Mumbai: Actor and content creator Elvish Yadav, currently appearing in the fifth season of the streaming reality show Playground, has spoken about the shift in how the public perceives him—from a “bad boy” image to a more widely accepted personality.

Speaking to IANS alongside Tejasswi Prakash and Aarush Bhola during promotions for the show at a hotel in the city, Yadav said people earlier held misconceptions about him. A series of misunderstandings, he said, contributed to a certain negative image that he is glad has largely receded.

“It was because of misunderstandings. In life, I have been always like this. People used to make fun of me in between. So that experience has taught me that this is how it is. That’s how people are looking at me,” he said.

Tejasswi Prakash lightened the moment by suggesting that the change in perception was due to friends like her. “Your friends have changed,” she said. When Yadav agreed, she added that they had put good influences in his mind and that he had started doing positive things.

Responding in a tongue-in-cheek manner, Yadav said: “Thank you Teja. She’s right. Since she came into my life, my life has changed. Earlier, people used to think I’m such a useless person. Now staying with her, they say I’m really useless. So this change has come in my life.”

Playground Season 5 blends gaming, entertainment, competition and influencer culture. Built around a virtual playground format, it brings together young creators, gamers and internet personalities who compete in a range of challenges while navigating rivalries, friendships and team dynamics. The season is available to stream on Amazon MX Player.

Yadav’s comments framed the earlier “bad boy” tag as the product of misunderstanding rather than a deliberate persona, while the exchange with Prakash underscored the lighter, collegial tone of the promotional conversation around the new season.