An elephant as a co-star

Mumbai: Aditya Redij, who is currently playing the role of a forest ranger in Bandhan, Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai, says shooting with an elephant calf for a “co-star” makes for an interesting experience! “Shooting with an animal teaches you to be patient. The toughest part is that we need to plan our schedules around Ganesh’s (the elephant calf) whims and moods and swing into action when he’s ready,” Aditya says.

He adds, “Initially, we all had our own apprehensions about shooting with an elephant, but over time, we’ve genuinely grown fond of him. Once Ganesh and I were required for a sequence, but like a mischievous brat, he would not stay in one place, running from one corner to another. So the trainer told me to offer him a banana. I did that, and the shot was successful. For the next shot, I gave him yet another banana and it looked like we’d found our formula for ensuring the success of a shot. Then, for the third shot, I didn’t give him anything; instead, I hid the bananas. Ganesh walked over and gave me a nice li’l rap with his trunk. The entire unit burst out laughing! Ganesh is extremely fond of chocolates and his favourite is Perk, so it is stored in bulk on our sets.”