Apology?
Shehzad's comments have renewed attention on his relationship with Priyanka after the conclusion of Rise and Fall Season 2. By expressing regret and withdrawing the remark, he has acknowledged that his words were inappropriate, even if they were spoken during an argument.
Whether the two contestants will develop a friendly relationship outside the show remains to be seen. Reality television competitions often create intense situations in which disagreements can become personal. Once the programme ends, contestants have an opportunity to reconsider their actions and address unresolved issues.
For now, Shehzad's apology is a notable development following his victory. His remarks have shifted some attention from the competition itself to the disagreements that shaped his journey.
Conclusion
Rise and Fall Season 2 winner Shehzad Poonawalla has expressed regret over calling Priyanka Chahar Choudhary a gold digger during the reality show. In a post-finale interview, he said he should not have used those words and took back the remark. He also praised Priyanka's achievements as an actor and wished her success.
The controversy had been one of the season's notable disagreements. With Shehzad winning the competition and Priyanka finishing as the first runner-up, their exchange remains a talking point among viewers following the show's conclusion.
