From 'Istriwala' to Winner: Shehzad Poonawalla Donates Rise and Fall Prize to Farmers
Shehzad Poonawalla wins Rise and Fall and donates his prize money to Maharashtra's drought-hit farmers, earning praise from CM Devendra Fadnavis.
In a heartwarming gesture that has captured public attention, Shehzad Poonawalla, the winner of the reality show Rise and Fall, has decided to donate his entire prize money to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The funds are earmarked to support drought-hit farmers across Maharashtra, turning a personal victory into a cause for social good.
CM Devendra Fadnavis Applauds Noble Gesture
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took to social media to congratulate Poonawalla on his win and laud his decision to support the state's agricultural community. In his message, the CM expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, thanking Shehzad for standing with the 'Baliraja' (farmers) during their time of need.
Responding to the praise, Shehzad expressed his gratitude to both CM Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the Prime Minister's leadership had constantly inspired him to prioritize the welfare of farmers and citizens above all else.
The 'Outsider' Who Beat the Stars
The second season of the MX Original Rise and Fall, hosted by former cricket legend Virender Sehwag and produced by Banijay India, saw a clash of personalities. Shehzad described his victory as particularly significant because he entered the competition as a complete outsider.
While the finale featured a lineup of actors and reality TV stars—some of whom were prominent figures in the film and television industry—Shehzad came from a background in media and politics. He attributed his success to a strategic approach of uniting contestants from different sides of the game, as well as the overwhelming support of the audience.
A Journey of 'Rises and Falls'
Reflecting on the title of the show, Shehzad shared the emotional parallels between the competition and his own life story. He revealed that his journey has been marked by extreme volatility, starting with the tragic loss of his father when he was only five years old.
"The name of the show is Rise and Fall, and my life has also been full of rises and falls. When I was five, my father passed away... At one point, we were in a very good position, but overnight, life pushed us into the basement," Shehzad recalled.
He spoke candidly about his struggles over the years, transitioning through various phases of life, including his time in politics and media, where he experienced both peaks and troughs.
Humility in Victory
Despite the glamour of the reality show, Shehzad remained grounded in his roots. He credited his victory to God's grace, his mother's blessings, and the love of the viewers. In a poignant comparison, he mentioned that just as a 'chaiwala' could rise to become the Prime Minister of the country, he—whom he described as an 'istriwala'—was able to win the show.