Ahead of the launch of The Traitors, we`ve got our hands on the rules of the show. Hosted by Karan Johar, the show is the Hindi adaptation of the one-of-a-kind American show of the same name. 20 celebrity contestants are all set to compete in the globally popular format. The show promises a mix of strategy, deception, and high stakes. The show will be played in the set inside the majestic Suryagarh Palace, and is all about deception, betrayal, and an exciting backdrop full of drama.
Traitors rules
With 20 celebrity players participating, the stakes are sky-high. Thus, behind the scenes, a whole different game was unfolding. The organisers had drafted a list of little-known rules and protocols which were designed to protect the secrecy, integrity, and psychological intensity of the show. Here are the rules the contestants had to follow:
1. The Secret Starts With Silence
Every player had to sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), swearing secrecy about their participation, identity, and also the format of the show.
2. No One Knew Who Else Was Playing… Until It Was Show Time
Players were kept completely in the dark about their fellow players. They only discovered who else was in the game when they entered the palace.
3. Multiple Rounds of Vetting
Not everyone makes the cut. Players were shortlisted after extensive interview rounds designed to test their strategic thinking, ability to handle pressure, and psychological profile.
4. They Had to Take Personality Tests Too
Producers weren’t just looking for star power—they were looking for the right mindset. Players had to take lengthy personality tests to assess their emotional intelligence, manipulative potential, and loyalty thresholds.
5. The Producers—and Karan Johar—Chose The Traitor(s)
Think the players had a say in who the Traitor(s) would be? Nope. That power rested solely with the producers and host Karan Johar. No player was consulted or informed in advance.
6. Players’ Flights Were Scattered to Avoid Any Pre-Game Bonding
Players weren’t just isolated during filming. Even their travel was designed to prevent collusion. Each player flew separately to the location, with zero chance of early alliances forming.
7. Pre-Isolation Before the Game Even Began
Upon arrival, players were isolated for an entire day before the real game started—no phones, no interactions, just time to mentally prepare.
8. Digital Detox, Like Never Before
Forget any connection to the outside world. Players had to surrender everything—phones, laptops, iPads, smartwatches, music players, even money. No screens. No contact. Just the game.
9. Everyone Lived in the Same Palace—But Totally Cut Off
Yes, the players shared the same royal location. But no, they didn’t know where the others were. Peepholes were blocked out, rooms were separated, and no one was housed next to each other.
10. Every Player Had a Personal “Shadow” (Masked Hooded Personal)
To prevent off-camera whispering, each player had a designated “shadow”—a member of the crew who followed them everywhere, even escorting them to and from rooms and guarding the doors.
11. Strategizing Happened in Solitude
Inside their rooms, players were given photos of their fellow Players, a game rulebook, and blank notepads—that was all carefully regulated.
12. Even Hair and Makeup Wasn’t Allowed
There were no glam squads on set. Players were expected to fend for themselves when it came to grooming, adding a raw, unfiltered vibe to the high-stakes atmosphere.
Traitors contestants
The show happens to be a psychological battlefield where the players will be challenged. The contestants have no peepholes, no phones, no contact, and absolutely no idea about who is in the next room. The show will have brutal rules and complete isolation.
The 20 celebrity contestants included Anshula Kapoor, Apoorva Mukhija, Ashish Vidyarthi, Elnaaz Nourouzi, Harsh Gujral, Jannat Zubair, Janvi Gaur, Jasmine Bhasin, Karan Kundrra, Lakshmi Manchu, Maheep Kapoor, Mukesh Chhabra, Nikita Luther, Purav Jha, Raftaar, Raj Kundra, Sahil Salathia, Sudhanshu Pandey, Sufi Motiwala, and Uorfi Javed. The show is hosted by Karan Johar and will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting today. New episodes will release every Thursday at 8 PM.
