On Thursday night, actress Krystle Dsouza and social media personality Rida Tharana emerged victorious on the Karan Johar-hosted reality show, The Traitors 2. Competing as the “traitors” of the season, they successfully outmaneuvered fellow contestants Shalini Passi and Sahil Salathia, securing a cash prize of Rs 66 lakh. Following their win, both Dsouza and Tharana reflected on their experiences during the show in an interview with SCREEN, discussing personal challenges and the controversy surrounding fellow contestant Parul Gulati’s conduct.
Krystle Dsouza described her time on The Traitors 2 as an intense and emotional experience. She stated, “This journey was truly a rollercoaster. Joining the show, my intention was to be a traitor, which I accomplished from day one. Surviving those 13 days was a challenge, and although it may have appeared smooth and enjoyable, it required significant effort to maintain my facade. The emotional toll was heavy, and there were nights I cried myself to sleep, only to wake up and pretend to be innocent the next day.”
Rida Tharana echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on her transformation from an innocent player to a traitor. “Starting as an innocent and then transitioning into a traitor was quite a whirlwind. I understood the dynamics of playing innocent within three days, but I believe that with a few more days, I could have excelled as a traitor as well. This experience truly showcased my vulnerability,” she remarked.
Both winners discussed the difficulty of keeping their victory a secret for several months. Krystle noted, “It was challenging not to reveal the outcome when people inquired. I still find myself playing the role of a traitor outside the show.” Rida added, “It was particularly tough with those close to me; I even had to block a person who persistently asked about the winner.”
Reflecting on the psychological impact of participating in The Traitors, Rida admitted to seeking therapy to address trauma and stress. “I am actively pursuing therapy for various reasons. The experience triggered memories of being confined in a room during my childhood. The pressure of the game blurred the lines between reality and the show, which took a toll on my mental health. A therapist was available on set, and since leaving the show, I’ve continued my therapy sessions. Online criticism has been difficult to handle, and I’m taking it one day at a time,” she explained.
In contrast, Krystle Dsouza reported a different experience, stating, “My goal was always to win, not to forge friendships. I prioritized my strategy over emotions and played with integrity, leaving me with no regrets about my decisions.”
The season also saw controversy surrounding contestant Parul Gulati, who faced allegations of bribing a crew member for inside information. This sparked reactions among the contestants, with Krystle expressing feelings of being bullied during the show. Rida criticized Parul for personal comments made during promotional events.
Krystle remarked, “After addressing the issue, we haven’t had further discussions. I presented valid points and avoided emotional responses. I prefer to focus on celebrating my achievements instead.” Rida shared her feelings about Parul’s remarks, describing them as distasteful and hurtful, leading her to choose silence out of respect for others involved.
Krystle further recalled feeling bullied during the promotions, stating, “The accusations thrown at me were baseless and unjustified. Each time I sought clarification, the responses were illogical. It’s frustrating when someone relies on gut feelings rather than sound reasoning.”
