Showing posts with label Raveena Tandon children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raveena Tandon children. Show all posts
When I got married, Pooja and Chhaya were the ones who sat in the car and led me to the mandap-Raveena Tandon
8:41 AM
Raveena Tandon with her daughters Pooja, Rasha, Chhaya, her son-inlaw, grandsons Rudra and Jaydon and son Ranbirvardhan (clockwise from left)
Raveena Tandon is known for her effortless acting, comic timing and sizzling moves in songs like ‘Tip tip barsa paani’ and ‘Tu cheez badi...’ But few know this ’90s star was just 21 when she adopted two adolescent girls to give them a better life even though many warned her that no man would want to marry a woman with this ‘baggage’. The 48-year-old National award winner spoke to Neha Bhayana about her ‘brats’, becoming a grandma and much more
Neha Bhayana (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 22, 2023)
What made you decide to adopt two girls when you were just 21? Did your parents support your decision?
My mom has always been my inspiration. She worked with a lot of NGOs and charities. Through my childhood, I saw her contribute to orphanages in and around Mumbai. I often accompanied her on visits too. I think children absorb a lot of what their parents do and how they are, and that’s why I tell people that they can be the biggest example for their children. I think that’s what my parents were for me. They were my true inspiration. They never said ‘no’ to anyone who needed help. My girls, Pooja and Chhaya, were born in front of me. They were my cousin’s children, and after their mum had passed away, I had a meeting with my cousins. I told them I am willing to become their legal guardian and take over completely as they were not being brought up the way they should be. I used to hear stories of them not being treated well and that broke my heart because I was already working for so many orphanages and charities, and this was a case close to home and I was so helpless. The minute their father gave me permission to become their legal guardian, I immediately got them home. Since that day, they have been my best friends and complete support system. That’s what I keep telling them every day, that now they have to look after me.
Initially, you had kept the adoption a secret to avoid gossip. How did you deal with the situation?
Well, at that time (in 1995) adoption by single parents was not legally allowed so I became my children’s legal guardian. I am very grateful I did this because more than anything else, I feel proud of my achievement when I see my girls. Many people were apprehensive about my decision and had discouraged me when I was planning to take the girls’ responsibility. They said no one would want to marry a woman with this ‘baggage.’ But I always believed that whoever truly loves me will love and respect me for what I have done. If he loves me, he would also love my family, my girls and my dog. We come as a package deal. God has been kind and Anil (Thadani) is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I remember, when I got married, Pooja and Chhaya were the ones who sat in the car and led me to the mandap. And when I got the chance to walk them down the aisle, it was such a special feeling.
You became a grandmother by your mid-40s. How do you look back at your journey?
When I had taken in my girls, I was 21, and my eldest was 11. We actually just have a 10-year gap between us. They are more like friends but technically, I am a mom-like figure to them and grandmom to their babies. Pooja’s son was born in South Africa. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there for the delivery. But Chhaya’s son Rudra was born in front of me in the operation theatre. I was filming it, and I cannot tell you what a magical experience it was. I could not exactly see my own delivery with Rasha and Ranbirvardhan but I could capture Rudra’s very first breath.
Do your husband and biological children share a good rapport with Pooja and Chhaya?
Anil has been a father figure in the lives of Pooja and Chhaya. He still advises them on investment and banking matters. They also share a very close bond with my younger children, Rasha and Ranbirvardhan. It was uncanny to see the girls bringing up Rasha-Ranbir (before they got married and moved out) and now their own kids the way I brought them up. When they visit us, we are all one big happy family. It is wonderful to see the three generations — the girls, Rasha-Ranbir and then their two sons — spending time together.
When and how did you explain to Rasha and Ranbirvardhan that their older sisters are adopted?
I told Rasha and Ranbir when they were old enough to understand.
Do you meet Pooja, Chaaya and your grandkids often?
