It’s an experiment in human behaviour: Deepak Dhar talks about ‘Rise and Fall’

On Day 2 of Goafest 2025, Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO of Banijay Asia, in conversation with Aruna Daryanani, Director at Amazon MX Player, announced the Indian adaptation of the globally acclaimed reality show Rise and Fall.

Known for his role in shaping India’s biggest reality franchises—Bigg Boss, The Kapil Sharma Show, MasterChef India—Dhar shared insights into what fuels Banijay Asia’s creative engine. 

“At Banijay, we are always hungry for the next big story,” he said. “Whether scripted or unscripted, we’re committed to finding powerful formats and building the right ecosystem around them to reach mass audiences,” he said.

Rise and Fall is a unique unscripted format that brings together contestants from diverse backgrounds into a luxurious penthouse setting, dividing them into two distinct spaces—the influencers who live in power, and the workers who must hustle from below. The twist? Power can shift, and personalities are tested not just through competition, but through authority, strategy, and ethics, he shared.

“This is not your typical reality show. It’s an experiment in human behaviour,” Dhar said. “It explores how people deal with power—whether they use it or abuse it—and that’s what makes it such a compelling narrative.”

The format, which originated in the UK and is already travelling across Europe, is now being localized for Indian audiences with a strong emphasis on cultural nuance and diversity in casting.

Guiding the Indian version of Rise and Fall is Ashneel Rawat, a polarizing public figure known for his dramatic journey—from high-profile success to public scrutiny and now a much-watched comeback. “He brings exactly the kind of layered personality that makes the show unpredictable and riveting,” said Dhar.

The show will feature not only celebrities and influencers but also achievers from varied walks of life—entrepreneurs, activists, athletes, and deeply rooted characters who reflect the real India.

Dhar also gave a virtual tour of the penthouse where the show is set, showcasing how its vast, high-design spaces are tailor-made for immersive storytelling and brand integration. “This house isn’t just a set—it’s a living, breathing narrative space,” he said.

When asked about what keeps him going creatively, Dhar kept it simple: “It’s about following the process, doing the small things right, and surrounding yourself with the best creators. From Bigg Boss to The Night Manager, and now Rise and Fall, it’s about trusting the story and trusting the team.”