Tanuj Virwani, son of iconic Bollywood actress Rati Agnihotri, may come from a celebrated film legacy, but his journey in the industry has been one of quiet determination and personal grit. Currently in the spotlight for his role in Rana Naidu 2, Tanuj has opened up about the challenges of carving his own path, the pressure of living up to his mother’s name, and the life lessons that have kept him grounded—both on and off screen.

In an interview with Bollywood Shaadis, he acknowledged that being a star kid gave him access to people in the industry, but clarified that it never guaranteed work. Tanuj explained that while some were willing to meet him out of respect for his mother, landing roles still depended entirely on his own talent and hard work. He also noted that the nepotism debate wasn’t as prominent when he started out, unlike the buzz that followed the Kangana Ranaut-Karan Johar controversy years later.

Tanuj further revealed that his mother, Rati Agnihotri, has always been both his closest confidante and toughest critic. Despite their shared background in cinema, they rarely discuss films at home. Instead, their conversations focus on personal growth—how to carry oneself, lead by example, and stay grounded. He shared that when he first told her about his decision to pursue acting, she offered him heartfelt but realistic advice. Rati emphasized that while the industry may appear glamorous, it comes with its share of struggles—failures, insecurities, rejection, and emotional toll. Her guidance was less about the craft of acting and more about developing the mental strength needed to survive and succeed in such a challenging space.