Exclusive – Ridhima Pandit accuses Vanshaj Singh of inciting hate; says she received ra*e and death threats, claims Karan Patel slept through The 50 and wanted to quit

Ridhima Pandit, who was recently eliminated from 'The 50,' opened up about her journey on the show. During an exclusive conversation with Times of India TV, Ridhima slammed Karan Patel for calling her lazy and revealed how the show's makers constantly pushed him even though he wanted to quit. She also addressed her legal action against Vanshaj Singh for instigating hate against her. Ridhima added that she had to involve her legal team to ensure her safety against the 22-year-old as she received ra*e and death threats. (Photo: Instagram)

I didn’t receive much support on the show, and that is something I will always regret. I feel I couldn’t understand which alliance I should have been part of. The group I was with didn’t really support me, except for my friends, Ridhi and Shiny. There were plans to eliminate me from the very first episode, but I didn’t realise it at that time. When I landed in the first elimination, it came as a surprise to me. I consider myself a strong player, especially in physical tasks. (Photo: Instagram)

In my previous reality shows, I had even reached the runner-up position. However, on this show there was a lot of favoritism and dependency, so I didn’t really get the chance to play the way I wanted. After a point, I felt I couldn’t keep doing that on national television. Maybe because of that I appeared quieter or less aggressive. In reality shows, people often fight a lot because it gets attention, but that’s not something I believe in. Overall, though, it was still a good experience. I had fun doing the show and it gave me a chance to reconnect with my fans, for which I’m always grateful. (Photo: Instagram)

I was quite surprised when I met Karan Patel and later heard that he had been talking about me. Once in the elimination room, I saw him discussing that they should eliminate me and keep Shiny. Shiny is my friend and I’m happy for her, but if someone keeps trying to vote me out again and again, it makes me feel that they have some issue with me. Later, I also heard that he called me a lazy player, which I didn’t know earlier. That was the reason he gave for trying to eliminate me. But honestly, compared to him, I don’t think that’s fair. (Photo: Instagram)

On the show, there were times when many alarms were ringing to wake him up, but he still didn’t get up. One day, 21 alarms were set to wake him up, but he still didn’t wake up. At one point, he even said he didn’t want to play the game anymore. The makers kept asking him to continue, but he insisted he wanted to go home because he was missing his daughter. I can understand that feeling. After a couple of days he returned with a new look, but his behaviour was quite similar.

Karan would say he didn’t want to play, would sleep, remove his mic, and insist on speaking to his manager. But in a captive reality show, you can’t really contact your manager or outside people. Everyone has to focus on the game. That’s why it felt strange to be called lazy when I was actually trying to play. (Photo: Instagram)

When God has given you a voice and an audience, it also comes with responsibility. You have the power to influence people to do good things and spread positivity, not to create hate in someone else’s name. Vanshaj had posted a clear video, which many people have already seen. In that video, he said, “Sleep peacefully tonight, tomorrow you will see what happens.” At the same time, in his chats he was telling people to go and show their strength. What are you doing by teaching your followers how to abuse women, how to speak badly, and how to spread hate? (Photo: Instagram)

The kind of hate that was encouraged went too far. I received ra*e threats and death threats. Not only me, but my family members were also targeted. Even my mother, who is no longer alive, was abused in those messages. When things reached that point, I decided I had to take a stand. I am not someone who promotes violence or responds with the same kind of hate. That’s why I chose to involve a legal team and deal with it through the right channels. (Photo: Instagram)

I have even received threats saying that if someone sees me walking alone on the road and something happens to me, I will then understand who they are. This is the level of threat I have received. This is the kind of harassment I am dealing with right now. This is not normal. My social media team, which women handle, told me they can’t even read many of the messages because they are so abusive. I am receiving such terrible messages, even from children who are just 8 or 9 years old. They seem to be his followers and are doing exactly what he tells them to do. (Photo: Instagram)

I don’t want to spend too much energy on them. I have already responded by sending a legal notice. If necessary, I will also involve the police and take whatever steps are needed to ensure my safety. I have already filed a complaint against them. People should understand that we have been working in this industry for many years, and if someone speaks against us in such a way, we will not ignore it. It is important for me to respond in a fair and proper manner. (Photo: Instagram)

I have already responded by sending a legal notice. If needed, I will also approach the police and take whatever steps are necessary for my safety. I have already filed a complaint in the Cyber crime department. People should understand that we have been working in this industry for the last 10 years, and if someone speaks about us in this manner, we will not take it lightly. It is important for me to respond in the right and fair way. (Photo: Instagram)