Raveena Tandon, a name synonymous with Bollywood’s golden era of the ’90s, is celebrated not just for her performances on screen but also for her off-screen commitments and contributions, which many might not be entirely aware of. Born on October 26, 1974, Raveena is a quintessential Mumbai girl, having completed her initial education at Jamnabai Narsee School in Juhu and later attending Mithibai College in Vile Parle. However, her journey took a decisive turn when she decided to forego her college education after two years and pursue her passion for the film industry. She began her career in the entertainment world while interning at Genesis PR, where an opportunity from esteemed photographer-director Shantanu Sheorey marked the beginning of her illustrious career.
Launching her Bollywood career at just 16, Raveena starred alongside Salman Khan in the hit film “Patthar Ke Phool” in 1991. This debut set the stage for a successful run in Bollywood throughout the 1990s with blockbusters such as “Mohra,” “Dilwale,” and “Laadla,” among others. Known for her catchy dance numbers and strong screen presence, Raveena became a staple in many light-hearted commercial movies like “Andaz Apna Apna,” “Main Khiladi Tu Anari,” and others.
Beyond her cinematic journey, Raveena’s life is marked by deeply personal decisions that reflect her compassion and commitment to social causes. At just 21, she made the heartfelt decision to adopt two girls, Pooja and Chhaya, who were in need of care after facing challenging family circumstances. Despite being only a young adult herself and at the peak of her career, Raveena embraced the responsibility wholeheartedly, openly sharing her journey in an old interview with Mid-Day. The girls have grown up to carve out successful careers of their own, with Pooja pursuing event management and Chhaya becoming an air hostess.
Despite societal expectations and unwarranted criticism that adopting children at a young age would jeopardize her career, Raveena stood firm. She reflects on those challenging days with gratitude, acknowledging that her life would have been vastly different without Pooja and Chhaya, who have enriched her existence beyond imagination.
In 2004, Raveena took another momentous step by marrying Anil Thadani, a well-known film distributor. Their marriage brought her even more joy as they welcomed their daughter Rasha in 2005 and son Ranbirvardhan in 2007. Much like their mother, Raveena’s biological children have grown up to appreciate the value of giving back, actively participating in charitable endeavors like working with the NGO “In Defence of Animals.
.” These young ambassadors promote animal rights and compassion, often sharing their views in schools across the city.
Celebrating 30 years in the film industry in 2021, Raveena looks back at an eventful career full of diverse roles and different experiences. Despite the ups and downs that are inevitable in any professional journey, she has no regrets. Raveena emphasizes that life, with its myriad challenges and opportunities, has been her greatest teacher.
With her illustrious career and wide-ranging achievements, Raveena now holds the freedom to choose projects that align with her current passions and interests. She is no longer inclined to work nonstop, unlike earlier in her career when she juggled numerous film projects simultaneously. Today, she relishes the ability to be selective, taking on roles that resonate with her both personally and professionally.
Raveena’s passion for animal welfare extends beyond her own family. In 2018, she was appointed the brand ambassador for the Sanjay Gandhi National Park by the Maharashtra government. Her lifelong love for animals and wildlife is also reflected in her pursuit of wildlife photography, an interest she has nurtured over the years. She even showcased her photographic work at an exhibition in Mumbai’s Jehangir Art Gallery, highlighting her multifaceted talents. In the same year, Raveena and her children adopted a leopard, tapping into their savings to support the cause. They continue to get involved in various rescue missions, taking care of stray animals and nurturing their own rescued pets.
Raveena Tandon remains an enduring inspiration, making her mark not only as a Bollywood icon but as someone who uses her platform to effect positive change. Her story reminds us of the powerful impact one can make through determination, compassion, and courage in the face of challenges.