I am constantly in touch with Pooja and Chhaya. We have a WhatsApp group called ‘Brats’ which has all my children. The name is such because all four are my brats. I am so proud of Pooja and Chhaya. They are successful, young women and doing everything on their own. My heart bursts with pride when I think about them.
You took a long break after the birth of Rasha and Ranbir. In 2015, you had said (in an interview) that you are happy being a mom and that you don’t want to make a comeback. What made you return to the sets?
Honestly, when Rasha and Ranbir were born, I took an intentional decision to not take on any work for a while because I really wanted to enjoy my pregnancies, watch my children grow and be there for them every moment, whether it was their first word, the first time they stood up, their first tooth coming out and falling off. Besides, at that point, I was not being offered any interesting films. I was happiest playing the role of mom. I always knew that I would start working again when they grew up and when I got something really good and solid, I would probably say ‘yes’. But I think it was actually Rasha who encouraged me. She said, ‘You know, mom, now you should start taking work regularly and not just depend on our holidays or the time when you get off from us to go back to work.’ Both Anil and I have been hands-on parents and we have enjoyed our family life and our family time, and we enjoy doing that now as well. When I started getting interesting roles, I thought why not surprise my fans.
As a mommy to three girls, what do you feel about the son preference that persists in our country?
I would like all parents to give their daughters an edge over their sons, to make up for all the years that girls have been treated as less than boys by our society.
You one said in an interview that you were born to be a mother. What made you feel that way?
I feel this need to nurture, pamper and take care of someone or something all the time. I think I have had this maternal streak since childhood. So, whether it is my kids or a puppy from the street or an injured bird, I always have my hands full. My husband laughs at me and says that I was born to be a mother. My friends and my kids also tease me about this. My parents, children, family, my pets, and my passion for rescuing stray animals are all very important to me.
Are you a strict or soft mom?
As a mother, it’s my responsibility to guide my kids and tell them how far they can go. There should be rules and guidelines for the kids. Plus, they should know their limits.
What values did you try to teach your children?
I am a hands-on mum and I have tried to pass on the values I learnt from my mother to my kids. In fact, I call myself a student and learn from my kids. In teaching them about everything from good manners to achieving goals and the power of giving, I find myself growing with them. I am the student, not the teacher I had thought myself to be. My children have taught me so much about love, life, and forgiveness.
Rasha is gearing up for her debut film. Does Ranbirvardhan too hope to enter Bollywood?
Rasha has always been into performing arts at school. She has just begun her journey and I am excited to see what’s to unfold. Ranbirvardhan is 16 and in school. He is also a chess player. In 2012, at the age of five, he became the youngest chess player to compete with masterminds at the National Chess Championship in Delhi. If Ranbirvardhan wants to join the film industry, it will be his call. I will not stop him but will just warn him that it is a very challenging field so he will have to prepare for it.
Trolls only see the glamour; they don’t see the hard work and long hours we put in-Raveena Tandon
8:22 AM
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.
Abusing the planet has made it hard for us to step out-Raveena Tandon
8:23 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 27, 2020)
Being a celebrity, there’s always the onus on one to set an example for others. And even though the lockdown across India took place only recently to curb the spread of Coronavirus, Raveena Tandon says she has always been practising a hygiene routine.
She took to Instagram to show how when she was travelling by train before Holi this month, she made sure to disinfect her cabin herself. “This whole thing about not shaking hands has come about now. I’ve been practising it since a long time now. In fact, my husband (Anil Thadani, distributor) used to make fun of me. I would never shake hands with people because sometimes, some have clammy hands. We are celebs, so a lot of people want to, but you don’t know where it has been. I have been doing Namaste for seven-eight years now, especially since my children were born. Anyone coming from outside and wanting to hold them would have to use a sanitiser first,” says Tandon, adding how “we have abused this planet so much, that we can’t even step out of our homes. Also, so many maids and drivers, have lost their jobs. I’ve been requesting people to not lay them off as they depend on their salaries.”
