Feb 05, 2026 7:26pm IST
‘The 50’: Vanshaj Singh expresses disappointment with the ‘downmarket’ tag given to digital influencers (EXCLUSIVE)
"The 50", which airs on Colors and JioHotstar is the latest reality show in town. Vanshaj Singh, a YouTuber, was the first to be eliminated from the reality show. In a chat with Variety India, Vanshaj Singh reveals he is very disappointed with the decision. He said he was ousted on the basis of interaction. Vanshaj Singh said he did well in the tasks and it was unfair to nominate him for interaction just on day one. He says, “Prince Narula suggested my name. I am still trying to comprehend why he took my name. He saw how well I performed on the show. At the critical juncture, he did not wish to take the names of his friends from the TV industry.”
Not one to mince his words, Vanshaj Singh further adds, “TV actors are an insecure lot. They come on reality shows only when acting offers dry up. After all, people do age and popularity does not last forever. On every reality show I see TV stars group up against digital influencers. They keep on complaining that we (digital influencers) have degraded their market. If we are a ‘downmarket lot’, then why do they keep referring to Elvish Yadav? Influencers are used to promoting their music videos, serials and what not. Let us accept the truth: half of the fan following of such actors on social media is fake.”
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Singh further says that instead of gossiping about influencers on "The 50", Prince should have had the courage to tell Mr. Faisu that his status is lower than that of a TV star. “Today, digital influencers on TV shows are more entertaining than TV stars,” he opines. Vanshaj shares that a big reality show does mean a lot for a digital influencer in India career-wise but sustaining the hype needs talent, intelligence and hard work. “Many TV stars fade out after a successful reality show as their content on social media is not as appealing,” Vanshaj states.
However, Vanshaj Singh maintains that Prince Narula was his idol and still retains that position. “I remember when he did a reality show he fought for outsiders; he stood up for individuality and opposed the TV camps that exist on every show. It is sad to see him form groups with the same clique,” says Vanshaj.
Singh says while he is fearless enough to speak up for himself, many young people fear this kind of groupism amongst TV stars. “I have been wrongly done by; I will fight for myself. It is sad to see that someone like Prince Narula forget his roots over the years,” he expresses.
Vanshaj Singh says it is a wrong notion that a reality show brings big bucks to digital influencers. “I already had a solid fan base before I came on "The 50". I would reiterate that engagement does increase during a reality show but sustaining the same holds the key. There are celebs who do one reality show after another. They are caught in a loop as they do not know how to capitalize on success. Let us be honest here, India has many reality shows in a year but only a few contestants stand out with their personality or talents,” he signs off.
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