Amazon MX Player has announced its latest unscripted series, Rise & Fall, set to premiere on September 6, with Ashneer Grover taking on hosting duties in his first-ever television anchor role. Produced by Banijay Asia and adapted from a format created by Studio Lambert, the show is positioned as a high-stakes social experiment and will stream free on Amazon MX Player platforms.
The format pits 16 celebrity contestants against each other in a sharp socio-economic divide – some placed in a luxurious penthouse as “Rulers,” while others live in a spartan basement as “Workers.” As the 42-day competition unfolds, power shifts are constant and driven by strategy, performance, and public perception.
Among the confirmed cast are actor Arjun Bijlani, actress Kubbra Sait, content creator and choreographer Dhanashree Verma, and comedian Kiku Sharda – along with 12 other personalities spanning entertainment, politics, entrepreneurship, and social media.
“Rise & Fall brings a whole new twist to Indian reality TV. What excites me most is how quickly fortunes change – power flips in seconds. Hosting this is like being ringside at the ultimate power play,” said Ashneer Grover, host of the show and former Shark Tank India judge.
Contestant Arjun Bijlani shared, “I’ve done acting and hosting, but this format is something else. Every move you make can take you from the top to the bottom or the other way around.”
Dhanashree Verma reflected on her journey: “This show resonated with my own hustle. It’s as much a mental and emotional challenge as it is physical.”
Known for his comic timing, Kiku Sharda commented, “I’m usually the one making people laugh. Here, the laughter has to make space for survival, alliances, and sometimes tears.”
Amogh Dusad, Head of Content at Amazon MX Player, described the show as “a compelling social mirror that reflects the dynamics of power and privilege.”
Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO of Banijay Asia, added: “Rise & Fall is more than a format — it’s a layered, thought-provoking experiment designed to push boundaries.”
The show will be available across multiple platforms – including Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, Airtel Xstream, and the MX Player app on mobile and connected TVs – promising one of the widest distribution networks for an Indian reality series.