The 45-year-old specially adds that misinformation being spread about linking the Covid-19 disease to pet animals was wrong, as some people began to abandon them. “I put up an Instagram post too about animals not being responsible for Covid-19,” says Tandon.
Apart from this, the actor’s professional and travel commitments too have got impacted because of the situation. “I was supposed to be shooting in mid-April, but it has been pushed, and rightfully so. Everything should be. Luckily, we finished KGF 2’s schedule in February. I was supposed to go skiing in March to Verbier, Switzerland, and it got cancelled. We used to go every year. And one thing about hospitality in India. I have friends in the hotel industry, most of them in India have refunded most of their clients! But when Switzerland shut down, they didn’t refund. The only thing we were refunded for was cancellation as our flights were via Italy. Indians think by the heart,” she says.
As a mother, Tandon believes that this extended holiday period for her kids - Ranbir and Rasha should be fruitful. “We have got great stuff planned, like movie evenings, I am showing them all the Hindi classics. Apart from books such as Anne Frank. I am also making them watch documentaries on varied things. Otherwise, it’s always school, homework and repeat,” she signs off.
Raveena Tandon to become a grandmother again
8:20 AM
Her adopted daughter Chhaya is pregnant and the actress has already got a nursery designed in her home
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 9, 2019)
Raveena Tandon is all set to be a grandmother again. One of her two adopted daughters, Chhaya, is expecting a baby. On Sunday, the actress posted a picture from her daughter’s baby shower, informing that the countdown to D-day has begun.
“I’m ecstatic, this is the second time I’m becoming a nani. My elder daughter already has a baby boy,” she exults.
Opening up about the preparations to welcome the newborn, the actress informs that since Pooja is married in South Africa, it wasn’t possible for her to come down for the delivery. But since Chhaya is settled in Goa, she’ll be around. “The nursery is already done up, she is going to be with me for three months,” Raveena reveals, saying everyone at home have been betting on whether it’s going to be a boy or a girl. “Women usually know from the shape and the way the mamma-to-be walks but I’m only praying for a healthy baby,” she smiles.
At the age of 21, Raveena adopted 11-year-old Pooja and eight-year-old Chhaya, daughters of her cousin who had passed away, as she was unhappy with the way their guardian was treating them. “They are more like my friends because the older one is just 11 years younger than me. Both are successful women in their own right, and when they are with my kids, Ranbir and Rasha, I see that what I imbibed from my mom, my kids have imbibed from me and now are taking it further. It’s a cycle,” she points out.
Raveena also recalled Chhaya’s Hindu-Catholic wedding in Goa. “We had taken permission from the authorities and performed traditional Hindu rituals in church to make it a truly secular Indian wedding,” she concludes.
Raveena Tandon debuts as wildlife photographer; her works to be featured at Jehangir Art Gallery
7:42 AM
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 24, 2018)
After facing the arc lights for decades, Raveena Tandon has now gone behind the camera. The actor, who has been dabbling in wildlife photography for some time, is showcasing her maiden collection at an exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda, tomorrow.
Says the actor, "The pictures have been taken at different forests in India, which include the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand and the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. My children [Rasha and Ranbir] love visiting wildlife sanctuaries, these are images that have been taken during our travels."
Raveena Tandon is among the 78 chosen photographers who will be displaying their works at the show, H2Photo. The proceeds from the sales will go towards installing solar pump sets at sanctuaries to revive depleting watering holes. "I am the only amateur among so many professionals," says Tandon, who is currently honing her skill under the tutelage of her photographer friends, Avinash Gowariker and Pavitr Saith.
A vociferous animal activist, Tandon's interest in wildlife photography stems from her love for them. "It is amazing to see them in the natural habitat," says the actor, who hopes to have a solo exhibition of her clicks soon.
Students of New York-based school to make film on Raveena Tandon's decision to adopt daughters
7:49 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 29, 2018)
Over two decades after she adopted two girls, Raveena Tandon is set to narrate the story of motherhood in a documentary based on her life. A bunch of Indian students at New York-based film school, Film Connection, have approached the actor for the creation of a project that depicts her journey of raising adopted daughters, Pooja and Chhaya, in 1995.
