Nikki Tamboli’s cryptic post fuels drama after Arbaz Patel’s viral clip with Dhanashree

Arbaaz Patel and Dhanashree Varma

OTT reality show Rise and Fall has been delivering plenty of drama this season, but one moment involving contestant Arbaz Patel has become the centre of conversation far beyond the show’s tasks and challenges.

In a viral clip from the latest episode, Arbaz was seen telling co-contestant Dhanashree Verma not to hug male participants and to give only side hugs instead. Unfazed by the suggestion, Dhanashree declared right away that she would keep hugging people when she greeted them.

She received praise online for her composed yet assured response, with many viewers praising her for not being alarmed by the comment.

Adding a further twist, actress Nikki Tamboli, who has been in a relationship with Arbaz since their Bigg Boss Marathi days, shared a cryptic Instagram story. It read: “apna ek hi usool hai lala, yaari me gaddari nhi aur gaddaro se yaari nhi!!!” (sic). Fans immediately linked her words to the controversy, interpreting it as a subtle but pointed reaction to the ongoing situation.

Social media, however, came down heavily on Arbaz. Fans labelled his words as “controlling” and “possessive,” with some even claiming that this has become a recurring pattern across the reality shows he has taken part in.

Reactions poured in thick and fast. One fan wrote: “Arbaz should focus on the game, not on controlling who Dhanashree hugs.” Another added: “Poor Nikki, she doesn’t deserve to see this kind of behaviour.”

Also Read: Nikki Tamboli in 'shock' after testing positive for dengue following Dubai trip, says, "My face is so swollen..."

Others were quick to highlight Dhanashree’s grace, with one comment reading: “She handled it so gracefully, her confidence is way above Arbaz’s insecurity.” Another user chimed in with: “Every show, same pattern with Arbaz… this is nothing new.”

For many, Arbaz’s growing closeness with Dhanashree feels uncomfortable given his public relationship with Nikki, and this has sparked disappointment among his supporters.

His personal dynamics are beginning to overshadow his performance on the show, even though he still has a significant presence in the game itself.

Since Rise and Fall is already renowned for its unexpected turns, it appears that the relationships and reactions that are occurring around them may provide more drama this season than the tasks themselves.