Virdee cast and character guide: Who plays whom in BBC's latest crime thriller adaptation?

If you've been craving an action-packed crime drama, tune in to BBC's newly released Virdee, featuring Staz Nair in the lead role. The actor plays Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Harry Virdee who often finds himself in chaotic situations.

What makes Virdee different from typical crime drama is the blend of crime investigation and personal struggles. Due to his marriage to a Muslim woman, Harry is estranged from his Sikh family and also gets entangled in a dangerous crime world.

The first episode opens with Harry in a chaotic situation as he's investigating a crime. As the story begins, the detective also faces a tough choice to solve the murder of a young drug dealer.

Since his brother-in-law is a drug kingpin, Harry is torn between choosing to work with the kingpin to prevent a turf war, or should he stay loyal to his duty as a detective. This major conflict in the show tests Harry's loyalty to his family and the city.

Continue reading to explore other characters in the latest BBC TV series.

Exploring the main cast and characters in Virdee TV series

Since Virdee follows both: Harry's personal and professional life, the BBC TV series features his family members and the characters related to his work. So, if you wish to explore the main cast members, here is the list:

1) Staz Nair plays Detective Harry

Harry works as a DCI (Image Source: BBC)

Game of Thrones fans would immediately recognize Harry Virdee in the crime drama, as the actor is known for playing Daenerys Targaryen's bodyguard. As previously mentioned, Staz Nair secured the titular role of a DCI who operates by his own moral code.

At the heart of the story is Bradford, the very city where the show has been entirely filmed. Since the show is based on A.A. Dhand's crime novels, Staz Nair shed light on contributing to bringing the author's vision. Nair said:

"It’s an absolute honour to be taking on this vibrant and complex story about assimilating culture and what we’re willing to do to protect who and what we love."

He added:

"This show leads with vulnerability more than any detective drama I’ve ever seen, and it’s a privilege to be bringing AA Dhand’s hope for his city to life."

The actor has been a part of several other TV shows including Supergirl, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and more.

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2) Aysha Kala plays Saima Virdee

Actress Aysha Kala has taken up the role of Harry's wife Saima, who often faces struggles due to their interfaith marriage. As seen in the first episode, Saima is determined to connect with Harry's family, knowing that she has a "racist father-in-law". She also brings their son Aaron's incomplete drawing about his family tree, reminding Harry about why they're doing this.

As for the actress' career, Aysha Kala has starred in notable projects including Home Girl, The Doll Factory, Criminal Record, Man Vs. Bee, and more.

3) Nina Singh plays Tara

Tara is an enthusiastic journalist (Image Source: BBC)

Nina Singh's Tara isn't just Harry's niece but also an investigative journalist. Unlike Harry's father, Tara is happy about her uncle's marriage with Saima and shares a great bond with the couple.

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4) Vikash Bhai plays Riaz Hyatt

Riaz is Saima's brother (Image Source: BBC)

Vikash Bhai's Riaz Hyatt is the kingpin brother-in-law we mentioned above. Being a key character, Riaz is introduced in the very first episode of the crime drama, where he's seen encouraging Harry to solve crimes using his own moral code. Riaz isn't just a businessman and drug kingpin but one of Harry's childhood friends.

5) Kulvinder Ghir plays Ranjit Virdee

Harry's father isn't happy with his son's marriage (Image Source: BBC)

Harry's father Ranjit is known for his strict Sikh belief and hasn't accepted Saima as a family. He has disowned Harry for marrying a Muslim woman and doesn't seem to have changed despite his son's years of marriage and even having a grandchild.

Who are the supporting cast members of the BCC crime drama Virdee?

The show features other detectives (Image Source: BBC)

While the show extensively focuses on Harry as a disowned son, detective, and responsible husband, it's incomplete without the supporting cast members including:

Sudha Bhuchar as Jyoti: Unlike her husband Ranjit, Jyoti wished for her family's unity.

Elizabeth Berrington as DS Clare Conway: The actress has secured the role of Harry's boss who often acknowledges the detective's work.

Danyal Ismail as DS Khalil Amin: While Harry might sometimes make decisions of his own, his partner DS Amin is strict with following rules. Due to this, he often clashes with Harry's flexible approach.

Other actors involved in the newly released show include Andi Jashy, Jack Archer, Tomi May, Hussina Raja, and more.