Between Mohra, Andaz Apna Apna, and Daman, she broke the mould before it was a thing. And now, in her second inning, she is enjoying experimenting in the OTT space. Her streaming debut won her a Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor, Series (Female), and she’s back for more with her latest, Karmma Calling. While she’s at it, Raveena is also mindful of the spotlight on her personal life, especially on her kids, Rasha and Ranbir. A seasoned actress, she is meeting every phase of her life head-on. She reveals how she does it all in an exclusive interview.
I’ve been doing this for the past many years. I’ve been choosy with characters. A lot of actors are honestly comfortable just playing themselves on screen because it comes across the best. But I have intentionally, for a long time, been choosing characters who are not me at all. That’s what challenges me as an actor. For example, right from Shool, Daman, to Aks, to (these are a few of the films that I can name at the top of my head) and KGF 2 to Karmma Calling, These are characters that are totally different and varied, which I would have never even thought that I’d be playing one day. They’re so different from my personality. Then, getting into the skin of that one particular character that you’re trying to create, mould, and be completely someone else is a big challenge for any actor.
I believe it’s essential for any adaptation to have its own unique identity. Karmma Calling is a project that brings a fresh perspective and cultural context to the storyline. Our team has worked diligently to create a version that resonates with the sensibilities of the Indian audience. I hope viewers will enjoy the distinctive elements we’ve brought to Karmma Calling.
See Also: Raveena Tandon reveals why she turned down four Shah Rukh Khan-led films
There is actually no room to relate to her at all, because honestly, the way her life stands out and the way she is, it’s completely different. There is no point where I could identify my life with her because she is in such a vulnerable state. There are times when everyone goes through those kinds of challenges in life. But the way she handled it and the way I would have handled that situation are two completely different things.
I definitely am an involved parent. I’ve been quite a hands-on mom. Even Anil (Thadani) has been a very hands-on dad. We’ve not been helicopter parents. There’s a little difference in that. Yes, we are involved, and we would definitely want to do things for the betterment of our children, for sure. But we give them their space. So, that’s the only difference when it comes to the entire thing playing out. Nonetheless, I would say that for the rest, you’ll have to ask my children what they think of us as parents.
See Also: Raveena Tandon and Rasha Thadani visit Somnath Jyotirling temple ahead of Karmma Calling release
Well, initially, yes, I was protective in a big way. I thought that sometimes children were too young to understand. Why is the paparazzi giving them so much attention? So at that time, I kept them completely out of the media’s gaze. If I knew there was going to be a place where there was going to be lots of media, a premiere, or a place where they shouldn’t be, I would not take them. But now, for whatever reason, paparazzi are everywhere. So it’s something that you can’t prevent. But luckily, we are still not as far gone as the UK or US. So our paparazzi are, fortunately, understanding. If you sometimes request them and say, “Please don’t click,” they listen to you. They have that respect, and we respect them equally because of that. They’re also humans; they understand situations like these. Luckily, the media is humane, I would say. I always tell my kids that there’s nothing extra special about you guys. Achieve your own goals, and you have to go your own way. Make your own path.
I think that time has changed now. Good days are happening, and there are better days to come. It’s all opened up now for a lot of us to be able to do stuff that we’ve been wanting to do for a while and experiment with things. It’s a good space that we’re all in now.
See Also: Karmma Calling trailer: Raveena Tandon goes up against Namrata Sheth in this revenge drama. Watch:
I’ve come a long way. So during the initial 10 years, the initial decade of my career, I did do a lot of glamorous roles and super hit songs that are still alive in audiences’ memories. And that’s something that keeps an actor alive as well, hit music. To reach here, at this point, when I look back, whether it was Ghulam-E-Musthafa or Shool or Daman, I’ve been doing meaningful cinema for a very long time. Keeping that trend in mind, recently there was Aranyak and then there was KGF too. So I may have done less work in the past 15 years, but I know I’ve done quality work. And that’s what satisfies me, honestly.
