Arjun Bijlani’s Humane Gameplay Makes Him Stand Out, Anaya Bangar Calls Him the Best

The latest episode of Amazon’s Rise and Fall once again highlighted Arjun Bijlani’s unique style of gameplay. Blending strategy with heart, he came across as the perfect playful mastermind—someone who entertains while staying mindful about every move he makes.

Arjun’s decisions in the episode reflected his brand of authenticity and fairness. Even in the heat of competition, he made it clear that breaking someone’s spirit to win is not acceptable. Instead, he kept motivating his teammates, proving that leadership is about encouragement, not intimidation.

A striking moment came during the ice task challenge, where players were tested not only on physical strength but also mental endurance. While many viewed it as a task better suited for men, Arjun openly questioned the gender bias, stressing that women deserve the same respect and opportunity to prove themselves. Though the task was not completed, his stand underlined that equality, fairness, and humanity should come before any rules of competition.

Through these moments, Arjun showed that his fight is not just for himself, but also for his team. His gameplay carried the message that humanity should always come first—no matter how tough the game gets.

In a format where strategies often override emotions, Arjun’s balance of fun, motivation, and principles continues to set him apart, making him one of the most impactful players of Rise and Fall.

Another highlight of the episode came when Anaya Bangar praised Arjun, saying that the way he plays the game makes him the best. She also mentioned that she would try to get closer to both Arjun and Kubra Sait, acknowledging the strong influence they bring to the competition.

Bollywood Retro Gems - Outstanding Bollywood movies

QURBANI (1980)

The greatest teachers for anyone can be parents, life experiences and books: Ajay Gehi

Putting across his point that one cannot have the privilege of always having a teacher to give you a road map, Ajay Gehi, who is known for his work in tv show Millie, and has done films like Maqbol, Raavan, and Not A Love Story, shares his thoughts on Teacher’s Day. 

He says, "Teachers are extremely important for everyone, they're like a guiding light or GPS to one's life journey. People who have good teachers of any kind are blessed. It’s been a long career for me but I will be honest about this -- I don't have any mentor or guide in the industry."

"However, my parents have been my teachers for life. The greatest teachers for anyone can be parents, life experiences and books. A good mentor or a teacher is hard to find, but the right one can give you a road map to life so you don't make the same mistakes others make, you know when to slow down or when to speed.” 

He also adds, "Teachers and mentors are important as they can give you the right knowledge to move forward and knowledge is power. Unfortunately, I never found myself a mentor or a teacher so the books I read became my teachers and guides. If you are keen to learn, life itself can be your greatest teacher."

Speaking that a man is not too old to learn anything, "I also believe that there is no age for learning and one should never stop themselves from learning something new or sharpen the skill.” 

Ajay was last seen in Hero Gayab Mode On in which he played the antagonist, Shukracharya for which he also grabbed an award.

Speaking about his camaraderie with co-stars, Jackie fondly recalls his close bond with Danny Denzongpa, Dimple Kapadia, and Amrita Singh

Jackie Shroff, the beloved Jaggu Dada of Indian cinema, opens up about his extraordinary journey from the streets of South Bombay to becoming one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars on In The Ring with Filmfare. In a warm and candid conversation with Filmfare’s Editor-in-Chief Jitesh Pillai, Jackie talks about growing up around politicians, kitchen staff, and drivers, the tragedy of losing his brother at a young age, and how his simple upbringing has shaped his profound empathy and street-smart charm.

Growing up in South Bombay, Jackie was surrounded by people from all walks of society— It’s this blend of experiences that shaped the man he is today. Discovered by chance, Jackie rose to fame with Subhash Ghai’s Hero, followed by hits like Ram Lakhan, Karma, and Parinda. Despite criticism, he remained unfazed, valuing experience over fame. With his unique blend of humility, passion, and emotional depth, Jackie Shroff remains a true original.

Bollywood Retro Gems - Outstanding Bollywood movies

Dharmendra, Hema Malini & Sanjeev Kumar in Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

Jackie Shroff recalls growing up in the vibrant lanes of South Bombay, “There is no level in me, I think I am just a human being. I lived a very casual life in South Bombay, surrounded by all the drivers, all the CMs, and all. There, all the rich kids and politicians used to play cricket, and I used to be in the house. We used to see the back office, also, and the front office too. The kitchen guy—he was my buddy. I got to know all kinds of human lives and people.”

He also opened up about the first loss in his life: “When I was 10, my brother passed away. It shook me up. Watching something like that scattered my heart. There was panic. That was the lesson—that no one is immortal in this world. He used to come and pick me up from school. He was everything to me.”

Reflecting on his breakthrough into Bollywood, Jackie shares a laugh about his unintentional first taste of fame,  “In the movie Hero, Subhash ji’s eyes and emotions were a buzz for me. I had no idea what gets shown in films. I was no one. That was my first publicity—my backside photo was there on a poster. My friends were excited and said, “Jackie, your photo is there!” I was like, “Why not the front side?” Then, after a few days, my close-up shots were out. People started noticing me.”

When it comes to criticism, Jackie has always remained grounded. “That’s their job, I can’t do anything,” he says calmly, “I can’t say anything to any critic. They used to dig me up. They’ve written all the negative things about me. I believe that was their choice, their job. I can't do anything about it. Subhash ji made me. He gave me films like Ram Lakhan, Karma, Yaadein, and Hero. That was my turning point.”

Speaking about his camaraderie with co-stars, Jackie fondly recalls his close bond with Danny Denzongpa, Dimple Kapadia, Amrita Singh, and others, “Danny sahab, Dimple ji, Dimpi, Amrita—they were my close co-stars. There were many. We loved to drink, we cooked, we planted. I learned a lot from them. We used to sing. Danny and I—we had the same mindset.”

Talking about his directors, Jackie describes, “Mahesh Bhatt as someone driven purely by emotion, Bhatt sahab is all about passion. He used to say, ‘Feel chahiye.’ We made Kaash just out of that word. He is very passionate. His work is always number one.”

Opening up about his personal life, Jackie shares glimpses of his carefree, romantic days with Ayesha, “I used to write notes to Ayesha, make hearts, take my mom’s powder, go to the barber shop, and take powder for all the ladies. I used to get dressed for films, eat, walk around a lot, and dance the whole night. All those things are missing now. Nothing’s happening. I miss all that—going to art galleries, hanging out, going to the Gateway of India, and taking the last boat to Elephanta Caves. Matheran is my favorite place—I used to go horse riding there. Yes, I’m a responsible husband. I’ve become very responsible. Health-wise, I’ve become like a grandmother.”

In true Jackie style, when asked about relationships, he offers his signature wisdom: “I always say, men have the last word, that is SORRY. Respect women—don’t try to win a fight with them. They’re like atom bombs—just don’t go down to that level."