‘Reality TV Isn’t Real, Just Manufactured Television,’ Says Former Star

A former reality TV star speaks out on how starring on the show took a toll on her self-image, health as well as relationships.

23-year-old Shubada Nishtala worked out 42 hours a week for three months to prepare for the reality show she participated in. Photo courtesy: Yeashu Yuvraj

Shubhada Nishtala was just out of her teens and still in college when she became a breakout star on a popular reality TV show in India. What she expected to be fun & games turned out to be a nightmare that had a lasting impact on her health as well as her personal relationships.

I wrote this piece in the aftermath of English TV presenter, Caroline Flack’s suicide, to raise awareness about the nature of reality TV and its effect on participants.

Read the full story here.