- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:24 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ashneer Grover, the outspoken entrepreneur and now the host of Rise And Fall, is once again in the spotlight for his candid remarks. Known for speaking his mind without filters, Grover recently shared his views on how reality shows in India are structured. According to him, the true focus of such shows should always remain on the contestants rather than on the presence of big personalities. While he avoided naming anyone directly, many believe his comments were a subtle reference to Salman Khan and his long-running association with Bigg Boss 19. His words have sparked conversations online, raising questions about how reality shows in India are often built around their superstar hosts rather than the participants themselves.
In a conversation with Showsha, Grover explained his perspective on why contestants should always be at the centre of a reality show. “Reality shows have to be about contestants. Unfortunately, in India we have had a very big show with a very big superstar. It’s become more about him than the contestants. But the fact is, who is putting in the hours? Bhai, aap to ek weekend mein aa rahe ho. Jo 24 ghante lage hain woh to contestant lage hue hain,” he remarked. Although he didn’t mention Salman Khan directly, his statement clearly echoed the format of Bigg Boss 19. The show has become famous for Khan’s dominating presence in the Weekend Ka Vaar episodes, where he enters the house, gives his opinions, and interacts with the contestants. Grover’s comments, therefore, seem to suggest that the real credit should go to those living inside the house, dealing with the pressures, and creating drama round the clock rather than to a host who appears once a week.
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Meanwhile, the Rise And Fall host also stressed that the “balance of power” in reality shows needs to shift back to contestants. “The balance of power has to go back to contestants and the content that comes out of them. Rather than it being hijacked by someone who comes over the weekend,” he added. Grover further spoke about how his own show, Rise And Fall, is designed differently. He explained that the programme avoids the ‘taboo’ often linked with being a contestant on Indian reality television. “In this show, what people will find interesting is the quality of contestants we have got. There is no taboo. In other shows, people often feel that being a contestant means you’re at a certain stage in life, maybe facing a midlife crisis, or desperately in need of attention. We don’t carry that baggage,” he said.
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Additionally, according to him, this “clean slate” is what sets Rise And Fall apart from other shows. By removing labels and stereotypes, the show has managed to attract strong and interesting personalities who contribute to its unpredictable format. The reality series brings together 16 participants in a divided mansion where power dynamics constantly shift. Some contestants rise as temporary rulers, while others struggle to climb the ladder. With frequent twists, challenges, and shifts in hierarchy, Grover believes Rise And Fall ensures that all the focus stays on the participants themselves where, in his view, it truly belongs.