10 TV Celebs you didn’t know were on MTV Splitsvilla ( Photo Credit – Instagram )
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MTV Splitsvilla is one of Indian television’s longest-running reality shows. While whether it truly helps contestants find love remains debatable, there’s no denying that it offers them fame and recognition.
Over the years, there have been several contestants who have not only been loved by the audience but have also been eyed by television producers, leading them to become accomplished actors in the industry. Here are 10 TV celebrities who began their journey on MTV Splitsvilla.
1. Aly Goni
Aly Goni became a household name with Star Plus’ Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and only grew his fan base with his time on Bigg Boss 14. However, it was Splitsvilla that gave the actor the initial push in his career. Aly participated in the fifth season of the show but was eliminated halfway through the competition. While he could not find love on the reality show, he did find someone special in real life in the form of Jasmin Bhasin and has been going strong with her since 2021.
Paras Chhabra, widely known for his appearance on Bigg Boss 13, began his career in 2012 with Splitsvilla Season 5—the same season as Aly Goni. He won the show and later returned in Season 8, finishing in 7th place. Since then, he has appeared in TV shows such as Aarambh, Karn Sangini, and Vighnaharta Ganesha.
3. Sana Sayyad
Sana Sayyad became a fan-favorite on Splitsvilla Season 8 due to her adorable chemistry with co-contestant Utkarsh Gupta. The duo became the runners-up of the show but did not continue their relationship after it, and Sana went on to marry entrepreneur Imaad Shamsi in 2021. Meanwhile, she continued to rise in her career, appearing in lead roles in Divya Drishti, Lockdown Ki Love Story, and Spy Bahu.
4. Shagun Pandey
Shagun Pandey first explored love on Splitsvilla Season 11, where he reached the finals and finished in 2nd place. He went on to carve a successful television career, playing lead roles in Mera Balam Thanedaar and Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reet, earning the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actor for his performances.
5. Pavitra Punia
Known for her bold and straightforward personality, Pavitra Punia made her TV debut in 2009 with Splitsvilla Season 3, finishing in 3rd place. She then transitioned to fiction shows, playing the lead in Star Plus’ Love U Zindagi opposite Sidharth Shukla. Pavitra went on to star in Baalveer Returns, Daayan, Naagin 3, and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein before appearing in Bigg Boss 14, where her romance with Eijaz Khan made headlines. The couple dated for a few years before parting ways in 2024.
6. Simba Nagpal
Simba Nagpal participated in Splitsvilla season 11, only to be dumped midway through the show. However, his charming looks and toned body helped him bag the role of Virat Singh in Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. He then had a brief stint on Bigg Boss 15 before playing Rishabh Gujral opposite Tejasswi Prakash’s Pratha in Naagin 6.
7. Zaan Khan
Zaan Khan appeared on Splitsvilla season 8 and had a tough journey on the show as he was constantly targeted by his fellow contestants. Nevertheless, he braced through the challenges to finish in 3rd place in the competition. The journey surely paid off as Zaan was able to make an illustrious television career after the reality show, appearing in soaps like Hamari Bahu Silk, Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye, and Kuch Reet Jagat Ki Aisi Hai.
8. Rishabh Sinha
Rishabh Sinha, another Season 5 alum, finished in fourth place in 2012. Soon after, he made his TV debut as Ayaan Ahmed Khan in Zee TV’s Qubool Hai, gaining a huge fan following. He returned for Splitsvilla Season 7 but didn’t reach the finals. Later, he entered Bigg Boss 9 as a wild card contestant and emerged as the first runner-up, losing to Prince Narula.
It’s better to be a Lonely lion than a popular sheep.
Arjit Taneja, best known for Kumkum Bhagya, began his career on Splitsvilla Season 6. Though he was eliminated early, it didn’t stop him from establishing himself as a popular TV actor. He went on to play Purab Khanna in Kumkum Bhagya and appeared in shows like Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do, Kaleerein, and Banni Chow Home Delivery. In 2023, he made a cameo in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani opposite Sriti Jha, and the duo star together in Zee TV’s Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye.
10. Suyyash Rai
Suyyash Rai, known for his roles in Phir Bhi Na Maane…Badtameez Dil and Rishta Likhenge Hum Naya, first appeared on Splitsvilla Season 2. Although he was eliminated in the first week, he caught the attention of the TV industry and landed a role in Ekta Kapoor’s Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani. In 2015, he entered Bigg Boss 9 alongside his now-wife, Kishwer Merchant.
