Actor Mallika Sherawat is preparing to enter the OTT reality space with The Traitors Season 2, hosted by Karan Johar, and has confirmed reports that she is the highest-paid contestant on the upcoming edition of the strategy-based reality series.
Speaking in a recent interview with ETimes, the actor said the speculation surrounding her remuneration was accurate and added that she believes professionals should understand and value their worth.
“I know my worth, and I won’t work for a very small amount,” Mallika said, encouraging people to negotiate fairly for their work. She added that financial independence and fair compensation are important, describing herself as a self-made woman who has built her career on her own terms.
‘Know Your Worth,’ Says the Actor
Mallika explained that she has never felt uncomfortable discussing compensation publicly. According to her, being paid fairly is a natural part of any professional career.
She said that people should not hesitate to seek compensation that reflects their experience and contribution, adding that if an organisation truly wants someone to be part of a project, it will recognise that value.
Her comments have sparked discussion on social media about pay transparency and equal compensation in the entertainment industry.
Why Mallika Sherawat Continues to Decline ‘Bigg Boss’
During the interview, Mallika also addressed why she has repeatedly turned down offers to participate in Bigg Boss, despite being approached over the years.
According to the actor, the format of the reality show does not match what she looks for professionally. She said she does not believe she could contribute meaningfully to the programme as an actor and therefore has chosen not to participate.
Mallika also noted that financial reasons are not a deciding factor in her career choices today, explaining that she is financially secure and prefers to take up projects that genuinely interest her.
Her remarks suggest that creative satisfaction and personal comfort now play a greater role in selecting projects than commercial considerations alone.
A Return to Reality Television
Although The Traitors Season 2 marks Mallika’s first appearance in a major OTT reality competition, it is not her first reality television project.
She previously headlined The Bachelorette India: Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika, making this her return to the unscripted entertainment space after several years.
‘The Traitors’ Season 2 to Stream on Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has announced that The Traitors Season 2 will begin streaming on 13 August, with new episodes scheduled to release every Thursday.
Hosted by Karan Johar, the new season features a diverse lineup of celebrities from entertainment, television, digital media and culinary arts.
Alongside Mallika Sherawat, the confirmed contestants include:
- Rhea Chakraborty
- Munawar Faruqui
- Krystle D’Souza
- Parul Gulati
- Ranveer Brar
- Dalip Tahil
- Harman Singha
- Abhishek Malhan
- Shalini Passi
- Shweta Tiwari
- Ansh Chopra
Additional contestants are also expected to participate as the competition unfolds.
What to Expect From Season 2
The Traitors is a psychological strategy reality series in which contestants must identify hidden “traitors” among the group while completing challenges and avoiding elimination. The format combines social strategy, alliances and deception, making it one of the most talked-about international reality concepts adapted for Indian audiences.
With an experienced celebrity cast and Karan Johar returning as host, Season 2 is expected to continue the suspense-driven format that attracted viewers during the inaugural season.
