The 20th season of MTV’s game show, Roadies XX: Double Cross, ended on a dramatic note after weeks of breakneck competition. The season saw some dramatic twists and turns, wildcard entries, and intense fights between contestants and even gang leaders. After a high-stakes showdown, Kushal Tanwar, aka Gullu from Elvish Yadav’s gang, emerged as the winner, clinching the winner’s trophy, while Hartaaj Singh became the first runner-up. Just days after the grand finale, Hartaaj stirred controversy by claiming that the finale task was designed in Gullu’s favour.
Hartaaj Gill says the finale task was changed last moment to favour Gullu
In an explosive interview with TOI TV, Hartaaj spoke up about the ‘unfair’ treatment during the Roadies XX finale, which took place on June 1, 2025. Hartaaj, who came second by a margin of just 32 seconds, alleged that the game’s format was abruptly changed for Gullu’s benefit. A puzzle that was originally supposed to be in the final task was removed at the last moment. Hartaaj added that Gullu was also allowed to watch his performance, while he wasn’t given the same advantage. He said:
“Why was it such a small task? We were told that there will be a puzzle that we need to solve at the end, but they removed it at the end moment, because they knew Gullu wouldn’t be quick in that. The task was designed in a way that he can win it. It’s so unfair… Why did Gullu get a chance to see my performance while I didn’t get to see anything? The show wanted Gullu to win, and that’s why they planned it all. I’m very disappointed.”
Hartaaj clarifies that the show is not scripted
In an interview with Zoom, Hartaaj addressed the speculations about Roadies being a scripted show, clarified that MTV Roadies XX wasn’t scripted. He defended the authenticity of the show despite his criticisms of the finale and said:
“MTV Roadies is not a scripted show. Aap apne dum pe aate ho aur mauke dete hai aane ka, twists ke saath logon ko bachane ke liye. It is not scripted at all. Kisiko kya bolna hai, kiske saath fight karna hai bola nahi jaata. Joh bhi hota hai real hota hai.”
Hartaaj Singh accuses Gullu of playing a ‘sweet game’ on camera
In the interview with Zoom, Hartaaj also addressed his off-screen relationship with Gullu, saying the latter often shows respect in private but acts differently on camera. In all his interviews, Gullu is seen bashing his Roadies XX co-contestant, labelling Hartaaj as the ‘Double Cross King’, when in reality, he respects him and declares his genuine love for him as an elder brother. Hartaaj was quoted as saying:
“Voh off-screen itni respect karta hai aur pyaar se baat karta hai. Jab bhi koi interview mein baat karta hai…Kehta hai, ‘Hartaaj hi Double Cross king hai’. Mujhe yeh samajh nahi aata hi aapne ek insaan ko bada bhai bol diya hai, paaji kehte ho, aur itne pyaar se baat karte hai, on camera kya ho jata hai?… Off-screen mujhe bolta hai, ‘Paaji voh toh show hai. Main aapse bohot pyaar karta hai. Aapke ghar aaya, khana khaya, apna rishta badhiya hai.’ Jab Elvish bhai ne pucha sabse ghatiya contestant kaun lagta hai, usne Hartaaj bola. Muh pe bol de na. Sweet game kyun khel raha hai phir?”
Gullu wins MTV Roadies XX
MTV Roadies XX ended with Kushal ‘Gullu’ Tanwar securing the winner’s title, which earned him a Hero Karizma bike and a prize cheque of Rs. 10 lakh. Meanwhile, social media continues to buzz with debates over the fairness of the finale.
What are your thoughts on Hartaaj Singh’s claims of manipulating the game in Gullu’s favour?
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