Tanuj Virwani and Rashami Desai starrer web-series ‘Tandoor’ depicts the shocking incident of 1995, where a politician murdered his wife on suspicion that she is having an extramarital affair with another person. The incident not only shook the nation but created an uproar on social media.

Also Read: Kerala reported 627 cases of child rape from January to May 2021: Report

Talking about performing such a challenging role, Tanuj, who plays the role of politician in the show, told Opoyi, “I don’t look at whether the character is white, black or grey because that should not be something which should be the pre criterion for one to sign the project.”

“I heard the story and I did some research. I was not aware of the Tandoor kand of 1995. I got back to the makers and said that as long as you guys are not glorifying the killer and kind of validating his action, I am fine with it. They asked me if I am okay to play an out and out negative character in this juncture of my career and I was like absolutely. I am an actor and I didn’t come here to be a hero, I came here to be a good actor so for me it makes zero difference what the character’s motivation and thought process are as long as I am able to stay true to it.”

The actor also said that he wanted to investigate what goes in a human mind to motovate such crimes.

“What goes on between two people in a relationship and how things get so toxic and so hateful especially when there is love involved. So I wanted to understand that and that’s the main reason why I agreed to be part of this project,” he said.

Also Read: TLC’s reality show ‘Counting On’ cancelled following Josh Duggar’s arrest

Talking about if he was ready to receive hate comments for portraying this character on screen, he says that he doesn’t think of the result.

“You have to get out of your comfort zone and I have played boy next door, very urban-based characters so this change was very different for me. I am sure there will be all sorts of reactions but whatever it is, we will try as creators to be as factual and true to the real-life story and give as much respect and regard as it deserves.”

However, he says that a mature audience will accept what they are trying to do.

“… because I feel when the Tandoor Kaand happened, it had far-reaching impact than one incident or one person demise, it showed society that this is the ultimate price one pays when you are in a toxic relationship and you don’t say or do anything about it,” said the 34-year-old.

The actor, who is the son of senior actor Rati Agnihotri, says that “we have only gotten worse over time.”

“We have become less forgiving and more selfish as people in a relationship. I believe whether it’s domestic abuse, divorce, or separation, everything is at an all-time high. Look at the lockdown, so many marriages are falling apart so we are living in an age of toxic relationships and I just felt that this was the perfect venture for me to kind of showcase that hate.

“Toxicity in a relationship is a real thing guys and this is what happens when you don’t see the red flag early on and if you don’t put your foot down and don’t stand up yourself, you might just have to pay the really nasty and heavy price so that’s where I look at it. I don’t think too much about social media, online trolling and all because honestly no matter what we do as an actor, not everybody is going to accept it. but it can’t hamper my decision-making process,” he said.

Tanuj also says that working with Rashmi, who plays his wife, was fun.

“She is the perfect casting choice and after watching the show, you will probably agree with me because she has got one inherent funky attitude, confidence, fearlessness as an actor which I think was extremely important for this character to have as well. She is secure as an actor so it made me also go that extra mile and I personally believe that Rashmi is the backbone and highlight of the show,” he sums up.