After his recent elimination from the reality show Rise and Fall, Kiku Sharda sat down with Newshelpline to reflect on his journey — including his memorable bond with Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh. Hosted by Ashneer Grover, the show has been making headlines for its intense competition and fiery dynamics, but for Kiku, one of the highlights was his calm and enjoyable time spent with Pawan. “He was a great guy. I was genuinely having a good time pass with him. We didn’t talk much about the game — we were just in our space,” he shared fondly.
Unlike some of the show’s more game-focused contestants, Kiku admitted that his and Pawan's approach was more laid-back. “Spending time with him was fun — we were similar in that way,” he said, emphasizing how their interactions were less about strategy and more about shared comfort. Their bond offered viewers a refreshing change of pace amid the otherwise cutthroat gameplay.
Reflecting on his overall experience on the show, Kiku was honest about the emotional toll of competitive reality formats. “The aim is to move forward and reach the top — but in doing so, a lot of people don’t hesitate to pull others down,” he observed. “That’s something I’ve always tried to stay away from. This whole mindset leads to fights, confrontations, and sometimes even physical altercations.” Despite initial hesitation about participating, Kiku says he values the experience for what it taught him about human behavior under pressure.
Kiku’s elimination might have marked the end of his journey on Rise and Fall, but his insights — and his dignified gameplay — have left a lasting impression. While fans may miss his trademark humor and grounded personality on the show, his honest reflections shine a light on the often unseen emotional complexities of reality television. And his unexpected camaraderie with Pawan Singh? A true highlight of the season.