Payal Rohatgi Advocates for Authenticity in Reality TV

Actor Payal Rohatgi voices her concerns about the evolving nature of reality television, emphasizing the need for authenticity in shows like Lock Upp. Drawing from her experiences in various reality formats, she critiques the trend of scripted drama that detracts from genuine storytelling. Payal reflects on her time in Nach Baliye, where she felt producers manipulated narratives for ratings. As Lock Upp Season 2 approaches, she hopes it will maintain its unscripted essence, allowing contestants to showcase their true selves. Her insights spark a broader conversation about the future of reality TV in an era dominated by dramatized content.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 10:24 IST

Reality TV's Evolution: Payal Rohatgi's Perspective

Payal Rohatgi, an actor and model, expresses her concerns regarding the transformation of reality television, urging producers to maintain the unscripted essence of these shows. Having participated in various reality formats, she hopes that the upcoming season of Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa retains its authenticity rather than adopting a scripted, soap opera style. Payal, known for her roles in shows like Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye, believes that reality TV should showcase the genuine personalities of contestants instead of fabricating narratives.

Payal's Views on Reality Show Authenticity

Payal Praises Reality Shows but Critiques Scripted Elements

While discussing the latest season of Lock Upp, Payal admitted she hasn't had the chance to watch it due to her busy schedule. She appreciates the concept of reality television but criticizes certain producers for incorporating scripted drama, which she believes detracts from the show's authenticity. In a recent interview, she emphasized that when reality shows start resembling daily soaps, they lose the very appeal that attracts viewers.

Reflections on Nach Baliye and Ektaa Kapoor's Influence

Payal's Experience with Staged Reality

Reflecting on her time in Nach Baliye, Payal accused producer Ektaa Kapoor of manipulating relationships and situations to enhance drama for higher ratings. She noted that the narratives were often crafted to mimic fictional serials instead of allowing events to unfold naturally. Payal stated, "The creators of reality shows should avoid turning them into scripted dramas. During my time on Nach Baliye, Ektaa aimed to make it feel like a daily soap, insisting on a specific concept to attract viewers." She also mentioned that the pairing of Mrunal Thakur and writer Sharad Tripathi in Season 7 was allegedly staged to boost TRPs.

Hopes for Lock Upp Season 2

Payal's Aspirations for Authenticity

Payal expressed her desire for Lock Upp Season 2 to steer clear of scripted elements. She pointed out that the abundance of fictional shows makes it challenging for them to compete with enduring reality formats like Bigg Boss, which continue to thrive due to their perceived authenticity.

Lock Upp Season 2: Contestants and Format

Details on the Show's Format and Participants

Hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa Season 2 features contestants from various backgrounds, including television, digital platforms, and social media. Participants include Ram Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Shivangi Joshi, Shilpa Shinde, Riyaz, Yogesh Rawat, Akanksha Choudhary, and Shreya Kalra. The show, available on Netflix, places contestants in a prison-like environment where they face weekly challenges and eliminations, aiming to transform their lives. Payal's remarks have ignited discussions about the importance of keeping reality TV unscripted in a landscape increasingly dominated by dramatized storytelling.