Home / Arts and Entertainment / Shehzad Fires Back at Tej Pratap: 'No Godfather, Just Honest Work!'
Shehzad Fires Back at Tej Pratap: 'No Godfather, Just Honest Work!'
11 Nov
Summary
- Shehzad Poonawalla refuted Tej Pratap Yadav's claims of vote rigging.
- He affirmed the voting process was transparent and fair.
- Poonawalla pledged prize money for flood and drought relief efforts.

Political commentator Shehzad Poonawalla has addressed and dismissed claims made by politician Tej Pratap Yadav questioning his victory in the reality show "Rise and Fall." Poonawalla defended the show's voting mechanism, stating it was transparent and left little room for manipulation. He drew parallels to electoral politics, where losing often prompts accusations of rigged systems, calling such behavior a "loser attitude."
Poonawalla also responded to trolls suggesting his participation was solely to earn money for rent. He asserted that he lacks a godfather in any industry and must work diligently for an honest living, contrasting himself with those from privileged political backgrounds. He pointed out that his genuine friendships formed on the show were valuable, regardless of their continuation outside the program.
Beyond the show's controversies, Poonawalla announced his intention to donate a portion of his prize money to flood relief in Bihar and Assam, as well as drought relief in Maharashtra. He views public support as a responsibility to give back to the community. Poonawalla expressed openness to future reality TV opportunities, provided they offer intellectual stimulation similar to "Rise and Fall."