'PEOPLE THINK A FAMOUS MOM IS A GOLD CARD'

'When you are someone's kid, you get easier access to the industry. 'People will meet you, maybe even give you a first opportunity out of goodwill.' 'But at the end of the day, it's business.'

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OTT actor Tanuj Virwani, last seen in Rana Naidu, lives in a sprawling penthouse in Worli.

Son of yesteryear actor Rati Agnihotri, Tanuj remains grounded and friendly.

"I have never used my mom's name. Since a young age, I've tried to be financially independent. Now, at 38, I want to contribute towards the home," he says.

Since when have you been living in this beautiful home?

The land this building stands on has a deep significance to our family. My dadaji was in the real estate business.

He was in the midst of constructing a building which looked similar to the Nehru Planetarium but it was demolished. My father took over and built it in its current form.

I have been living here since 2007; I convinced my parents to let me stay here alone. I was giving my college exams then, and I barely scraped through because we were just partying.

Whenever I have a release, I have a screening here with the cast and crew.

But now, I'm married with a child, so not many parties. My mom would say this used to be a frat house and after the birth of my daughter Navya, it's turned into a home.

What is your favourite corner in the house?

There are quite a few, actually. There's one on the terrace. I don't have a manager; I usually crack my own deals, be it for film, for shows or anything. There is this one spot, whatever I sign or close a deal, it usually goes well.

I call that my lucky spot. Inside Edge, Code M, Splitvilla happened there. I got the news of me doing my first Dharma film, Yodha, there. I also spent a lot of time there during the lockdown.

Which is your mother's favourite area of the house?