Tamasha Season 5: Esra Ayesha Faces Criticism as Fans Compare Her Game to Saif Ali Khan

Esra Ayesha quickly becomes one of the season’s most discussed contestants

Tamasha Season 5 has only just begun, but Esra Ayesha is already at the centre of a growing social media conversation. The Pashto contestant from Peshawar has attracted attention for her heated clashes with fellow contestant Dr. Zee Khan, while several clips from her time on the reality show have circulated widely online.

The latest discussion, however, is not only about Esra’s confrontational moments. Some viewers believe that her approach to the game resembles that of Saif Ali Khan, who won the previous season of Tamasha. The comparison has sparked a debate among fans about whether Esra is simply being herself or deliberately following a strategy that worked for the former winner.

Tamasha returns with its fifth season

Tamasha has become one of Pakistan’s most followed reality television shows since its debut in 2022. The ARY Digital production has returned every year since its launch, building a dedicated audience that closely follows the contestants, their relationships and their conflicts inside the house.

The format is inspired by the international Big Brother franchise, with ARY Digital now officially holding the rights from the franchise. The Pakistani adaptation has also developed a substantial following across the Subcontinent.

The show is produced and designed by Salman Iqbal and Jarjees Seja, while Adnan Siddiqui has remained its host since the first season.

Tamasha Season 5 began airing on August 8, 2026, and social media reactions suggest that the new season is already generating plenty of conversation.

Esra Ayesha makes an immediate impact

Among the new contestants, Esra Ayesha has quickly emerged as one of the names viewers are watching closely. The Peshawar-based Pashto contestant has found herself involved in several tense exchanges with Dr. Zee Khan.

Their arguments have become particularly noticeable online, with clips from their confrontations being shared and discussed by viewers. Her outspoken approach has helped make her one of the season’s early talking points.

While some viewers appear interested in her strong personality, others have begun questioning the way she is playing the reality show.

Fans spot similarities with Saif Ali Khan

A section of Tamasha viewers believes Esra is using a game plan similar to the one associated with Saif Ali Khan during the previous season.

According to these viewers, Esra has used certain expressions and approaches that remind them of Saif. Some fans specifically pointed to dialogues such as “No one can order me” and “Don’t do this,” saying that they had previously heard similar statements from Saif.

One viewer argued that Dr. Zee Khan had a point in questioning Esra’s strategy, while another said that she was giving them “Saif Ali Khan vibes.” The comparison went even further, with one fan describing Esra as an attempt to create a female version of the former Tamasha winner.

The ‘Peshawar card’ becomes another talking point

Another part of the discussion centres on Esra’s Pashto and Peshawar identity. Some viewers have accused her of relying on what they described as the “Peshawar card” as part of her game strategy.

One social media user suggested that the trophy would ultimately belong to the contestant who played the game well, rather than someone simply relying on a regional identity.

Another viewer made a distinction between Esra and Saif, arguing that Saif had not deliberately used his identity as a strategy and instead came across as genuine during his time on the show.

These reactions show that viewers are already analysing not just what Esra says and does, but also the possible motivations behind her gameplay.

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Some viewers question Esra’s authenticity

The criticism has also moved beyond comparisons with Saif. Several viewers have accused Esra of being fake and claimed that she may have entered the show with a carefully prepared plan based on Saif Ali Khan’s successful approach.

The idea of copying a previous contestant’s winning formula has naturally become a subject of debate among reality-show followers. For some viewers, similarities in dialogue or behaviour are enough to suggest that Esra is taking inspiration from Saif.

Others, however, may simply see those similarities as part of the competitive environment of a reality show, where contestants are constantly observed and judged by the audience.

Farhana Bhatt comparison sparks another debate

Esra has also been compared by some viewers to Bigg Boss runner-up Farhana Bhatt. However, that comparison did not sit well with Farhana’s fans.

Supporters of Farhana argued that she had a distinct personality and her own style of playing the game. Their reaction reflects another familiar aspect of reality-show fandom: audiences often become deeply attached to contestants and are quick to defend them when comparisons are made.

For now, the Farhana comparison remains part of the wider online discussion surrounding Esra, rather than an established similarity.

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The season is only getting started

With Tamasha Season 5 only beginning on August 8, it is far too early to know whether Esra Ayesha’s current approach will define her entire journey on the show.

Reality television often changes quickly as contestants settle into the house, form relationships and respond to new challenges. A contestant who appears confrontational in the opening episodes can eventually reveal a very different side of their personality.

For Esra, the early attention could work in her favour by keeping her firmly in the spotlight. At the same time, the growing accusations that she is following Saif Ali Khan’s strategy mean that viewers will likely continue to examine her every move.

Whether Esra is genuinely inspired by the previous winner or simply happens to share some similarities with him remains a matter of viewer opinion. What is clear is that she has already succeeded in becoming one of Tamasha Season 5’s most talked-about contestants.

As the season progresses, audiences will have the chance to decide for themselves whether Esra can establish a game that is entirely her own or whether the Saif Ali Khan comparisons will continue to follow her throughout the competition.