Television actor Aditya Redij, who has entertained masses with his previous roles in Na Aana Is Des Laado, Encounter and in many more shows, is now portraying the forest range officer (FRO) in Zee TV’s Bandhan produced by Swastik Pictures. The show Bandhan is a fascinating tale about the bonding between a six-year old girl (played by Phulwa fame Zubair Rehmani) and an elephant (Ganesh). We got in touch with the handsome man Aditya, who spoke about his character, his bonding with the elephant Ganesh and more. “My character is called Mahesh and I play a forest ranger who takes care and lives in a forest with his family. He loves jungle and its animals a lot. He is over-protective about his forest and family.” Why did you choose to do this show? “I loved the concept a lot. It is a very different character and never played before on Indian television. When this role was narrated to me I could visualize the depth of the character. Television is a female dominated medium and playing such a beautiful character of Mahesh is my privilege.” What kind of response are you getting from viewers? “Kids are loving the show. I am lucky that it will be aired on Zee TV as it has a worldwide reach. And working with Swastik Pictures. who made the magnum opus Mahabharat, is again my privilege.” Personally do you believe in such bonding between a human and an elephant? “I love animals and I had a dog pet nine years ago. After that I kept busy shooting, thus could not adopt one. Animals are loyal and very over protective than humans. They have unconditional love and very innocent like kids. They never demand and are very faithful.” There has many movies made on animals so which has been your favourite? “Well, it should be my childhood favourite film Haathi Mere Saathi. I have watched that film hundred times.” What was your wife Natasha’s first reaction when she got to know about the role? “First thing she asked me was why I wanted to play a father’s role? But after knowing the depth of the character she was quite satisfied. She always gives her own inputs and has strong believes in my instincts.” Lastly, when can we see you both back on TV screens? “That question should be asked to the producers. I would love to work with her again and this time we want to play a romantic couple.” Even we would like to see you both together again but till then keep spreading awareness to save animals.