From 'Inside Edge' to 'Murshid': Tanuj Virwani proves his OTT success is no “just a tukka” - Exclusive

MUMBAI: Tanuj Virwani, a versatile Indian actor, has made significant strides in the entertainment industry, seamlessly transitioning from reality shows to movies and ultimately finding his niche on OTT platforms. Virwani's breakout role in the critically acclaimed series ‘Inside Edge’ marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a formidable talent in the digital space. Most recently, Virwani has garnered attention for his performance in ZEE5 Original ‘Murshid,’ a thrilling gangster drama on ZEE5. In a candid chat, Virwani reflected on his career trajectory and the pivotal role OTT platforms have played in revitalizing his acting journey.

Tanuj Virwani shared, "OTT has been a savior for me. It revitalized my career and gave me a second chance, especially with 'Inside Edge.' I firmly believe that embarking on something new means starting from scratch—at level zero. I began my OTT journey in 2016, a time when there weren’t many shows available. People were skeptical, even laughing at me, questioning what I was doing. About Inside Edge, they said it was neither film nor television but something in between, like a YouTube show. But I was confident and certain that, with so many well-known individuals involved, it had to be significant. After the success of my first OTT project, I made sure that people don’t say “Iska Tukka lag gaya hai”. I chose my subsequent projects very carefully, and OTT proved to be very kind to me. During the pandemic, when many people struggled with work, I had six releases lined up for 2021."

Reflecting on the transition between film, TV, and OTT, he added, "As an actor, you need to be a jack of all trades. With each project, I strive to deliver my best, whether it’s a show or a movie. I’m fortunate to have received such wonderful responses to all my projects including Murshid on ZEE5."

In ‘Murshid,’ Tanuj Virwani portrays Inspector Kumar Pratap Rana, an intriguing character with a complex backstory. Rana, an orphan adopted by the titular mafia don Murshid Pathan (Kay Kay Menon), finds himself caught between his loyalty to his adoptive father and his duty as a law enforcement officer. As Murshid is reluctantly drawn back into the criminal underworld to protect his younger son, Rana's conflicted allegiances add a layer of tension and moral ambiguity to the story.

‘Murshid’ is currently streaming on ZEE5!