Cinema VinesFormer Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has announced that he will take the helm of the reality series Rise & Fall 2, which is set to air on September 26. Sehwag admitted that the idea of hosting a show that has nothing to do with cricket was not something he had envisioned for himself. “I refused to even do an interaction for the show. I believed it would be very difficult for me to host a show, which is not about cricket,” he explained. It was only after a conversation with the production team, who assured him they wanted him to bring his own personality to the program, that he accepted the role. His sons were equally shocked, with one recalling, “They said, ‘Dad, what are you doing? How can you host a show? There are big fights here. How will you do it?’”
Beyond his new television venture, Sehwag opened up about his family life and the pressures his sons face as the children of a sporting legend. Aryavir, 18, and Vedant, 16, are both following in his footsteps by pursuing cricket, but the weight of the Sehwag name brings both advantages and expectations. “Being compared to their father has benefits too (laughs). There is a benefit of having Sehwag’s surname, but there is a pressure too. You are indeed compared to your father,” he said. He made it clear that he does not expect his sons to replicate his career, comparing their situation to that of Sachin Tendulkar’s son: “Don’t think that Sachin Tendulkar’s son will do the same. He has a different life. He plays different cricket.” He added that his sons might achieve more than he did, or perhaps not reach the Indian team, but that their love for the game should remain the priority.
When asked whether he would welcome a biopic about his life, Sehwag answered affirmatively. He emphasized that his romantic relationship should be featured, stating, “My love story is definitely something that should be included.” He left the choice of actor to the filmmakers, saying, “I would let the producer and director decide that. Nowadays, everyone is good. I won’t pick a particular name.”
The comments come amid rumors of Sehwag’s separation from his wife, Aarti Ahlawat. The couple, who wed in 2004, has been the subject of speculation since January 2025, with reports suggesting they have been living apart for several months. Neither party has confirmed the split publicly. Sehwag said he prefers to stay out of the media spotlight regarding his personal life, adding, “I don’t read about myself on social media. I prefer not being bothered by it.”
