Speaking to IANS, Mathur said she never felt Tandon was putting on an act for the cameras, even though he was among the more polarising contestants on the show. “I think Kushal was simply being himself. I never felt he was performing for the cameras. In real life, he is quite direct and aggressive in the way he speaks,” she stated.
Mathur noted that this directness forms part of Tandon’s personality and is likely what resonates with his audience. She made it clear that she did not enter the show to judge others or take on the role of a counsellor. “That is simply his personality, and perhaps that is exactly what his fans appreciate. I am not here to judge him. I never entered the show to lecture anyone or become someone’s therapist,” she added.
On several occasions, Mathur said she suggested that Tandon could moderate his aggressive approach. However, he maintained that his audience preferred him exactly as he was. She acknowledged that this style sometimes left him isolated within the group dynamics of the show.
Despite differences in approach, Mathur expressed genuine respect for Tandon’s loyalty. She highlighted that he stood by the people he chose early in the competition and continued to support them until the end. “However, one thing I genuinely respect is his loyalty. The people he stood by in the very beginning, he continued to support until the end. Whether it was Sohail bhai, Reba, or me, he remained loyal throughout the journey,” she said.
Mathur further noted that even during disagreements or arguments, Tandon never withdrew his support for her and consistently treated her with respect. “Even when we disagreed or argued, he never stopped supporting me. He respected me throughout the show, and because of that, I have nothing negative to say about Kushal Tandon,” she concluded.
Alliance, hosted by Kunal Kemmu, featured 16 contestants who entered the competition as allies. The format tested these partnerships through shifting loyalties, strategic gameplay and moments of deception as participants competed for the top prize. The show is the first international adaptation of the globally acclaimed Dutch format created by John de Mol of Talpa Studios. Banijay Asia produces the Hindi-language version, which began streaming on Prime Video from June 26.
Mathur’s comments offer insight into the interpersonal dynamics that defined the season. By emphasising authenticity and loyalty, she presents a measured view of a contestant who generated strong reactions among both fellow participants and viewers. Her refusal to frame Tandon’s behaviour solely through a critical lens reflects an approach focused on personal observation rather than public judgment.
As the winner of the inaugural season, Mathur’s reflections carry weight in shaping post-show discussions. Her description of Tandon as consistent in both his direct communication style and his commitment to early alliances provides a counterpoint to narratives that may have focused primarily on conflict.
The reality format, built around the formation and testing of alliances, naturally amplified differences in personality and strategy. Mathur’s account suggests that Tandon’s approach, while polarising, remained true to his established public persona and earned him enduring support from a section of the audience.
With Alliance now concluded, such post-show conversations help viewers understand the relationships and decisions that unfolded beyond the edited episodes. Mathur’s balanced assessment of Tandon underscores the complexity of navigating loyalty and individual expression within a competitive environment designed to challenge both.
