The reality show Rise & Fall is set to bring diverse contestants to the screen when it premieres on Amazon MX Player from September 6, 2025. Among them is Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar. Her journey from cricket fields in Mumbai to becoming a transgender advocate in Manchester has already made headlines.
Born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Anaya grew up following in her father's footsteps. She played local club cricket for Islam Gymkhana and later represented Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire. However, she described her time on boys' teams as living a "double life," struggling to reconcile her gender identity with the sport she loved.
Formerly known as Aryan, Anaya transitioned in her early twenties. In 2024, she revealed on her YouTube channel that she had relocated to Manchester, UK, to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Since then, she has been on hormone replacement therapy, sharing her experience openly on social media.
In a recent interview with Lallantop, Anaya alleged that after she came out as a transgender woman, some cricketers sent her nude photos and subjected her to harassment and abuse in front of teammates. These revelations highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Indian sport.
Despite the negativity, Anaya has emerged as an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate, using her platform as a cricketer and content creator to push for inclusivity. She also works as a graphic designer, balancing her career with her activism.
Now 23, Anaya joins Rise & Fall not just as a contestant but as a voice for change. Her story of resilience and advocacy is expected to spark important conversations within and beyond the show's format.