“Playing ‘for fun’ is quite literally the most annoying concept in the world,” these words are the epitome of a castaway who means serious business. Kiran came to play the game and play it hard in every way.

Sadly his Survivor journey came to an end right before the end. We dug a little deeper into what made Kiran such a master at Survivor strategist.

Survivor is known as the ‘Greatest Game on Earth’. What made you want to take up this challenge?

I’ve been a fan of the game since I was 9 years old. So it was a 20 year old dream in the making. The idea of the physical competitions, the intriguing social and societal dynamics all wrapped up into our giant game is mouthwatering for someone like me because it blends my love for sports with my curiosity to further understand individuals and why we behave the way we do.

 

How do you feel leaving so close to the end of the game?

It’s bittersweet. The ultimate prize is always, always to win and I’m sad to have not given myself the chance to do that. But, on the other hand I have played the game better than I could have ever dreamed or imagined – I’ve made blindsides, won immunities, found idols, been considered a front-runner to win – and all of this was done with a smile on my face and sharing countless laughs with my fellow castaways. So ultimately, if I couldn’t win – I would want to lose the way I did.

Alliances are a fickle thing. Who did you feel were your true allies?

The two people I felt I could trust right until the end of the game were definitely Tyson and Wardah. It was so clear to the three of us – that a win for one was a win for all. It’s very rare to find in the game. There must be something in the water at Zamba because that was definitely where the strongest alliances in the game were formed.

 

What parts of your time on Survivor will stay with you the most?

The camp life – the day to day interactions and laughter we shared as a tribe. I’m an extrovert and something of a class clown so to meet new people and make them laugh will always put me in my element. So to be able to go onto Survivor with a diverse background of people and to still leave everyone in stitches day in and day out – will always be my best memory.

How are you going to approach your duty as a jury member?

It is a duty I take very seriously. Not only are we awarding the title of Sole Survivor – we are selecting THE representative of our Season. The person who forever more will be the face of Immunity Island. That to me means my vote means more than likeability and friendship – it is about who has played the game in the most deliberate manner utilising the tools they have (be it personal skills or advantage) and can give us insight into their thinking and approach to outwitting, outplaying and outlasting.

 

Survivor South Africa: Immunity Island is produced by Afrokaans. Don’t miss it with DStv Premium each Thursday at 19:30 on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) or on Catch Up. Visit the M-Net Website for exclusive show content and join the conversation on TwitterInstagram and Facebook, using #SurvivorSA and #mnet101.