Thirteen years after The Bachelorette India: Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika, Mallika Sherawat is returning to reality television with The Traitors. While she has consistently turned down several reality show offers over the years, the actor says the psychological format of the Karan Johar-hosted series finally convinced her to step back into the unscripted space.‘I don’t feel passionate about Bigg Boss‘Mallika reveals that reality television was never on her radar after The Bachelorette. In fact, she says she has repeatedly declined offers from popular shows, including Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi. “Initially, I was very apprehensive about Traitors. I didn’t want to do any reality show. It didn’t excite me as an actor. But then Ankita (Anthony, manager) really convinced me. She said, ‘Just see it. After watching season one, if you don’t like it, we’ll decline. But don’t say no without seeing it.’ I watched it and I loved it.” Explaining what drew her to the format, she adds, “For me, Traitors was more like a psychological thriller. It wasn’t about who’s dancing better or who’s the loudest voice. It was about instinct and strategy. I felt that in this show, it’s not your voice that’s your biggest weapon, it’s your silence that’s your biggest strength. Observing human nature, seeing people laugh with you over breakfast and then discovering by evening that they lied or backstabbed you—that whole psychological aspect excited me as an actor.“As for Bigg Boss, she remains firm about her decision. “The format doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t think that as an actor I can bring any value to it. Bigg Boss is something I don’t feel passionate about. If there is something I don’t want to do, then no. I have enough money. I’ve been very sensible with money and I’m well taken care of. I don’t have to work to earn money. Money works for me now.”‘I get manipulated easily’Having spent over two decades in the entertainment industry, Sherawat says The Traitors fascinated her because it stripped away performance and exposed personalities. “I feel the game gives you a mask and all the players have to see the person behind the mask. Also, the format is such that it makes you do things you might not do in real life because you want to win and stay relevant. The game plays you.”While she enjoys observing people, Mallika laughs that manipulation isn’t one of her strengths. “I get manipulated easily. I cannot manipulate people. I’m a Haryanvi Jat. I’m too straightforward. I’m very honest.”PQ: I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years and I’m still taking care of myself. I’m still evolving. I’m still learning acting. Over these years, what has really stood with me is authenticity, honesty and discipline.”PQ: “People make assumptions. Since 20 years, people are making assumptions, but people who make assumptions are not paying attention. They meet my image before they meet me. Why Traitors is so special is because, for the first time, people are going to experience the real Mallika.”‘I know my worth’Reports suggest Mallika is the highest-paid contestant on The Traitors. While she stops short of confirming the exact figure, she doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that the speculation isn’t entirely off the mark. “The speculation is right,” she says with a laugh. “Why apologise for making money? People who say money is never the reason are lying. When you’re independent, whether you’re a man or a woman, money is always important because you have bills to pay and a lifestyle to maintain. Yes, I know my worth and I won’t work for a fiddly amount. I won’t even lift my finger out of bed for that. This is my message to every girl and every boy—know your worth. Don’t settle for less. Trust me, if they want you, they will pay you.”Calling herself a self-made woman, she adds, “I like making money. I like working and I like buying my own diamonds.”No regrets about The BacheloretteLooking back at The Bachelorette India, where she didn’t find a life partner, Mallika says she has absolutely no regrets about taking up the show. “Why would I? I bought two houses from that show, and now I get the rent,” she quips and concludes.