Prime Video's reality show The Traitors has been making headlines, not just for its suspenseful gameplay but also for the psychological impact it has had on its contestants. Several recently evicted contestants, including Sufi Motiwala, Anshula Kapoor, and Elnaaz Norouzi, have been vocal about their experiences on the show, offering insights into the challenges, strategies, and emotional toll of participating in a reality competition centered around deception and trust.

Sufi Motiwala: Vulnerability, "sass," and shattered friendships

Sufi Motiwala, known for his unfiltered fashion critiques, entered The Traitors with the goal of showing a more vulnerable side to himself. He aimed to break away from the "mean bitch of the internet" image that had been created for him. Initially, Sufi even joked about wanting to be a Traitor, telling Karan Johar, "I'm the b**ch of this season. You better make me the traitor". However, when faced with the possibility of actually being chosen, he realized the psychological pressure would be too intense.

During his time on the show, Sufi formed a bond with fellow contestant Raftaar, with an understanding not to take things personally. However, he was shocked and hurt when Raftaar began accusing him of being a Traitor. Motiwala was ultimately eliminated, an experience he described humorously, stating, "But only legends get a proper funeral," in reference to his dramatic eviction scene. He felt betrayed by Purav Jha, who he considered a friend. Motiwala also addressed the perception of him as a "bad person" due to his sassy personality, emphasizing that there's a difference between being sassy and evil. He also spoke about the challenges he faces as someone from the LGBTQIA+ community, feeling he is an easy target for hate. Motiwala stated that reality show producers "didn't invest Rs 100 cr just for vibes" and that conflicts are deliberately created for content.

Anshula Kapoor: Trauma, PTSD, and Mental Health

Anshula Kapoor's experience on The Traitors was particularly challenging, leading to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She described the show as "traumatic and stressful," citing the intense mental atmosphere, mind games, and isolation as major contributing factors. Kapoor revealed that contestants were kept completely disconnected from the outside world, with no phones or intercoms, and even their room numbers were blacked out.

One mission, in particular, was deeply triggering for Kapoor, as it felt like "reliving my mother's cremation". She shared how the intense ambience and the way the mission was conducted brought back painful memories. Kapoor was critical of the show, suggesting that it was falsely advertised as an intelligent strategic game but turned out to be an extension of Bigg Boss. She emphasized that no amount of money is worth jeopardizing one's mental health. Despite the challenges, Kapoor appreciated the support she received from her family, especially her aunt Maheep Kapoor.

Elnaaz Norouzi: Preparation, Psychology, and Deception

Elnaaz Norouzi approached The Traitors with meticulous preparation, spending six months studying human psychology and watching international versions of the show. She read books such as "The Laws of Human Nature," "How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes," and "Telling Lies" to hone her skills in deception and reading people. Norouzi, who played the role of a Traitor, aimed to deceive her fellow contestants by portraying herself as innocent and unintelligent, leveraging her status as a foreigner who was struggling with Hindi.

Norouzi acknowledged the mental toll of constantly lying and deceiving, stating that it was "very, very heavy on me" and led to her experiencing PTSD after the show. She emphasized the importance of being well-prepared and well-read for any endeavor. Despite the challenges, Norouzi expressed gratitude for the learning experiences and the bonds formed during the show.

Comparisons to Bigg Boss

Inevitably, The Traitors has drawn comparisons to the popular reality show Bigg Boss. Some contestants, like Apoorva Mukhija, have called The Traitors a "smarter show". However, others have pointed out key differences, such as the shorter format and the absence of audience voting. Elnaaz Norouzi highlighted the isolation experienced by contestants on The Traitors, compared to the constant interaction in Bigg Boss. Anshula Kapoor felt that The Traitors was misrepresented and turned out to be just another version of Bigg Boss.

As The Traitors approaches its finale, the experiences of Sufi Motiwala, Anshula Kapoor, Elnaaz Norouzi, and other contestants serve as a reminder of the psychological challenges inherent in reality television. While the show provides entertainment and opportunities for personal growth, it also raises important questions about the well-being of participants in high-pressure, deception-based formats. The grand finale premiered on July 3.