Sai De Silva has pulled off one of the most surprising transformations in Real Housewives of New York history. Once one of the most polarizing figures on the show, Sai has somehow gone from being one of the most disliked cast members to a fan favorite almost overnight. How did she do it? While it may seem like magic, her evolution is the result of hard work, personal growth, and a willingness to show her vulnerabilities.
Let’s take a closer look at Sai’s journey from Season 14’s hothead to Season 15’s zen queen and why viewers have come to embrace her.
Sai De Silva Is Committed to Self-Improvement
One of the biggest reasons for Sai’s transformation is her commitment to working on herself. As she revealed in the Season 15 premiere, Sai has been attending therapy, not to achieve perfection but to better understand herself.
During Season 14, Sai’s fiery personality often made her a difficult castmate. She was quick to anger, easily triggered, and unapologetically blunt—a combination that didn’t sit well with her co-stars or viewers. The mother of two admitted that her outbursts often stemmed from being hangry, but therapy has helped her recognize the deeper issues at play.
Now on what she calls a “zen journey,” Sai is learning to control her emotions and embrace a calmer approach to life. This personal growth has made her not only more relatable but also more likable. Fans appreciate her efforts to become a better person, proving that change is possible even under the intense scrutiny of reality TV.
Sai’s Honesty Feels More Authentic
Sai has always been known for her blunt honesty—a quintessential New Yorker trait. However, during her earlier seasons, her straightforwardness often came across as harsh and overly critical. Sai herself admitted that her “fight-or-flight” mentality shaped how she approached relationships, leading to misunderstandings with her co-stars.
In Season 15, Sai has worked to channel her honesty in a more constructive way. Rather than coming across as brash, she now communicates with a balance of directness and empathy. Fans have noticed this shift, and it’s working in her favor. Sai’s honesty no longer feels like an attack; instead, it reflects her genuine care for the people around her.
Genuine Friendships Define Sai’s Journey
One of the standout qualities of the Real Housewives of New York cast—whether it’s the original group or the new faces—is the authenticity of their friendships. Sai exemplifies what it means to be a true East Coast friend: fiercely loyal, unfiltered, and deeply invested in her relationships.
A perfect example of Sai’s loyalty is her friendship with Ubah Hassan. When tensions ran high during an argument, Sai yelled “Pineapple!” to signal to Ubah that it was time to take a step back. This moment of trust and respect resonated with fans, showing that Sai’s fiery personality is rooted in love and care.
Even her contentious moments with Brynn Whitfield and Erin Lichy highlight her commitment to her friendships. Sai’s passionate arguments often stem from her desire to help her friends grow and be better. While her delivery may not always be perfect, her intentions are pure, and fans have come to appreciate her East Coast-style love.
Sai’s Vulnerability Strikes a Chord
Perhaps the most significant turning point for Sai came when she opened up about her upbringing. During an emotional moment on RHONY, Sai shared her experience of being raised by a mother who struggled with alcoholism.
“My mom loved me, and that’s one thing I would never take away from her,” Sai said. “But she was an alcoholic for a long period. Growing up and watching her morph into someone that I don’t even know—it was very hard for me.”
Sai’s candidness about the challenges she faced resonated deeply with viewers who have experienced their own hardships. Despite the pain, Sai spoke about her mother with reverence and love, acknowledging the efforts her mother made to care for her, even during difficult times.
“She would wake up and drink all day,” Sai continued. “She became this person who was no longer my mother. She wasn’t the person I grew up with. She was just someone who was completely different.”
This vulnerable moment humanized Sai in a way that hadn’t been seen before. Fans were able to connect with her on a deeper level, understanding the resilience that has shaped her life and personality.
Why Fans Are Rooting for Sai
Sai De Silva’s journey on Real Housewives of New York is a testament to personal growth and the power of vulnerability. By embracing therapy, working on her emotions, and sharing her story, Sai has transformed into a relatable and inspiring figure.
Her loyalty to her friends, her unapologetic honesty, and her willingness to evolve have made her a standout in Season 15. Whether she’s yelling out of love or opening up about her past, Sai’s authenticity shines through, and fans can’t get enough.
Where to Watch
The Real Housewives of New York is streaming now on Peacock. Catch all the drama and witness Sai’s journey for yourself!
