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 .
| Archetype | Example from S9 | Primary Strategy | Outcome | |-----------|----------------|------------------|---------| | The Strategist | Priyank Sharma | Emotional manipulation, shifting alliances | Runner-up; high brand recall | | The Loyalist | Divya Agarwal | Unwavering coupling, direct confrontation | Winner | | The Wildcard | Naina Singh | Playing both sides, unpredictable voting | Early elimination but fan following | | The Passive | Baseer Ali | Low conflict, physical appeal as asset | Mid-season exit | splitsvilla 9 contestant
Strategic Alliances and Emotional Volatility: A Case Study of a Contestant in MTV Splitsvilla 9 Season 9 of MTV Splitsvilla (aired 2016–2017) was