Tandon tells mid-day, “Back then, the wave of feminism hadn’t hit India as strongly as it has today. Female infanticide was on the rise. No one wanted to adopt daughters.”
The actor, who apparently adopted the girls from a distant cousin encountering financial troubles, says, “The moment I set my eyes on my girls, it was love at first sight. My life has been a joyride ever since. My most cherished memories involve their childhood.”
Tandon says the only time she struggled to raise her children was during their teenage years. “For the rest of the journey, they’ve been my best friends.” Details of the project are yet to be finalised.
When she brought her daughters home, Pooja, now an event manager, was only 11, while Chhaya, an air hostess, was eight. The actor reveals that despite her stature in society, she too was often subjected to ridicule. “Unfortunately, people say nasty things to you when you take such a step, even if your intentions are pure. I faced flak from people, who said that the move would ruin my career. However, it turned out to be for the better. My life would have never been as blissful without them as it is today,” says Tandon, who is also mother to daughter Rasha and son Ranbir, who she shares with husband Anil Thadani.
My kids were sick of me talking to them about Roman history all day-Raveena Tandon
7:56 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2017)
Rome, Italy's capital city,
is as famous for its centuries old architecture as it is for its
cuisine. It is one of the world's most popular shopping destinations and
tourist attractions, situated on the river Tiber, between the Apennine
mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
History lessons
My daughter Rasha was studying about Rome in school so it was great when we managed to squeeze it into our itinerary. We went to Istanbul, followed by Rome and Tenerife in Spain. I love places with an interesting history and cultural heritage and was fascinated by Julius Caeser's city.
I was most excited, among the four of us - husband Anil Thadani, daughter Rasha and son Ranbirvardhan - to see the Colosseum, which I had seen only in films before. Today we can't make a building without leakages and these monuments are standing tall for thousands of years. The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre and situated right in the centre of the city. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built and could hold upto 80,000 spectators at a time.
My kids were sick of me talking to them about Roman history all day. But having watched films like Julius Caesar, I could identify with the place totally.
Tombs and the Temple of God
The most beautiful part of the trip was a visit to the Mausoleum of Augustus by night. It was beautifully lit up and they had a music and dance show in the course of which you learn about its history with lots of trivia thrown in. In the belief that this place was the holiest of all, it holds the tombs of their most illustrious. Rome's first emperor, Augustus, was buried here, in a tomb built in 28 BC. Another must-visit for every tourist is the Pantheon, also known as the Temple of God. It's a 2000-year-old temple, now a church with a beautiful dome. A fascinating piece of information is that its diameter is exactly equal to the Pantheon's interior height of 43.4 metres.
There's also the Temple of Caesar, built by Augustus on the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated. As Emperor, Augustus began a tradition of turning the mortal man into a God, the first being Caesar. The Temple of Caesar is in fact a temple to a God and not merely a temple of a mortal man.
Shopping for memories
We did a whole tour of the Vatican. The two popular attractions within the Vatican City are the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica. I picked up a lot of stuff from the Vatican. Some of my staff members are Catholic, so I bought rosaries blessed by the Pope for them. I also picked up pieces of art made on chips of tiles. I don't shop for random souvenirs. When in Istanbul, I bought a beautiful Turkish carpet. I like buying just one quality memento from a place.
On my platter
Luckily in Rome everyone understands basic English. It's known for its wine and wafer-thin pizzas. Even the salads and breads are a must have. Besides the fine-dining places, Anil and I loved the little cafes in the marketplaces. They have a different way of presenting food.
History lessons
My daughter Rasha was studying about Rome in school so it was great when we managed to squeeze it into our itinerary. We went to Istanbul, followed by Rome and Tenerife in Spain. I love places with an interesting history and cultural heritage and was fascinated by Julius Caeser's city.
