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Actor Tanuj Virwani impresses viewers in Rana Naidu Season 2 with his role as Chirag Oberoi. He stars alongside Rajat Kapoor and Kriti Kharbanda in a story packed with drama, tension, and unexpected twists. In an exclusive telephonic interview with , Tanuj shared his excitement about the show, his experience working with Rana and Venkatesh Daggubati, and why the project holds special significance for him. He also spoke about his journey in the OTT space, his approach to choosing meaningful roles, and what fans can look forward to next—including new thrillers and a light-hearted romantic comedy. Excerpts:Q. Tell us about your role in Rana Naidu Season 2. What can fans expect this time?A. I play Chirag Oberoi, the son of Rajat Kapoor and brother of Kriti Kharbanda. There's a major business deal in the story, and to resolve key challenges, the characters turn to Rana—the best fixer in town. What follows is a gripping ride. I was a big fan of Season 1, so it’s great to reunite with Karan Anshuman after Inside Edge and The Party, this time in a very different world and role.Q. You’ve been called the ‘surprise package’ of this season. How do you feel about that tag?A. If people are saying that, it’s a huge compliment. At this point in my career, it’s not about screen time but about making an impact. I’ve done lead roles and supporting ones, and all have helped me grow. In this season, the entire cast—Abhishek, Dhana, Venkatesh, Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea, Kriti, Rajat sir—we’ve all brought something to the table. Hopefully, the whole team becomes the “surprise package.”Q. How was the experience working alongside Rana and Venkatesh Daggubati? Any anecdotes?A. It was a fantastic experience. My first scene was with Venkatesh sir, who worked through a back injury like a true professional. Rana, too, was incredible—consistent and grounded despite all the chaos around his character. I learned a lot from both of them.Q. Your choices range from Inside Edge to Murshid to Bajao. What drives your project selection?A. First, the script has to be solid. Then I look at the team—co-actors, directors, writers. It’s a collaborative process. Finally, the production house or platform matters. A great show needs the right support to reach audiences. I’ve learned the hard way that without strong backing, even good work can go unnoticed.Q. How do you see your journey evolving in the OTT space?A. OTT has been a blessing. It gave me a second lease on my career, starting with Inside Edge. That opened many doors. The biggest challenge is avoiding typecasting, and OTT has given me the chance to play a variety of roles. It's about quality, not quantity—what you bring to each scene, each character.Q. You’ve done thrillers, dramas and even comedies. Is there a genre you’d like to explore next?A. I’d love to do a period drama or a horror project. A period piece would be exciting because it requires you to unlearn and adapt. Horror fascinates me—I'd love to see what it's like behind the scenes of a film designed to scare.Q. How do you prepare for intense roles without letting them affect you off-screen?A. You need to know how to get in and out of character. I’m not formally trained, so I’ve developed my own method—writing backstories, focusing on childhood influences, emotional triggers. It’s important not to carry that emotional weight home. Young actors often go too deep and struggle to snap out. Balance is key.Q. Are there any upcoming projects after Rana Naidu that fans should watch out for?A. I’ve got a Mumbai-based crime thriller with Applause, where I play an ACP, alongside Rahul Dev. Then there’s Johnny Jumper, where I play a cable operator turned undercover mole—Vijay Raaz and Zakir Hussain are also in it. I also have a rom-com titled Puppy Love, with Shraddha Chaudhary, Divya Agarwal, and Nikki Tamboli.Q. Does being from a filmi background help in any way?A. It has pros and cons. You might get a meeting more easily, but work only comes if you prove yourself. In my case, people didn’t even know Rati Agnihotri is my mother until much later. Having an identity beyond your surname is crucial. Your name might get them to watch once—but only your work makes them stay.Q. How difficult is it to survive in this industry, really?A. It’s extremely competitive and not as glamorous as it looks. You constantly need to prove yourself. Luck plays a part too—being at the right place at the right time. My advice to aspiring actors: don’t compare. Focus on your craft. Be process-driven, not result-driven. Love the process—the rest will follow.