The premiere episode of Rise & Fall has already sparked controversy as contestant Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, openly accused fellow contestant Aarush Bhola of being “homophobic.”
Anaya’s statement
During the episode, Anaya expressed her doubts about Aarush’s behavior compared to the other participants. “Other than all contestants, Aarush is the one I am doubting to be good. I have seen his content, he is such a homophobic,” she said, making her stance clear in front of the cameras.
Who is Aarush Bhola?
Aarush Bhola is a well-known fitness influencer, entrepreneur, and YouTuber, boasting over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and a large YouTube subscriber base. He is also the co-founder of the clothing brand All Stag Apparels and is known for his fitness-related collaborations with brands such as Big Muscles Nutrition and Pintola.
While Aarush entered Rise & Fall as one of the high-profile contestants with a strong online following, his past content has now come under scrutiny following Anaya’s on-air remarks.
Why this matters
The accusation has added early drama to the show, with audiences divided on social media. Anaya, a transgender woman and LGBTQ+ advocate, has been vocal about the harassment she faced in the cricketing system and continues to push for inclusivity. Her direct confrontation with Aarush sets the stage for a tense dynamic inside the Rise & Fall house.
With Rise & Fall only just beginning on Amazon MX Player from September 6, 2025, the allegation could shape much of the narrative in the coming episodes.