The reality TV landscape is buzzing with the premiere of Prime Video's highly anticipated psychological and strategic reality series,
Alliance. Hosted by actor Kunal Kemmu, the show has already gripped audiences with its high-stakes drama. However, the excitement just hit an all-time high with the entry of Bollywood filmmaker and actor Sohail Khan as the show’s first wildcard contestant.
Entering a reality show environment is a massive step for Sohail, who has traditionally stayed behind the scenes or on reality show judging panels. Naturally, before stepping into the calculated chaos of the Alliance house, he sought the counsel of his elder brother and India’s ultimate reality TV icon, Salman Khan.
Sohail recently opened up about his decision to join the show and shared Salman’s priceless, caution-filled reaction to the news.
"Are You Sure?": Salman Khan’s Warning and Blessing
Having hosted Bigg Boss for over a decade, Salman Khan understands the immense emotional and mental toll a reality show can extract from a person. When Sohail approached him with his decision to participate in Alliance, Salman was both intrigued and protective.
"He was intrigued," Sohail shared in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times. "And then he said, 'You sure you know what you’re getting into?' Which, knowing him, is both a warning and a blessing. I’ll take it."
Sohail added that watching his brother host a reality show for years made him realize how distinct Alliance actually is. While Salman's arena thrives heavily on explosive personality clashes, arguments, and loud emotional drama, Alliance relies entirely on strategic gameplay.
Shedding the "Salman Khan’s Brother" Tag
For Sohail, stepping into Alliance represents a deeply personal mission: creating a distinct identity that isn't overshadowed by his family name or industry clout.
He elaborated that the format of the show—where 16 celebrities must forge, maintain, and navigate delicate connections—appealed to his instincts as a filmmaker.
The Strategy Aspect: "Salman’s show is about personalities, conflicts and emotions. But this one is fundamentally different. It's a game of the mind. Strategy. Outwitting people without them knowing they've been outwitted. That challenge appealed to me in a way nothing else has."
The Fear of Manipulation: Despite his excitement, the 55-year-old filmmaker admitted to having massive apprehensions about surviving the format. "I don't know how to play games and manipulate, hence I am scared that I might be out of the show in the first week itself. I come from a family where loyalty isn't just a word—it's a way of life."
The Ultimate Reality Cast: The Khan Family Dynamic
When playfully asked what the Khan family dynamic would look like if they were all trapped inside a reality show house together, Sohail mapped out their real-life roles perfectly:
The Absolute Leader: Salman Khan. "He walks into any room and it reorganises itself around him," Sohail noted.
The Peacemaker: Arbaaz Khan. He is the mediator who listens calmly and keeps everyone grounded.
The Master Strategist: Salma Khan (their mother). "She's been managing this family for decades. Three sons, three different personalities, three different egos."
What is Alliance on Prime Video?
Produced by Banijay Asia, Alliance kicked off its season with a powerful line-up of celebrity duos, including Kushal Tandon and Arslan Goni, Daisy Shah and Zaid Darbar, and Ravi Kishan alongside his daughter Riva Kishan.
The core format forces pairs to protect their "connections" while adapting overnight to betrayals and rapid shifts in trust. With rumors swirling that Sohail's entry might be closely followed by other shocking wildcards, the psychological gameplay is bound to get fiercely intense.
Alliance streams daily episodes at 12 noon exclusively on Prime Video.
