Harman Singha on reality shows: 'They've never gone out of fashion'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actor Harman Singha, recently evicted from the reality show 'The Traitors', says the genre has never lost its grip on audiences or on the careers of those who participate. Speaking after his exit from the show, Harman reflected on why celebrities across industries continue to gravitate toward reality television.
Why Reality Shows Keep Drawing Celebrities
Harman was among a group of contestants who left 'The Traitors' together, alongside Karan Singh, Soundous Mouafakir, and Munawar Faruqui. For him, the show represented a first foray into a format his family knows well.
'Reality shows have never gone out of fashion like Bigg Boss. There's so many shows that we watch,' he said. He added that the definition of what makes an artist has evolved: 'The lines of what defines an artist have changed. All of those categories are different. You can be a part of all kinds of storytelling. Which is like audiences becoming much more aware.'
The Visibility Question
When asked whether celebrities pursue reality shows for the lived experience or the platform they provide, Harman acknowledged both dimensions. He noted that reality television has become a legitimate career avenue — not just a detour — for performers from film, music, and digital entertainment. The format's ability to showcase personality rather than craft alone has broadened its appeal on both sides of the camera.
Lessons From Brother Rannvijay Singha
Harman spoke candidly about his brother, veteran reality television personality Rannvijay Singha, and what he would have faced had he entered the same show. 'Rannvijay would have had the same problem which happened with co-contestant Munawar Faruqui. When the opening batsman comes to hit the century on 30 balls, then all the bowlers, all the fielders get scared. That's what happened,' he said.
He revealed that before entering 'The Traitors', the two brothers had discussed this very scenario and concluded that Harman would be targeted early — regardless of whether he was cast as an innocent or a traitor. 'But I wish I had learned something else from my brother because he knows all these things very well. He is very established in reality shows. This was the first experience for me,' Harman admitted.
What This Signals for Reality TV
Harman's reflections point to a broader shift in how Indian entertainment works: reality formats are no longer a fallback but a primary stage. With streaming platforms commissioning more unscripted content and audiences engaging in real time, the genre's staying power appears structural rather than cyclical. For newcomers like Harman, the learning curve is steep — but the visibility on offer remains unmatched.