Honestly, I haven’t. I’ve been sitting and re-watching some of my films with my kids. But I haven’t sat and watched anything before this. Rasha and I sit down and watch sometimes just to revisit those movies. My kids loved Dulhe Raja. They were much younger and small kids love comedy, right? So they loved Andaz Apna Apna. All those funny films of mine they’ve enjoyed. Now, Rasha has started watching films of mine which are a little more serious. She recently saw Shool and Satta.
I was offered a couple of shows earlier. But somewhere Aranyak is the one that I put my finger on because playing that character challenged me to create Kasturi Dogra of someone who’s from the hills and has a different accent and has a completely different power is something that excited me.
I’m happy I’m doing Welcome because I love doing comedy. So for me to do a whole out-and-out comedy film again, it’s something just that I’m looking forward to.
See Also: Watch: Akshay Kumar starts shooting for Welcome to The Jungle with Lara Dutta and more
I truly cherish the memories of being part of the iconic comedy film Andaz Apna Apna. Comedy has always been a genre I thoroughly enjoy, and my experience with Welcome to the Jungle has reignited my passion for it. The joy of making people laugh is incomparable, and I am open to exploring more comedic roles in the future. Laughter is a universal language, and if the right script and opportunity come along, I would love to delve into more comedy projects to bring joy and entertainment to my audience.
The Filmfare Awards hold a special place in my heart, as it marks my debut recognition in the industry as an actor. This award is particularly meaningful to me, symbolising the beginning of my journey and the acknowledgement of my work in the field. Awards not only recognise the hard work and dedication we put into our craft but also serve as a reminder that our efforts have made a positive impact. Each accolade is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire team behind a project. These recognitions fuel our passion and inspire us to strive for excellence in every endeavour. The appreciation from our peers and the audience encourages us to push our boundaries and continue contributing to meaningful and impactful work. Awards are not just trophies; they are a source of encouragement that drives us to do more good work and make a difference in the world. I am grateful for the support and acknowledgement, and I look forward to continuing this journey of creativity and growth.
After playing so many characters on screen, what made you sign up for Karmma Calling?
I’ve been doing this for the past many years. I’ve been choosy with characters. A lot of actors are honestly comfortable just playing themselves on screen because it comes across the best. But I have intentionally, for a long time, been choosing characters who are not me at all. That’s what challenges me as an actor. For example, right from Shool, Daman, to Aks, to (these are a few of the films that I can name at the top of my head) and KGF 2 to Karmma Calling, These are characters that are totally different and varied, which I would have never even thought that I’d be playing one day. They’re so different from my personality. Then, getting into the skin of that one particular character that you’re trying to create, mould, and be completely someone else is a big challenge for any actor.
Did you watch the American show Revenge that Karmma Calling is based on?
I believe it’s essential for any adaptation to have its own unique identity. Karmma Calling is a project that brings a fresh perspective and cultural context to the storyline. Our team has worked diligently to create a version that resonates with the sensibilities of the Indian audience. I hope viewers will enjoy the distinctive elements we’ve brought to Karmma Calling.
See Also: Raveena Tandon reveals why she turned down four Shah Rukh Khan-led films
You’re playing a mother in the show. Did you end up relating to your character?
There is actually no room to relate to her at all, because honestly, the way her life stands out and the way she is, it’s completely different. There is no point where I could identify my life with her because she is in such a vulnerable state. There are times when everyone goes through those kinds of challenges in life. But the way she handled it and the way I would have handled that situation are two completely different things.
What is your parenting style like?
I definitely am an involved parent. I’ve been quite a hands-on mom. Even Anil (Thadani) has been a very hands-on dad. We’ve not been helicopter parents. There’s a little difference in that. Yes, we are involved, and we would definitely want to do things for the betterment of our children, for sure. But we give them their space. So, that’s the only difference when it comes to the entire thing playing out. Nonetheless, I would say that for the rest, you’ll have to ask my children what they think of us as parents.
See Also: Raveena Tandon and Rasha Thadani visit Somnath Jyotirling temple ahead of Karmma Calling release
As a star, the spotlight is also on your children. How do you deal with that?
