Created by Raj & DK, The Family Man follows Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man working secretly as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC). Season 3 premiered on Amazon Prime Video on November 21, 2025, and has received positive reviews.
He has received several accolades, including the NEZCC Young Talented Artist Award (2008), Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2023) in the field of Theatre, and the TaFMA Excellency Award (2025).
In an interview with Mokokchung Times, Walling spoke about his role, experiences on the set, and the visibility of Naga artists in Indian cinema.
MT: Walk us through your experience in working with someone like Manoj Bajpayee and your overall experience on the set?
Bendang Walling: Sharing a group scene with the incredible Manoj Bajpayee Sir was an unforgettable experience! Even without dialogue, being in his presence was electrifying. Before the camera rolled in Khonoma, I had the chance to chat with him, and I was struck by his humility and kindness. Watching him work was like witnessing art in its purest form – it was truly inspiring.
MT: You play the character Chuba in The Family Man Season 3, a series that has a massive national audience. How did you approach this role, and what aspects of your identity or experiences as a Naga actor did you bring into the character?
Bendang Walling: Playing a Naga freedom fighter resonated deeply with me, as a Naga myself. It’s a reality we’ve faced – being misunderstood and manipulated by external forces that exploit our internal differences. This character’s story is one I’ve wanted to explore thoroughly, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
READ | Rising film production in Nagaland and the Northeast
MT: You’ve moved from theatre to major productions like Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, Dreams & Chaos, Paatal Lok 2, and now The Family Man. With your recent recognitions – including the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and the TaFMA Excellence Award – how do you see your journey shaping the visibility of Naga artists in mainstream Indian cinema?
Bendang Walling: I’m humbled by the recognition, but my focus remains on the art itself – theatre and film. Great artists may come and go, but the art form is eternal. My hope is that our Naga people will embrace film and theatre with passion, unlocking limitless potential.
As film and theatre are still developing in Nagaland, I humbly share this award with all the budding Naga artists striving in their own ways.
The success of projects like Paatal Lok Season 2 and The Family Man Season 3 has opened doors for Naga artists. We’re seeing growing recognition of Northeast talent in mainstream Indian entertainment. My vision is to create more opportunities for collaboration between Nagaland and major production houses.
We have untold stories, unique perspectives, and talented artists who can contribute meaningfully to Indian cinema. I see Nagaland becoming a hub for authentic storytelling from the Northeast, with artists taking on nuanced roles that reflect our skills and identity.
