Actor Mohit Malhotra has witnessed the evolution of reality television firsthand. From becoming a familiar face through Splitsvilla 2 to carving his path in television with shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Sasural Genda Phool, Jamai Raja, Daayan and Bhagya Lakshmi, he believes audiences today are far more aware than they were a decade ago.Reflecting on how reality shows have changed, Mohit says, “People haven’t changed as much as the platforms have. When I participated in Splitsvilla, reality television was still new and people didn’t really understand how the format worked. Today, contestants are much more aware of cameras, social media and audience perception, so naturally everyone is more conscious.”Despite the changes, he feels the fundamentals of relationships remain the same. “People are still looking for connection, trust and someone they can genuinely be themselves with. Reality TV can create situations, but it can’t manufacture real chemistry. If there’s a genuine bond, audiences connect with it. If it’s only strategy, people eventually see through it.”According to Mohit, authenticity has become even more valuable in today’s content-driven world. “It’s harder to stay authentic today because everyone is constantly aware of being watched. But that’s exactly why authenticity matters more than ever.”Looking ahead, the actor hopes to explore sports dramas on screen, but not in the conventional way. “I’d be more interested in the person than the medals. We’ve seen stories about champions winning. I’d love to play someone who’s incredibly talented but constantly battling self-doubt, injuries, pressure or failure because that’s what makes a character relatable.”He adds, “The best sports stories aren’t really about the game. They’re about resilience, discipline and getting back up after life knocks you down. I’d want audiences to remember the person, not just the hero. The medal may be the ending, but the real story is everything it took to earn it.”
