Raveena Tandon: Comments of few will not diminish my work

As some netizens question why she was conferred with the Padma Shri, Raveena points detractors to three-decade-long body of work
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 8, 2023)

April 5 will be a red-letter day for Raveena Tandon. On Wednesday, the actor received the Padma Shri for her contribution in the field of arts, from President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi. You can hear the happiness in her voice, as she reflects on her “proudest moment”.

“Receiving the Padma Shri in the presence of my family was the best moment. When I received it, and looked at my husband and children’s beaming faces, I felt that everything so far has been worth it,” says the actor, who was joined by husband Anil Thadani, daughter Rasha and son Ranbir on her big day.

In her 32-year run in the Hindi movie industry, the National Award-winning actor has built a robust filmography. Having debuted in the movies with Patthar Ke Phool (1991), she was the leading lady of many commercially successful films, before turning her attention to hard-hitting offerings like Shool (1999), Daman (2001), and Aks (2001).

“I tried to do movies on issues that I felt strongly about. The Nirbhaya case had shaken me so much that I was keen to do Maatr [2017]. Whether it was Daman, Jaago [2004] or Maatr, these films talked about violence against women, and [rallied for] women empowerment. I love commercial cinema, but I also look at projects that will make a difference to society.”

A section of social media users questioned why she was conferred with the country’s fourth-highest civilian award. But Tandon knows that with bouquets, come brickbats.

“I don’t want to give any importance to them as they have their own agenda. The comments of few, who have 20 followers and haven’t seen the work that I have done, will not diminish my body of work. Trolls only see the glamour; they don’t see the hard work and long hours we put in. We know how polarized things are on social media today, but others have sent such beautiful [wishes].”

Outside of films, Tandon has constantly championed various causes, from environmental conservation to animal welfare. In 1995, she adopted two girls, Pooja and Chhaya, as a single mother.

Reflecting on it, she says, “I feel a sense of accomplishment when I give back to society that has given me so much. When I built a functional orphanage for 30 girls, or I [ensured] that oxygen cylinders reached [hospitals] in Delhi during the pandemic, it gave me a sense of gratification. Some people don’t know [about it] because I don’t do them for publicity. I am not doing it for people to see, but so that it makes a difference [to society].”
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The actor says she felt a mix of emotions while being conferred with the Padma Shri, remembers her late father Ravi Tandon
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 7, 2023)

Raveena Tandon was conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth- highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Wednesday. The actor admits it was an emotional moment, more so because of the absence of her father, late producer Ravi Tandon.

She tells us, “It was something my father had always dreamt of. I thought it would be a proud moment [for him] whenever I get the Padma Shri.”

The 50-year-old continues, “I did get the honour, but unfortunately, he (dad) is not here to see it. So, there were mixed emotions for me. I just said to myself, at least I fulfilled my dad’s dream.”

The actor was accompanied by her family to the ceremony — husband Anil Thadani, daughter Rasha and son Ranbir. This, she says, made the moment even more memorable. “It was very special that my children could see me receive the Padma Shri. I hope they are proud children today, as I’m a proud parent, whenever I see them get top grades or get honoured at school... Today, I think I have made my whole family proud,” says Raveena, who also shared pictures from the ceremony on Instagram.

In her three decades in the film industry, the National Film Award-winning actor has carved a niche for herself, having done varied roles in her projects, including Mohra (1994), Shool (1999), Daman (2001) and K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022). She even made her foray into the web space with the series Aranyak. Every role of hers, she says, has contributed to her journey to the Padma Shri.

“I’m grateful to all my producers, directors and co-actors who believed in me; my entire unit, who stood by and supported me. Also, my fans and well-wishers, who came to see my movies. They are pillars of strength and it’s due to them that today, my body of work is being recognised. I am really thankful,” she signs off.

Laurels galore for Keeravani
Oscar-winning music composer M M Keeravani was honoured with the Padma Shri on Wednesday by President Droupadi Murmu. RRR (2022) director S S Rajamouli accompanied him to the ceremony.

Raveena Tandon with her family at the felicitation ceremony