Bradford rolled out the red carpet for the highly anticipated premiere of Virdee, the six-part BBC crime drama adapted from AA Dhand’s bestselling novels. St George’s Hall, transformed with striking series posters, hosted an exclusive screening that brought together cast members, industry insiders, and cultural champions for a night celebrating the city’s moment in the spotlight.
After the pilot episode preview, BBC Leeds presenter Rima Ahmed led a Q&A with the cast, offering insight into the show’s development. Stars Staz Nair, Aysha Kala, Vikash Bhai, and Danyal Ismail reflected on their characters and the journey of bringing Virdee to life.
More than just a gritty detective series, Virdee blends crime, culture, and identity in a way rarely seen on British television. Set against Bradford’s raw yet cinematic landscape, the show follows Detective Harry Virdee, a man caught between his duty as a police officer and his estranged Sikh family.
For creator AA Dhand, setting the story in Bradford was non-negotiable. “This city has been a powerhouse -200 years ago, it was one of the richest in Europe. Its contrasts mirror what’s happening in the story. Need a dark, dramatic setting? Go to an abandoned mill in ruins. Need light? City Park and the mirror pool.”
Staz Nair, best known from Game of Thrones, brings Harry Virdee to life as a detective who “leads with empathy.” Unlike typical TV detectives who detach from their work, Virdee feels everything, making his compassion both his greatest strength and biggest weakness. “His empathy is his superpower and his kryptonite,” Nair explained.
For him, stepping into Harry’s shoes was deeply personal. “His relationship with his culture, his father—there were moments that hit home for me. In the end, it was cathartic.”
Adapting a beloved book into a TV series comes with challenges, but Dhand embraced the transformation. “These characters lived with me for 18 years, but TV gave them new dimensions,” he shared.
How much creative freedom did the cast have? At this, Staz Nair deadpanned, “ZERO ROOM,” sending the room into laughter. Then, grinning, he added, “But really, Amit trusted us. He didn’t hold the story with a tight fist—he had an open palm. That gave us space to explore.”
While Aysha Kala (Shameless, Criminal Record) plays Saima, Harry’s wife, she chose not to read the books before filming. “Since the show differs in places, it felt counterintuitive,” she explained. Instead, she found her inspiration elsewhere. “Saima’s a nurse, and both my sisters-in-law are nurses. One works in A&E, I spoke to her a lot. Nurses don’t take nonsense, and that became a key part of Saima’s character.”
Kala also praised the show’s strong South Asian representation. “It was exciting to see South Asian characters written so well. We often get boxed into the same narratives—this was different.”
While Virdee centers on its lead detective, the show wouldn’t work without its supporting cast. One of the most gripping dynamics is between Harry and Riaz Hyatt, a powerful drug kingpin, played by Vikash Bhai.
“Brothers from different mothers,” Bhai described. “They’re on opposite sides of the law, but Riaz isn’t just a villain. He genuinely wants to do good for the city—just in the wrong way.”
For Danyal Ismail, who plays DS Amin, the show felt like fate. “When I heard there was going to be a Bradford crime drama, I thought, ‘I need to be in that,’” he laughed. Initially, he auditioned for Riaz. At this, Vikash Bhai raised an eyebrow, prompting Danyal to grin, “Yeah, I know—different worlds. I’m not cold enough.”
But DS Amin’s role hit close to home. “My dad’s a policeman. He’s got 30 years of stories—his experiences shaped how I approached this role.”
Before the screening, AA Dhand took a moment to reflect. “I talk a lot about resilience—I got that from the streets of Bradford. It’s time people see how sexy our city can be, how cool South Asians can be.”
As the lights dimmed and the screen flickered to life, the audience was pulled into a world of tension, cultural depth, and unexpected humor. By the time the credits rolled, the standing ovation said it all—Virdee is more than a TV series; it’s a statement.
As for what they hope audiences take away? Danyal Ismail summed it up best: “Even if you’ve never been to Bradford, this series shows how beautiful and cinematic the city is. It’s a story anyone can connect with.”
All episodes of Virdee will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6 AM on Monday, 10 February, with the first episode airing at 9 PM on BBC One that evening.