I was most excited, among the four of us - husband Anil Thadani, daughter Rasha and son Ranbirvardhan - to see the Colosseum, which I had seen only in films before. Today we can't make a building without leakages and these monuments are standing tall for thousands of years. The Colosseum is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre and situated right in the centre of the city. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built and could hold upto 80,000 spectators at a time.
My kids were sick of me talking to them about Roman history all day. But having watched films like Julius Caesar, I could identify with the place totally.
Tombs and the Temple of God
The most beautiful part of the trip was a visit to the Mausoleum of Augustus by night. It was beautifully lit up and they had a music and dance show in the course of which you learn about its history with lots of trivia thrown in. In the belief that this place was the holiest of all, it holds the tombs of their most illustrious. Rome's first emperor, Augustus, was buried here, in a tomb built in 28 BC. Another must-visit for every tourist is the Pantheon, also known as the Temple of God. It's a 2000-year-old temple, now a church with a beautiful dome. A fascinating piece of information is that its diameter is exactly equal to the Pantheon's interior height of 43.4 metres.
There's also the Temple of Caesar, built by Augustus on the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated. As Emperor, Augustus began a tradition of turning the mortal man into a God, the first being Caesar. The Temple of Caesar is in fact a temple to a God and not merely a temple of a mortal man.
Shopping for memories
We did a whole tour of the Vatican. The two popular attractions within the Vatican City are the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica. I picked up a lot of stuff from the Vatican. Some of my staff members are Catholic, so I bought rosaries blessed by the Pope for them. I also picked up pieces of art made on chips of tiles. I don't shop for random souvenirs. When in Istanbul, I bought a beautiful Turkish carpet. I like buying just one quality memento from a place.
On my platter
Luckily in Rome everyone understands basic English. It's known for its wine and wafer-thin pizzas. Even the salads and breads are a must have. Besides the fine-dining places, Anil and I loved the little cafes in the marketplaces. They have a different way of presenting food.
Motherhood has enhanced my choices-Raveena Tandon
8:20 AM
The actress on finding a work-life balance through years of being a working mother
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 16, 2017)
Raveena Tandon Thadani was a rising star when she adopted two girls. She then had her own children Raasha and Ranbirvardhan. Her children come first for her, something we discover over a span of 30 minutes. In fact, her comeback film, due for release soon, is also about a mother. One who seeks revenge for the rape and murder of her daughter.
Here, the actress talks about finding a work-life balance, her parenting skills, her children and how they affect her choices...
Is it difficult to balance things as a working mother?
Probably. Right now, it has become a little difficult because everything has come together. I shoot for this show I judge, there’s my film’s promotions and a music video shoot. I might be short on time, but otherwise, I do space out my day really well. I know how to balance it well otherwise. I’d say, being a mother has not actually changed my choices, but enhanced them. That would be the right way to put it because after having Raasha and Ranbirvardhan, I look for a different kind of emotional connect with anything I do.
Your mom and dad brought you up a certain way. Do you follow the same with your kids?
Absolutely. I want them to be really good, strong individuals and I will support them in whatever they do. But like my parents, I also want a certain sense of discipline in my kids. For example, I have always earned my pocket money. And I want to bring up my kids like that. I have had this discussion with my husband as well. I don’t think we should give kids too much too soon. It’s very important to make them understand the value of things.
Do you consciously make sure they have a normal childhood?
I do think it is very important to make sure of that. I want to bring them up. I haven’t given birth to them so they can be handled by a nanny or a governess. They are my kids and I always spend time with them. They are my biggest priority. I want to bring them up a certain way. I normally keep them away from premieres and other places where I know media will be there. But there are places where we go and suddenly there will be photographers. Sometimes, I request them to not click the kids and at times, they listen and many times, they don’t. That much is okay. But I don’t take them intentionally to places where the paparazzi is going to be there. They are extremely young so I first want them to grow up, understand and absorb what this is, gracefully. I don’t want them ending up feeling they’re special in school or something.
