Contestant - Splitsvilla 9

Priyank Sharma entered Splitsvilla 9 as a fitness model and dancer, possessing the physical archetype prized by the show’s format—toned physique, styled appearance, and confident demeanor. His initial persona was that of a “nice guy” seeking a genuine connection, a common trope used to gain audience sympathy.

Season 9 of MTV Splitsvilla (aired 2016–2017) was notable for its heightened drama, shifting loyalties, and the introduction of complex “power couples.” Unlike earlier seasons that emphasized straightforward coupling, Season 9 encouraged strategic voting via “dumping grounds” and “kingdom” hierarchies. Contestants were forced to oscillate between romantic sincerity and tactical deception. This paper argues that the most successful (or memorable) contestants in Splitsvilla 9 were not those with the strongest romantic connections, but those who mastered impression management and temporary coalition-building . splitsvilla 9 contestant

Priyank quickly aligned with Divya Agarwal, forming one of the season’s most dominant couples. However, his strategy diverged from pure loyalty. He cultivated what communication theorist Erving Goffman (1959) would call a “front stage” self—charming, committed, and emotionally available—while maintaining a “back stage” calculus of which female contestants held the most voting power or immunity. Priyank Sharma entered Splitsvilla 9 as a fitness