I would like to play a soft and romantic hero: Aditya Redij

Aditya Redij, who has impressed one and all with his stellar performances in Na Aana Is Des Laado and Sawaare Sabke Sapne Preeto, is now enthralling the TV audience essaying rustic and rugged Prithvi in Junoon – Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq (Beyond Dreams).

Aditya speaks to us about his ongoing role, his co-star Mouni (Roy), his producers Yash and Mamta Patnaik, his hobbies and a lot more. Excerpts:

What’s your feeling on Junoon – Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq crossing 100 episodes?

(smiles) I feel very proud and happy and would like to congratulate everyone who have put in their hard work into this. As a matter of fact, everyone who has worked behind the scenes should be appreciated and congratulated for they have created a wonderful character called Prithvi which I am really fortunate to play.

Did you prepare for the role of Prithvi?

(pauses) I did prepare to play this character. My producers narrated it to me and after that, I used to visualize about the looks that Prithvi would sport and what would his mannerisms be like. Without giving a second thought I immediately started working on my look and it took me two months to grow the moustache.

What advice would you give to Prithvi if you happened to meet him?

I would advise him to chill for a while as he is just too hot tempered.

Is it a challenge to play Prithvi?

Yes, it is a very challenging and a tough role. In fact, I never imagined enacting a character like this. That is where I needed my peace and silence.

What kind of feedback do you get from fans on your role as Prithvi?

I get various kinds of feedbacks. What viewers appreciate most about the performance is my mouthing the dialogues. They like the body language with which I carry Prithvi and the archetypal walk he has. I don’t walk like that in real life. When my hard work is appreciated, I really like it.

What kind of roles would you never do?

I would like to do all kinds of roles. I will cross the bridge when it comes, if I am offered a part which doesn’t appeal to me.

Would you like to play a mushy romantic hero?

Especially after doing a role like that of Prithvi, I would like to play a soft and romantic hero the next time. That will indeed be a complete contrast to what I am doing now. People would thereby get to know the kind of roles I can do.

Would you like to play a historical character?

I don’t think I will get the time to play a historical character this year as I am busy with Junoon. Later, I would like to play Emperor Ashoka as his character has many dimensions. If a biopic on Ashoka is pulled off as well as Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev, it can be a brilliant show.

What has it been like to act with Mouni Roy?

Mouni is a very hardworking girl. The first 15 days of the shoot was a torture but she went through the ordeal of shooting outdoors in the scorching heat and even ran on the rocks. It was extremely physically challenging but she pulled it off well. She gave in her very best. Kudos to her for essaying such a difficult role.

Please say something about your producers Yash and Mamta Patnaik?

They have been like friends to me. If I would get stuck somewhere with either the character or storyline, Mamta would clarify everything to me. They have been awesome producers with whom I haven’t had any kind of problems. Working with them has been a pleasure. I hope to join hands with them again in future.

What are your hobbies?

I love photography, sports and swimming and love to spend time with my friends. I like to do everything that a normal person does.

You have learnt a lot about direction while on the sets. Would you like to
direct TV serials later in life?

I wouldn’t mind doing so but I don’t think I have the patience to go ahead. If things don’t go my way, I get upset. That is something I need to take care of. It is true that I take interest in whatever happens on the sets. I exactly know where the lights are and know exactly where to position myself before the director instructs me. It helps an actor a lot if he is acquainted with the technical details of the shooting process.