Arbaz Patel, who recently emerged as the second runner-up on the reality show ‘Rise & Fall,’ has opened up about his experience inside the house. Describing the past six weeks as a “battlefield,” Patel emphasized his commitment to playing the game strategically, stating, “When I enter a reality show, I come to play the game. You can’t survive if you don’t treat it like one. Friendships and emotions are great, but they belong to the real world, not inside that house.”
His close association with fellow contestant Dhanashree Verma was a significant talking point during the season, leading to speculation about the nature of their relationship. Patel has now clarified that their bond was purely an alliance. “It was an alliance, nothing more,” he explained. “Everyone was playing to win, and forming alliances was part of that. People said I ignored my girlfriend Nikki’s advice, but you have to make strategic choices. Dhanashree played her game, and so did I.” He added that while Dhanashree was friendly when he held power in the game, her interactions shifted when others took charge, which he found natural within the show’s context.
Despite the intense competition, Patel expressed happiness for Arjun Bijlani, the eventual winner of ‘Rise & Fall.’ “If anyone played it smart after me, it was Arjun. I’m glad he won,” Patel commented. “This game is unpredictable — we didn’t know who’d walk away with the title until the very end.”
The interview also touched upon a moment where Patel advised Dhanashree against hugging men sideways, a comment that even his girlfriend had noticed. Patel attributed this perspective to his upbringing, explaining, “I didn’t grow up around many female friends. Over time, I learned how to behave respectfully — from handshakes to hugs. My parents always taught me to maintain dignity and space.” He further clarified, “I told Dhanashree that in my understanding, a woman should avoid front hugs with men other than her partner. That’s how I was raised. She, of course, said she hugs everyone, and that’s her choice. I completely respect that. I wasn’t trying to dictate her behaviour, just sharing my perspective.”
Concluding his reflections, Patel shared the key takeaway from ‘Rise & Fall’: strategy often triumphs over sentiment. He remarked with a smile, “People often call these connections friendship, but inside that house, it’s survival. Once the cameras are off, you realise who was real and who was just playing along.”