‘I have the best of both worlds'

by ASJAD NAZIR

BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS RAVEENA TANDON ON BALANCING WORK AND BEING A MUM

THE first thing that becomes apparent with Raveena Tandon is just how happy she is with life, and it clearly shows because the acclaimed actress continues to look stunning. 

The beautiful face that has won the hearts of so many filmgoers still has a captivating aura and she has that star presence. 

Today the Mumbai-based Bollywood actress skilfully balances family life with philanthropy, supporting social causes and quality roles on screen. 

Eastern Eye caught up with Raveena to talk about her amazing cinematic journey, family life, being a working mother, the leading ladies of today and more... 

You continue to look incredible while the rest of us are aging. What’s your secret? 

(Smiles) Love, happiness, security, my family and a good healthy diet, I guess. Of course, 45 minutes a day to yourself is necessary, whether it’s a workout or massage or however you choose to pamper yourself. 

How do you look back on your journey in cinema today? 

It’s been a long eventful journey with ups, downs, hits and misses. But overall, life teaches you many lessons along the way and nothing is a better one learnt than experience itself. You continue to learn and move forward. 

A lot of actors have written books about their life story. Is that something you would consider? 

Maybe, but my story is not complete yet so it might have to wait just a little while longer. But I definitely would love to write an inspiring account on my journey so far. 

Can you share a secret from your journey that not many people know about... 

Not many people perhaps know that I’ve never actually wanted to become an actress. (Laughs) I tell people I’m in this profession by default, but loving every minute of it. This was to be my destiny. I have worked hard and am proud of the decisions and choices I have made. 

Which of your performances are you most proud of? 

If I had to choose, it would be Satta, Kshatriya, Daman, Aks and Maatr. 

Is there any role you regret turning down? 

Looking back, I had my reasons for turning down certain roles like Darr and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, but I stuck to my belief. I think the only regret and sadness I feel is that a film being made by (director) Mukul Anand couldn’t be completed after his demise. It was a film called Dus. That film was so much before its time! It was magnificent. 

Which leading man did you enjoy working with the most? 

I’ve had a great rapport with most of my heroes! But the most fun to work with were Sanjay Dutt and Shah Rukh Khan, I would say. Sanjay is mad fun and very entertaining. Shah Rukh is witty and keeps the whole unit in splits with his wisecracks and creates a great atmosphere. 

How do you look at the film industry now? 

I think the film industry is going through its golden years right now. No one has had it better in fact. It has broadened its horizons and there are a variety of films being made catering to all kinds of audiences. 

What is your opinion of the new generation of leading ladies? 

The girls these days are doing amazing work. We took time to evolve and really improved probably in our eleventh film or so looks wise, performance and appearance etc. But now they are leaping into excellence right from their second film onwards. Alia (Bhatt) and Deepika (Padukone) have proved to be such phenomenal natural performers in realistic cinema as well. And Deepika is already and for many years to come going to be the ruling superstar. 

You are very selective with the work you do. What kind of work are you attracted to today? 

I like to do films with a strong message. I would love to do a comedy as well, but mostly the reasoning behind this is that in this way one can give back to society and spread awareness about issues that our masses need to be awaken to. 

You have achieved a lot, but do you have any great-unfulfilled ambitions left, like maybe a dream role? 

The answer to this question lies in what I said about Mukul Anand’s film Dus, which wasn’t completed and it’s such a tragedy. 

How has motherhood compared to your film career? 

You can’t really compare the two. Both are essential parts of my life and complete what and who I am. (Smiles) Both are also the banes of my existence! 

How have you balanced being a mother and working? 

It’s not easy balancing work and home, but how well I manage this can make a significant difference to my relationship with my family. Women are bonded emotionally as well as physically to their responsibilities. Becoming a mother is a blessing, which is bestowed only on women. Along with motherhood comes the responsibility of raising children with the best of everything. There are always two sides to a coin. I have the best of both worlds. I have been lucky never having taken a break from my passions, like movies, post-marriage and children. Like any working mother, I plan home, work and other commitments keeping in mind that I need to give my best in all! I am blessed with a wonderful husband and children who make it all possible. If you set your priorities right, things automatically fall into place! While having two kids is a handful, I still manage to take time out for physical activity. (Husband) Anil and I love the outdoors and we do end up clubbing the two; running after the kids while enjoying an outdoor sport with them. 

What key advice would you give working mothers? 

Mantras are also useful to redirect our attention to what we value most in life. Parenting mantra is a short statement that reminds you of a quality that you desire as a parent. It also might be things you say to yourself to keep yourself going or the children. I believe taking a mindful pause is one of the most important actions we can take to make us more patient in our parenting. 

Taking a mindful pause in order to respond, rather than react, to my children’s behaviour has helped me become a more calm and compassionate mother. 

What are you big passions away from work today? 

Exercising is a great stress buster and I don’t skip a single day. Working out regularly has also helped my immune system to strengthen; therefore this prevents from falling ill too frequently. 

If you could master something new, what would it be? 

I have always loved being with nature and in the forest. I have taken to wildlife photography and that is my new passion. I enjoy the thrill of seeing animals in the wild and free. 

You have become a strong role model. What advice would you give young girls? 

There is lots of advice! Please be comfortable in your body and skin. Your hair, skin and body shows what you eat, so keep a healthy clean diet but do not starve as it will create health problems and ultimately affect the quality of your life. So look after yourself and be happy.