Comedian Sumaira Shaikh is embracing a bold new chapter in her career as she steps into the high-pressure world of reality television with The 50. In an exclusive conversation, Sumaira spoke candidly about leaving behind the comfort of stand-up comedy, living with 49 other contestants in a locked-in format, and preparing herself mentally for the unpredictability of the show.
Sumaira Shaikh on joining The 50
Opening up about her decision to join The 50, Sumaira admitted that stand-up comedy has always allowed her to stay within familiar territory. “I have always been in my comfort zone. Stand-up is a lot about your comfort zone. The role that you will play will go on video,” she said, explaining why the move felt daunting. However, the scale of the opportunity pushed her to take the leap. “But then I was like, it’s such a big opportunity and I wanted to experiment. I wanted to do something different,” she added.
Talking about the format of the show, which brings 50 contestants together under one roof without phones or outside contact, Sumaira acknowledged that the thought did cross her mind. “Yes, locked,” she said with a laugh, before adding, “I mean 49 people other than me. And that too in a locked situation where you are not going to have your phones and nothing.” Surprisingly, instead of fear, she found excitement in the challenge. “It feels good. For sure. Because it’s such a good challenge. It’s a lot of fun to be around people,” she shared.
Sumaira Shaikh reacts to fights in the Mahal
Despite not knowing any of the contestants beforehand, Sumaira believes her background has prepared her in unexpected ways. “I don’t know any contestants. But I come from a very competitive world,” she said, admitting to mixed emotions. “And I am very scared. But I am very excited. That is what excites me. I can’t predict what’s going to happen.”
When asked about the inevitable conflicts that come with reality shows, Sumaira responded with honesty and humour. “To tell you the truth, I live with my sister-in-law,” she joked, before adding, “I think my family fights a lot. Because they have prepared a lot for reality shows. So I am prepared for my family.”
As for how she plans to handle confrontations inside the house, the comedian made her stance clear. “I will be sweet. But if someone answers me, it’s important for me to answer,” she said firmly. “I want to know what’s in your mind that you teased me. And also, I feel that people should always feel that you can do this to me.”
With The 50 being a games-based reality show, Sumaira admitted she has no clue what to expect physically. “I’ve been asking people to tell me a little bit, and they haven’t told me anything. So I don’t even know what to prepare for. Do squats? What to do? Tell me,” she laughed. For now, her focus is clear: “So I generally am preparing mentally only to be strong. Whatever happens, we’ll face it. Let’s see what happens.”
As Sumaira Shaikh steps into The 50, viewers can expect a mix of humour, honesty, and resilience, a side of the comedian that goes far beyond the stage.
