6 hours agoAuthor: Kiran Jain
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Actor Tanuj Virwani, who is the son of actress Rati Agnihotri, did not have an easy journey in Bollywood. Initially, he had to face a lot of struggle. According to Tanuj, after continuous flop films in the initial days, he stopped getting calls from the industry. Recently, he appeared in the web series 'Murshid'.
In a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, he openly discussed 'Murshid', his struggle and the relationship with his parents. Read the highlights of the conversation:
Initially people considered me a star kid, but when my films flopped, things started changing:
When I entered the industry, I thought things would be easy. My mother (Rati Agnihotri) has been a successful actress, so I also thought it would be easier to approach people. Initially, people were calling me a star kid. However, when the first film flopped, the calls slowly stopped. After the second film, the calls decreased even more and when the third film (with Sunny Leone) flopped, the calls stopped completely. At that time, I was mostly being offered secondary roles, but my dream was always to play the lead. I was very nervous. I was at home for about 6-7 months at that time. My morale was weakened. I could not understand why this was happening.
Went to the theatre and saw that there were only 10-12 people in the cinema hall
The film 'One Night Stand', which came with a lot of hype at the box office, unfortunately flopped. Sunny Leone was in the prime of her career at that time. She had recently given hits like 'Leela' and 'Ragini MMS'. Her songs were also becoming very popular. The songs of One Night Stand were huge hits. We felt that the film had potential and could make a difference, but unfortunately the film did not work.
I still remember, it was 5th May 2016. I went to the theatre and saw that there were only 10-12 people there. I was thinking – this is happening for the third time, I can't believe it.
After the web series era started, many new avenues opened up for me
Web Series 'Inside Edge' was a big turning point for me. After that project, I never had to look back. This gave a new direction to my career and my work started getting appreciated. After the era of web series started, many new doors opened for me. 2020-2021 were the most special years of my career.
My 6 projects were released in 2021
During COVID, the whole world was at a standstill, but that time was very special for me. 6 of my projects were released in 2021, this was the first time in my career that so many projects came in a single year. The OTT platform gave me a lot and the love I received from the audience increased my responsibility even more. That time made me more hardworking and focused.
I got to learn a lot by working with legends like Kay Kay Menon and Zakir Hussain
I have worked with our show's director, Shravan Tiwari, before. So when I got his call, I was very excited. He said, Sir, I want you to play the role of a police inspector in this show. I asked, Sir, have you signed anyone else or is it just me? He said, Kay Kay Menon Bhaiya and Zakir Hussain are also in it. I was even more happy to hear this. I didn't even need a narration.
It is very important for any actor to work with good people, whether in front of the camera or behind it. I knew that I would learn a lot by working with these people.
My parents are neither separated nor divorced
My parents are neither separated nor divorced. Yes, there were some problems in 2015-16, which everyone knows. I am alone, I have no siblings, so I tried to be friends with my parents. Slowly we mended our relationship and now we live together.
People will always talk, whether it is in the newspaper or at parties. Earlier I used to get angry and sad, but now I have stopped paying attention to these things. I only pay attention to the opinions of those who matter to me. There is a lot of negativity and toxicity in the world, especially on social media, but now I just do my work and ignore everything else.
The last 12 months have been very special for me
The last 12 months have been very special for me. I got married in December and I feel my wife has brought a lot of positivity and luck into my life. We are now expecting our first child, and the focus of life has become very clear now. My focus is now completely on my work and family.
'Rana Naidu' has completed his work for season 2
After 'Murshid', now my next project is 'DAU', which is a crime based show. In this, I am playing the role of an ACP. Apart from this, there is also a film 'Johnny Jumper', in which I am playing the role of a cable guy in Bhopal, who is an undercover operative. Along with this, I have also completed my work for 'Rana Naidu' Season 2, I am very excited about it.