Manav Vij has been a familiar face in Hindi cinema since 2002, with a filmography boasting big-budget titles like 'Udta Punjab,' 'Phillauri,' 'Naam Shabana,' 'Samrat Prithviraj,' and 'Laal Singh Chaddha.' However, it was his breakout role as Kabir in Sudhir Mishra's 'Tanaav' and 'Tanaav 2' that catapulted him to new heights.

In an exclusive conversation with Mathrubhumi English, Vij opens up about the transformative impact of 'Tanaav' on his life and shares his enriching experience of working with local Kashmiri talent on the web series. Read on for excerpts from our engaging chat.

In what ways has 'Tanaav' been a game-changer for you, and how has your life evolved since the show's release?

After ‘Tanaav’ my life has changed a lot. First of all, I am being paid well. As a Punjabi boy, I have got a bigger car also now. People accepted me as an actor before also but at this point in time when I thought ki nahi hoga abhi (it can’t happen now), at the age of 46-47, I got the first lead show of my life.

You have to pull it off. If Ott was not there, then people like me would have got the same work which they were getting earlier. Something new happened to me. ‘Tanaav’ has changed my life. My thinking process has also changed now. I was focused earlier also but it has only increased since ‘Tanaav’.

How was your experience of working with Sudhir Mishra?

I love his madness. That impulsive behaviour of his and the madness, is what makes Sudhir Mishra what he is. It is his identity; that is why he comes out with compositions on the screen which are magical. That madness is beautiful; it eventually is an energy. His energy can be chaotic, can be aggressive, can be passive, but that’s the energy which he brings on the sets, and we love him for it.

He is so chilled out and friendly. You can talk to him about anything. He is good with a 10-year-old kid and also with an 80-year-old person. He is amazing. He isn’t mad; rather, he is a genius.

What was the driving force behind incorporating a large number of local Kashmiris into the show? Was it primarily to create job opportunities for the community or to add an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative?

I don’t know about the intent part but it has to do with the direction and the production teams. I’m just an actor. But I can tell you the benefits of it - one, it definitely helps you generate money and give them (locals) employment. If you are going to their home and working, then give them employment.

Secondly, when they used to come on the sets, they came with raw energy, which inspired us to behave like them for our characters. They became silent teachers. They also brought authenticity on the sets with their language and body language.

I think locals should be cast. How will they get the opportunity otherwise? We’re going there, so we should cast them. That is one thing; else they will have to come to Mumbai and take the opportunity to become actors. People are passionate about acting. They really want to do it. Why not give them five-six scenes so that they also have memories that we acted and didn’t have to leave our hometown also. I think it’s a win-win situation.

What changes have you observed in Kashmir and its people since your first visit to the Valley?

When you are sitting with them and having kahwa, it is very different because for them, you are a hero; they behave in a certain way with you. It was very hard for me to judge from that. How I see it is from one angle - from my angle, they are sweet, warm, and everything is fine in their lives. But there a lot of angles in their lives.

What’s going inside, at the root place, I am nobody to comment on it. But if you ask me about the first time I visited Kashmir, yes it is the most militarized zone in the world. But now when I went back again, (Kashmir) was more chilled out.

Tourism has increased; a lot of rush was there. With that I believe that Kashmir is in a better state now. If tourism increases, it will eventually increase the revenue and people will earn more. They can spend the money on education as well as nice food. So, if you ask me, according to that, yes, Kashmir is a much better place. But how much can I comment on the root problems, I don’t know. I can’t comment on that.

Being a part of showbiz, what according to you, makes Malayalam cinema different from other film industries in India?

One thing I would say is that they (Malayalam filmmakers) are very honest to their cinema. They always try to bring something or the other which surprises you, and that can only happen when the involvement level is too much.

The honesty and involvement (in Malayalam cinema) is too much, and that can be seen on the screen. In totality, they are very involved. Everytime they come up with a story, I look at them (the actors) the way they are acting.

It can’t happen if you aren’t involved into the project. Malayalam cinema is at the peak of involvement right now. There is honesty, focus, and involvement, which is very important.

A film or a project can’t be made without the involvement of everyone. If one department goes haywire, the other film will go haywire. And then the intent should also be correct. Everybody wants to make a hit film, but what is their intent to make it, is what will decide its fate.