Mumbai, Aug 7 — Actress-host Mini Mathur, who took home the winner’s trophy after winning the reality show “Alliance”, believes co-contestant Kushal Tandon never put on an act for the cameras during his stint, saying he was being himself despite being one of the most polarising contestants in the reality show.
Asked if she thinks Kushal, who had many contestants against him in the show, was underestimated, and did that ultimately make him a stronger competitor, Mini told IANS: “I think Kushal was simply being himself. I never felt he was performing for the cameras. In real life, he is quite direct and aggressive in the way he speaks.”
“That is simply his personality, and perhaps that is exactly what his fans appreciate. I am not here to judge him. I never entered the show to lecture anyone or become someone’s therapist.”
Mini added: “On several occasions, I told him that I felt he could tone down his aggression, but he believed his audience liked him exactly the way he was.”
She agrees that his approach isolated him at times.
Mini said she admired his unwavering loyalty, adding that he stood by the people he chose from the very beginning.
“However, one thing I genuinely respect is his loyalty. The people he stood by in the very beginning, he continued to support until the end. Whether it was Sohail bhai, Reba, or me, he remained loyal throughout the journey.”
The wife of filmmaker Kabir Khan added: “Even when we disagreed or argued, he never stopped supporting me. He respected me throughout the show, and because of that, I have nothing negative to say about Kushal Tandon.”
“Alliance”, hosted by Kunal Kemmu, had 16 contestants enter as allies, but shifting loyalties, deception, and strategic gameplay tested every alliance in the race for the ultimate prize.
“Alliance” started streaming from June 26. The show is the first international adaptation of Talpa Studios' globally acclaimed Dutch format, created by John de Mol. Banijay Asia produces the Hindi-language show.
The show is streaming on Prime Video.