Na Aana Is Desh Laado Article Archive [No Comments] - Page 8

"I Have Made A Simple Rule. Whenever Or
Wherever I Work, I Will Never Date My Co-star"



With the plethora of fresh actors and actresses burgeoning on the television circuit, it has become difficult not only for artistes to leave their mark in the industry (and on the minds of the viewers) but even for us audiences to differentiate one face from another! Raw talent and unconventionality are the order of the day and it has become hard for any upcoming actor to get himself noticed. But someone like an Aditya Redij need not worry much. Currently playing Raghav in Color's shocking rural saga Naa Aana Iss Des Lado, he is definitely a recognizable face in the crowd. Originally from Kolhapur, Showtime managed to engage this shy Maharastrian actor in a frank conversation, as he speaks all about his show, love life, and his very non-controversial off-screen image.

Not many know that before taking the plunge into acting, Aditya was a social worker and a passionate photographer. He has assisted noted photographer Munna S in the past. Ironically, Munna is also the photographer who has done the shoot for this very article! After his photography stint, just before acting beckoned, Aditya worked as an editor in Dubai. He begins the interview by speaking about his simple life, before all the fame and glory came his way. "I was always interested in media and entertainment. I used to work as an editor in graphic designing. I have made short films as well as corporate films, as I was interested in direction. I even designed the Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) video."

It was while working on the DFW that a friend suggested that with his looks and personality, he should give modelling a shot. "I auditioned for it and was the only Indian in Dubai to walk the DFW for two years. That's how my journey started." Always having had a tendency to dabble in different things, he soon got bored of modelling too. "When I came back to Mumbai, I was very bored to model. After all, it is just walking on the ramp, with absolutely no expressions on your face."

Naturally, the next step after modelling was getting into acting, as he was very interested in the craft. He auditioned for three shows and got selected for all. However he liked and chose to work in … Lado. It seemed right to him at that point, though taking up a show that strongly propagates a cause isn't something most debutant actors would prefer.
Says Aditya, "You know, I never thought I would act in serials. I got inspired, as my dad used to show movies in Kolhapur, where we owned a theatre. As a child, I grew up in that kind of environment. Though owning a theatre has got nothing to do with acting. But I guess I got inspired. I was fascinated and so maybe that's why I wanted to act." He has also acted in noted Marathi filmmaker Mahesh Kothari's film (who also happens to be a close family friend). My parents wanted me to do a film with him. It was called Jabardast. But … Lado is my first Hindi lead show," he says casually.

He talks about bagging the lead. "I had to go through the normal grind, like everyone who comes to Mumbai to act in this field. It was tough to get the serial, but it was my good fortune along with the blessings of God and my parents that I got such a good show in hand." Surprisingly, he doesn't relate to his character and the soap he works for. "I relate a little to Raghav, but not much. I have never really gone through any situation in life that has been similar to what he has gone through. When it comes to Ammaji (the evil antagonist in the show), I haven't come across a woman like her. I don't know anybody who behaves like her. But this is TV, so you have to show such kind of things," he adds sheepishly.

"But some of the things shown in the show are real, like the atrocities committed against women. The story is based in a village in Haryana and I have stayed there for like three months. I know these situations exist. People don't believe something like this can happen. But it happens in villages. Why only villages, it has even happened in big palaces," he defends and justifies the serial.

Though the sun is shining down on Aditya, he isn't basking in its glory. He just has one show on hand. It's not like he hasn't received offers. When asked why he isn't seen more on TV, he simply claims that he is too busy with… Lado to shoot for anything else. "Also, they (his producers) don't want to share the wealth! Let another year pass, and then I will be open to other shows. Right now, I want to concentrate on one project and give it my best. Even if I have a few days free in hand, I don't want to commit somewhere else. I don't like doing half-hearted work."

He speaks about the atmosphere on the sets of Naa Aana Iss Des Lado and how it feels working in a rural set-up. "Sometimes it gets hectic because of the long shooting hours, but we have created a very friendly environment on the sets. I don't even realize how time passes with my co-stars. It is nice and fun. Of course, we fight and there are tensions on the sets, but it happens everywhere," he shrugs.

Like mentioned before, Aditya is a non-controversial actor, and an absolutely no nonsense guy. Perhaps the only time he came in the news for the wrong reasons was when he was supposedly ousted from … Lado. One heard that the actor's character was going to be bumped from the show. What had exactly transpired? "I don't know from where that news came. Were they going to kill Raghav? See, when I heard the script, my role was there but I didn't know it was going to be so big. Recently, I have been getting good scenes. And I have got feedback that I am good at my work. But I have no idea about this. I speak to my producers like six times in a year. And in all these times, not once have they spoken about bumping my character. I shoot and then go home," he says simply, unaware of the rumour.

He talks about doing reality shows, a must for every actor on television. Aditya isn't one to follow the herd mentality and so isn't too keen on reality television. "I did do Comedy Circus and Laughter Ke Phatke but only for a few episodes, as a guest. I don't want to do something that just goes on for months, like Bigg Boss. I wouldn't like to do that. I want something where I can go, shoot and then come back home to my own life. I can't go to a Bigg Boss house, stay there for 90 days and be away from my normal life. After shooting I have to have my own life. That's how I maintain my balance. When I am not shooting, I rest, workout and do some photography."

He may not want to take up more work on television, but he is definitely eyeing the big screen. Ask him of his Bollywood aspirations and he says, "Every actor in this industry dreams of being in Bollywood. I don't have hard and fast rules that I want to do films right now. If anything good comes along, I will think about it." He is happy with doing only one show on television at the moment. After all, he is preparing himself for films. "People do know of me, but don't know me much as an actor. It will take some more time, so the more I am seen on television and in the market, more offers will start pouring."
He continues on his strategy, "You have to prove yourself as an actor before you get into movies. If you get into films and if people think you are a good actor, but if your movie doesn't do well, no one will say that you were bad. They will just blame the script or the direction. I want to prove myself completely. Then only people will trust me and say that I can do films."

But isn't he worried to leave television and move to films, where not many TV actors have been successful or popular? He insists, "That's why I don't want to just jump to films yet. I will take my time. I really want to prove myself as an actor."

Moving on from television and films, Aditya reveals a bit about his love life. Fortunately for him, he hasn't been linked yet to his leading lady Natasha Sharma, who plays Sia in the show. Is it because they share cold vibes? "Err… I don't know. We are just friends. Working together doesn't really mean that you have to date your co-star. We can just have good friendship between us and still give the same performances." When I mention that this phenomenon is very rare, he says, "I have made a simple rule. Whenever or wherever I work, I will never date my co-star. Because somewhere that will affect my performance.

Maybe after the project, I will date her." After realizing what he has said, he hastily takes his comment back, "I haven't thought about anything like that yet."
And yes, for those who are wondering about his relationship status, Aditya is very much single. Hard to believe? Well, listen to what he has to say about having a girlfriend, "My secret girlfriend is hidden in my cupboard! Seriously, I don't have one. If I do, you will be the first one to know and I will give you our exclusive pictures too." On a more serious note, he comments, "Work comes first. All that will happen eventually. Anyway, I haven't found the one I would like to date."

Aditya doesn't expect too much from the girl in his life too. When asked about it, he says shyly, "Firstly, she should make me feel good and make me laugh. Whenever I am stressed or sad, she should cheer me up. And at least once in a day she should call up to ask if I have eaten food. Otherwise, just one or two phone calls a day are okay. Basically, she should just take care of me," he ends happily. Well, now you know what Aditya wants, so what are you girls waiting for?

• By Purvaja Sawant