Manav Vij: We re-imagined the show in a different culture

A still from the series

The length of a role hasn't ever mattered to Manav Vij. That's why he is equally comfortable playing a supporting role in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), and leading the series, Tanaav. "I have never considered roles small or big. To me, every role is big if it adds value to the storyline. Having said that, it feels amazing when you have a team who trusts you with a show that has immense scope for an actor," begins Vij, whose performance as Special Task Group agent Kabir Farooqi in Tanaav has won him a nomination in the Best Actor: Series category at the mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards.

In the SonyLIV series, Vij's character comes out of retirement to chase a much-dreaded terrorist, who was believed to be dead. The actor says he completely surrendered to the makers' vision. "I surrender to the role, and follow the team. To become Kabir, I went with the flow, and left the rest to the team."

Making Tanaav couldn't have been easy. As an adaptation of the popular Israeli series, Fauda, the show came with high expectations. Director Sudhir Mishra set the action thriller in Kashmir, thus bringing the Valley's complex history of turmoil and strife to the screen. Vij believes the series, despite having its roots in Fauda, has its own language and conflict. "I wouldn't term Tanaav as an adaptation. I believe we re-imagined the show in a different culture and backdrop, which makes Tanaav different [from Fauda]."

Also Read: 'Tanaav' review: Cashmere if you can

Cast your vote for the Hitlist OTT Awards

Manav Vij has been nominated in the Best Actor (Male): Series category for Tanaav. The other nominees are:

. Avinash Tiwary (Khakee: The Bihar Chapter)
. Ishwak Singh (Rocket Boys)
. Jaideep Ahlawat (The Broken News)
. Jim Sarbh (Rocket Boys)
. Meiyang Chang (Modern Love Mumbai)
. Randeep Hooda (CAT)
. Tahir Raj Bhasin (Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein)

There are 16 categories that the public can vote in. Log on to www.radiocity.in/hitlistott to cast your vote.

Voting lines close on February 22.

More about Tanaav:

The series is directed by Sudhir Mishra and Sachin Krishn.