Payal Gaming Reflects on Her Alliance Journey, Says Nikhil Chinappa Was ‘A Finalist for Me’

Gaming creator Payal Dhare, widely known as Payal Gaming, has spoken candidly about her experience on the reality show Alliance, describing the competition as challenging, rewarding, and full of unexpected twists.

In an interview with Zee News Digital following her elimination, the popular gaming influencer reflected on her gameplay, relationships inside the house, and the contestants she believes played the strongest strategic game.

“It Was Full of Ups and Downs”

Making her reality television debut, Payal said Alliance offered an entirely new experience compared to her career in gaming and content creation.

Although she acknowledged the emotional highs and lows throughout the competition, she said she genuinely enjoyed being part of the show.

According to Payal, the experience pushed her outside her comfort zone while allowing her to learn how to adapt in a completely different environment.

Why She Believes Her Journey Came to an End

Looking back at her elimination, Payal said she does not regret the decisions she made during the competition.

She explained that many of her choices were driven by loyalty toward her teammates rather than personal gain.

Payal also admitted she anticipated that contestants Arsalan and Aly might eventually target her after disagreements inside the game.

As a result, she said her elimination did not come as a complete surprise.

One Strategy She Might Have Changed

When asked whether she would make any different strategic decisions if given another opportunity, Payal said there was very little she would change.

She noted that losing a crucial power in the game significantly affected her chances of progressing further.

Apart from that, she believes her overall gameplay was strong and that she built meaningful relationships with many contestants.

According to Payal, if circumstances had been different, she would have focused even more on long-term strategy.

On Calling Nikhil Chinappa a “Manipulator”

One of the most talked-about moments in Alliance involved Payal describing fellow contestant Nikhil Chinappa as a manipulator.

After watching the show’s early episodes, however, she said she gained a broader perspective on his gameplay.

Rather than criticizing his approach, Payal praised Nikhil’s strategic abilities, saying he played one of the strongest games in the competition.

She added that, in her opinion, he deserved to stay much longer and was someone she personally saw reaching the finale.

Esports Skills Helped Inside the House

Payal believes her background in BGMI and competitive esports proved valuable throughout the reality show.

She credited her experience as an in-game leader with helping her make quick decisions under pressure and think strategically during mentally demanding tasks.

According to the creator, the analytical thinking and teamwork required in esports translated naturally into the competitive environment of Alliance.

What’s Next for Payal Gaming?

While Alliance marked her first reality television appearance, Payal said she is open to exploring similar opportunities in the future.

She plans to continue creating gaming content and streaming while remaining interested in television and reality-based projects.

Despite describing the show as physically and emotionally demanding, she said she would gladly participate in another reality show if given the opportunity.

A New Chapter Beyond Gaming

Over the years, Payal Gaming has built one of India’s largest online gaming communities through gameplay videos, livestreams and esports content.

Her appearance on Alliance introduced her to a broader entertainment audience, demonstrating her willingness to take on challenges beyond gaming.

Although her journey ended before the finale, Payal’s reflections suggest she views the experience as an important step in expanding her career beyond digital content creation.