Farah Khan said in an interview that after a few years, she will make son Czar watch a lot of serious movies to educate him on societal taboos. Your take on that...
I haven’t really thought of that, but I take it as the day comes. As of now, I have started making them read the newspapers every day. Then, there are so many things that I need to explain to them. I have actually brought them up, watching TV on Saturday and Sundays with Discovery, National Geographic and that’s why they love things about space and travel and nature. I love travelling with them — whether it’s a jungle or the mountains — I love showing the world to them. So for me, it’s a discovery of a different nature. I am not actually much of a movie person, to be honest. I show them a lot of history and classics like Broadway musicals like Hello Dolly, Tom Tom, Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and other educational dramas. I make them watch a lot of Charlie Chaplin because nowadays, these kids don’t even know who Charlie Chaplin was. And my kids love Charlie Chaplin. I do record a few movies, which come on TV which I feel is appropriate for kids their age. I want them to learn from experience, to travel and discover different places, different foods. I prefer that kind of an education.
How friendly are you with your children? Do they share everything they do with you?
My children and I are the best of friends. We love spending time with each other. So far that time has not come when they would tell me, ‘Mom don’t crowd around us, we want to hang around with our friends’. Every night, we have a Ludo championship. So before and after dinner, there have to be two-three games of Ludo, which we have to play and then sleep.
Twinkle said that her son’s friends lovingly call her savage. What kind of a bond do you share with your kids’ friends?
I don’t know about being nicknamed anything. But I definitely think my daughter’s friends are really comfortable with me. Her birthday was on March 16, so she celebrated it on April 1. I had these 30 girls with me and I took them out to watch Beauty And The Beast. So I was there with all of them. When I go to school to drop my kids, they all come to me and I give them hugs every time. So yes, I enjoy being with my kids’ friends as well.
Kajol said in an interview to us that that Nysa’s made her more social media-friendly. Does Raasha comment on your clothes and all?
Raasha’s not on social media yet. She is just 12. There’s a right age for that as well, for that kind of exposure. When she is 14 or 15, we will see. Right now, when she watches me go out to shoot or watches my episodes on TV, I definitely get my fair share of comments — what I should be doing with my hair or not and stuff like that. She has her opinions on the dresses I wear and is extremely fascinated by the idea of make-up. So whenever I am getting ready and doing my make-up, she generally comes and watches me or studies along when I’m doing it.
Have you both started sharing clothes as well?
Yeah, we have already been doing a bit of it. Not sharing clothes and jewellery that way because as I said, she’s still very young. But on her birthday this year, I took her for a week to New York. That was her birthday gift. We went there just for shopping and it was only her and me. We had some mommy-daughter time. We got the same shoes, same bags and had a blast. We will remember this trip forever. Then, we were stuck in the middle of a blizzard so it was all the more adventurous.
What interests do Raasha and Ranbirvardhan have?
Raasha has always chosen some major roles in theatre. My son is more of a sports buff, so he concentrates on his swimming and cricket, football and other sports. Raasha loves singing and dancing, the teachers are always proud of her. I don’t now which way they are going, but I will always allow them to follow their dreams and to excel in what they think they will do best. It’s completely their choice in life.
Raveena Tandon's kids replace actress as brand ambassador for Boman Irani's NGO
7:30 AM
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 14, 2016)
A source says, “As the face of the NGO, the two kids will visit different schools and spread awareness about animal rights. They will also share their views about the need to show kindness and compassion towards all living beings.” Proud mom Raveena says, “This is not new to them since they too are huge animal lovers. My daughter helps me take care of animals that I have rescued. In fact, she herself rescued two kittens and a dog from the streets recently. As brand ambassadors of the NGO, my children are happy that they can take this noble cause forward and make the younger generations aware of their duties towards helpless animals. Statistics show most hardened criminals started young with cruelty towards animals and so, it is important to teach them love compassion and kindness from childhood.”
The actress was earlier the face of the voluntary organsation that carries out rescue and rehabilitation work.
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