12 August,2026 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shalini Passi and Munawar Faruqui (Pictures via Instagram)
Shalini Passi has already given viewers a hilarious moment even before the game of alliances, deception and betrayal begins on The Traitors Season 2. In a recently released promo, the socialite and television personality appears to forget fellow contestant Munawar Faruqui's name, eventually referring to him as "Maanyavar". The clip has since gone viral, leaving fans in splits.
The funny incident takes place during the contestants' introductions in the upcoming season. Munawar approaches Shalini and tells her that he could not meet her properly before asking how she is. Shalini responds politely but then admits that she knows him while asking what he does. She even wonders whether he is a singer.
Munawar introduces himself as a stand-up comedian and adds that he is also involved in acting and writing. However, when Shalini later speaks to the camera about her fellow contestants, she struggles to remember his name.
While discussing the other players, Shalini says that around 80 to 85 per cent of the contestants know her. She then appears to get stuck while trying to recall Munawar's name. "Man, man, Manya what's his name? Jo comedian hai na, Maanyavar, kya naam hai unka?" she says in the promo.
And just like that, Munawar Faruqui becomes "Maanyavar" in Shalini's version of events.
The unusual name mix-up has sparked plenty of reactions online, with viewers turning the moment into a meme-worthy incident. One social media user joked, "Manyavar by Mohey," while another playfully referred to him as "Munyawar Falguni."
Another reaction highlighted the contrasting backgrounds of the two contestants, pointing out that they have arrived at the same reality show from very different walks of life. The moment has also given viewers an early glimpse into the unpredictable interactions expected inside the palace.
Hosted by Karan Johar, The Traitors Season 2 brings together 21 celebrity contestants, including Shalini Passi, Munawar Faruqui, Mallika Sherawat, Rhea Chakraborty, Shweta Tiwari and Rida Tharana. The contestants will participate in a game built around trust, manipulation, alliances and betrayal, as they attempt to identify the Traitors among them while avoiding elimination themselves.
The second season is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India on August 13, with new episodes scheduled to release every Thursday. As anticipation builds around the new season, Shalini's "Maanyavar" moment has already become one of its most talked-about pre-premiere clips.
With a diverse group of personalities entering the palace, moments like this suggest that the season could deliver plenty of unexpected interactions alongside its central game of strategy and deception.
