Elnaaz Norouzi, known for her role in the reality show "The Traitors," has spoken about the pressures she faced during the show. Hosted by Karan Johar, "The Traitors" features celebrity contestants engaging in a game of deception and strategy at the Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan.
Norouzi's journey on "The Traitors" has been described as impactful, with viewers and contestants noting her elegance, intelligence, and on-screen presence. Despite her eventual elimination, she is considered one of the season's most celebrated players. Fans have praised her composure, strategic thinking, and ability to make smart decisions under pressure, often referring to her as a "silent force".
Norouzi herself has expressed gratitude for the support she received from fans after her exit. She acknowledged the overwhelming love and appreciation, stating that the messages and edits she received touched her deeply. She felt that she had given her heart and mind to the journey, making every second worthwhile.
In an interview with Sufi Motiwala and Anshula Kapoor, fellow eliminated contestants, Norouzi emphasized that "The Traitors" is just a game. She highlighted the friendships formed during the show and downplayed any notions of revenge or serious animosity.
However, the show also presented challenges. Anshula Kapoor, who was betrayed by Norouzi on the show, described the environment as a high-pressure situation where contestants are constantly looking for faults in others. Kapoor noted that trusting someone in that environment made it difficult to distance oneself, and admitted she was in disbelief that Norouzi was a traitor. "Trust is a trap. I did fall into it," Kapoor said.
Adding to the complexity, Sahil Salathia, another contestant eliminated by Norouzi, described her actions as a personal betrayal, especially since they had been close friends for eight years. Salathia said that he felt Norouzi was pressured into eliminating him and could have stood up for him. He expressed disappointment that she didn't, suggesting that her independent nature should have allowed her to resist the pressure.
Norouzi prepared extensively for "The Traitors," spending six months reading psychology and acting books and watching international versions of the show. This preparation helped her understand the game and develop her strategies. She used her acting skills to execute secret tasks and maintain a poker face, making her gameplay thrilling and effective. One standout moment was when she completed a covert Traitor mission without raising suspicion.
Norouzi aimed to showcase her acting and Hindi skills to the country through "The Traitors". She wanted to prove that she could speak, write, and read in Hindi and that she was a capable actress. She also expressed a desire to make the show interesting for viewers and provide them with something to watch.
Despite the pressures and betrayals, Norouzi's journey on "The Traitors" has been seen as a triumph by many. Her ability to stay grounded and genuine in a competitive environment earned her respect and admiration. As she moves on from the show, Norouzi carries the support of viewers who were moved by her spirit.
Following her elimination, Elnaaz reflected on her experience, stating that while the game may be over for her, the love she received from the audience felt like the biggest win. Her strategic silence, calm demeanor, and ability to turn tense moments into dramatic masterclasses made her stand out as a performer.