Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of those intense reality shows? You know, the ones that push contestants to their absolute limits? Well, Aahana Kumra just spilled everything about her nightmare experience on ‘Rise and Fall’, and honestly, it’s wild.
Back in October 2025, Kumra opened up in an exclusive interview. She revealed a brutal, hidden battle with anxiety, claustrophobia, and even brain fog. Yeah, brain fog! All while locked away on the show, trying to navigate its cutthroat format.
Here’s the thing: she almost didn’t even join the “captive reality show” initially. She told sources she had “double thoughts” about participating. Why? Because she was already on medication and deep into a healing process for her mental health struggles. And then she learned about the show’s main set – a literal basement! Talk about a recipe for disaster when you’re claustrophobic, right?
But honestly, Aahana decided to confront those deep-seated fears. She chose to face the challenge head-on. Imagine that resolve! Yet, the environment itself was designed to challenge every contestant. You’re literally confined to a basement set, cut off from natural sunlight for days, no access to your phone, and under constant, unblinking camera surveillance. It’s a pressure cooker, an intense mental game, forcing you into specific situations and ways of thinking.
Ashneer Grover hosted this wild ride, adding another layer of intensity. The show’s format, trapping contestants without natural light, directly contributed to Aahana’s deteriorating mental health. Her anxiety and claustrophobia, already a battle, became an overwhelming daily fight in that confined space. It wasn’t just a game; it was a constant personal struggle.
But wait, it gets even crazier. After her eviction from ‘Rise and Fall’, the struggle didn’t just stop. Kumra started receiving horrific death and rape threats. And get this, these weren’t from anonymous online trolls. They were from fans of a fellow contestant, Pawan Singh! Can you believe it?
You’d think after Kumra and Pawan Singh had reconciled and even publicly apologized to each other on stage, that would be the end of it, right? Nope. The vile threats kept pouring in. It just shows you how intensely devoted, and sometimes toxic, fan reactions can get, spilling over from the screen into real-world harassment and fear.
So, what does Aahana’s brave story tell us about reality TV? It really makes you think about the immense mental toll these shows can take. Are they just harmless entertainment, or are they something more sinister when contestants are pushed to their absolute breaking point, even facing serious threats long after the cameras stop rolling?
What’s your take? Does Aahana’s shocking experience change how you view reality television and its impact on people’s lives?



