Sahil Salathia Feels ‘Backstabbed’ By Elnaaz Norouzi After The Traitors Elimination: 'Best Friend Of Eight Years'
Actor Sahil Salathia has become the first contestant to be eliminated from the Indian adaptation of the reality series 'The Traitors', following a dramatic twist in the debut episode.
Actor Sahil Salathia has become the first contestant to be eliminated from the Indian adaptation of the reality series 'The Traitors', following a dramatic twist in the debut episode. Chosen for ‘murder’ by the secret traitors—Elnaaz Norouzi, Raj Kundra, and Purav Jha—Sahil's exit came as a shock, especially given his close friendship with Elnaaz.
Sahil Salathia slams Elnaaz Norouzi
Days after the episode aired on Prime Video, Sahil took to Instagram to share his disappointment and heartbreak over being ousted so early in the game. In a series of emotional videos, he expressed his deep sense of betrayal, particularly by Elnaaz, whom he referred to as a close friend of eight years.
“What did Elnaaz gain by killing her best friend of eight years in episode one, over 17 other contestants?” he asked, visibly upset.
The Everest actor acknowledged he might be viewed as overly emotional but defended his reaction. “I know people might think I’m being dramatic—maybe I am, maybe I’m still that emotional kid, and I want to keep that child alive. But if anyone else had done this, it wouldn’t have hurt as much.”
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Sahil’s raw reaction sparked conversation among fans of the show, many of whom weighed in on the fine line between strategy and personal relationships in reality television. He further said, “You have changed me as a person. You have changed how I look at people. And congratulations to you, you have succeeded. You have lost in life, but I hope you win this show. You deserve to win every reality show, anybody who comes with this moral compass.”
Sufi Motiwala Responds to Sahil's video
Responding to the emotional post, fellow contestant and fashion commentator Sufi Motiwala offered a softer perspective. "Sahil, it’s just a game ya. Wish you stayed longer but baby it’s a game anyone would’ve had to take their friend out to build trust and you can clearly see that Raj and Purav overwhelm her and she’s denying it baby. I’m so sorry I want everyone to be friends (sic)," Sufi wrote.
In a lighter tone, he added, "And also, your fits kind of shined too hard, so we had to take you out (sic)."
Netizens react to Sahil's post
Online reactions to Sahil’s response were mixed. While some empathised with his disappointment, others questioned his expectations from a show designed around deception.
One user pointed out, “Then why didn't you choose her in the first place, man,” referring to a moment in the first episode where Sahil picked Uorfi Javed as the person he trusted most, leaving Elnaaz unchosen.
Another commented, "Isn’t that the real name of the show ‘TRAITORS’? Bro, you actually got to play the game in real sense… Not sure what your expectations were when you signed up for it. Have a sportsman spirit buddy! (sic)".
At the same time, many rallied behind Sahil with supportive messages. "Please ignore people who don't know your worth. Hugs for you, brother," one fan wrote. Another added, "The industry requires thick skin and I know how heartbreaking it can be - especially when your close ones stab you, but you are you and that's your superpower - onwards and upwards. Sending you lots of love (sic)".
About The Traitors
The Traitors is hosted by Karan Johar and features 20 celebrities from across entertainment and social media. Co-produced by BBC Studios India and All3Media International, the reality game show involves contestants identifying traitors hidden among them while completing challenges to win a grand prize.
This season’s line-up includes names like Jannat Zubair, Uorfi Javed, Raftaar, Maheep and Anshula Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Jasmine Bhasin, Apoorva Mukhija, Elnaaz Norouzi, and Purav Jha. Alongside Sahil, Karan Kundrra, Raj Kundra, and Lakshmi Manchu have also been eliminated.
The Traitors is streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing every Thursday.
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