Well, initially, yes, I was protective in a big way. I thought that sometimes children were too young to understand. Why is the paparazzi giving them so much attention? So at that time, I kept them completely out of the media’s gaze. If I knew there was going to be a place where there was going to be lots of media, a premiere, or a place where they shouldn’t be, I would not take them. But now, for whatever reason, paparazzi are everywhere. So it’s something that you can’t prevent. But luckily, we are still not as far gone as the UK or US. So our paparazzi are, fortunately, understanding. If you sometimes request them and say, “Please don’t click,” they listen to you. They have that respect, and we respect them equally because of that. They’re also humans; they understand situations like these. Luckily, the media is humane, I would say. I always tell my kids that there’s nothing extra special about you guys. Achieve your own goals, and you have to go your own way. Make your own path.
Do you think it’s still challenging for actresses to get meaty roles?
I think that time has changed now. Good days are happening, and there are better days to come. It’s all opened up now for a lot of us to be able to do stuff that we’ve been wanting to do for a while and experiment with things. It’s a good space that we’re all in now.
See Also: Karmma Calling trailer: Raveena Tandon goes up against Namrata Sheth in this revenge drama. Watch:
How much of your acting process has changed over the years?
I’ve come a long way. So during the initial 10 years, the initial decade of my career, I did do a lot of glamorous roles and super hit songs that are still alive in audiences’ memories. And that’s something that keeps an actor alive as well, hit music. To reach here, at this point, when I look back, whether it was Ghulam-E-Musthafa or Shool or Daman, I’ve been doing meaningful cinema for a very long time. Keeping that trend in mind, recently there was Aranyak and then there was KGF too. So I may have done less work in the past 15 years, but I know I’ve done quality work. And that’s what satisfies me, honestly.
Do you ever re-watch your movies?
Honestly, I haven’t. I’ve been sitting and re-watching some of my films with my kids. But I haven’t sat and watched anything before this. Rasha and I sit down and watch sometimes just to revisit those movies. My kids loved Dulhe Raja. They were much younger and small kids love comedy, right? So they loved Andaz Apna Apna. All those funny films of mine they’ve enjoyed. Now, Rasha has started watching films of mine which are a little more serious. She recently saw Shool and Satta.
What went into making the shift to OTT with Aranyak?
I was offered a couple of shows earlier. But somewhere Aranyak is the one that I put my finger on because playing that character challenged me to create Kasturi Dogra of someone who’s from the hills and has a different accent and has a completely different power is something that excited me.
You’re going back to comedy with Welcome to the Jungle. How exciting is that?
I’m happy I’m doing Welcome because I love doing comedy. So for me to do a whole out-and-out comedy film again, it’s something just that I’m looking forward to.
See Also: Watch: Akshay Kumar starts shooting for Welcome to The Jungle with Lara Dutta and more
You were in one of the most iconic comedy films, Andaz Apna Apna. Do you plan to do more comedies after Welcome to the Jungle?
I truly cherish the memories of being part of the iconic comedy film Andaz Apna Apna. Comedy has always been a genre I thoroughly enjoy, and my experience with Welcome to the Jungle has reignited my passion for it. The joy of making people laugh is incomparable, and I am open to exploring more comedic roles in the future. Laughter is a universal language, and if the right script and opportunity come along, I would love to delve into more comedy projects to bring joy and entertainment to my audience.
You won your first Filmfare Award in 1991. What do awards and validation mean to you at present?
The Filmfare Awards hold a special place in my heart, as it marks my debut recognition in the industry as an actor. This award is particularly meaningful to me, symbolising the beginning of my journey and the acknowledgement of my work in the field. Awards not only recognise the hard work and dedication we put into our craft but also serve as a reminder that our efforts have made a positive impact. Each accolade is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire team behind a project. These recognitions fuel our passion and inspire us to strive for excellence in every endeavour. The appreciation from our peers and the audience encourages us to push our boundaries and continue contributing to meaningful and impactful work. Awards are not just trophies; they are a source of encouragement that drives us to do more good work and make a difference in the world. I am grateful for the support and acknowledgement, and I look forward to continuing this journey of creativity and growth.
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