TheGlitz ‘Super Woman’ Raveena Tandon is indeed the epitome of a superwoman. Everybody knows that she’s a phenomenal performer – the numerous awards including the coveted Padma Shri speak volumes about her super talent. In fact, her hard-hitting performances in KGF: Chapter 2 and her OTT blockbuster Aranyak have proved that Raveena is indeed one of the best actors in the industry. But more than an actor, she’s also a humanitarian, social activist, a champion for animal rights and so much more. She’s a doer.

At the age of 21, Raveena Tandon adopted two girls and she’s brought them up as her own – in fact, she is one of the youngest and most glam daadis around. She’s been the champion of many social movements – from raising money for underprivileged children, educating children of martyred soldiers to championing causes for animals. A firebrand, she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind, tweet what she feels strongly about or take up cudgels for the needy and poor when necessary. If there was somebody who deserves super wings, it is indeed TheGlitz ‘Super Woman Raveena Tandon! Read on…

Raveena, you are not just a powerhouse performer, you are also a humanitarian, social activist, animal activist, firebrand feminist and so much more. I have known you for years and I know the real Raveena is a ‘doer’ and a champion activist, she’s super strong and stands by her beliefs no matter what. So what defines you, ‘Raveena Tandon’ to be the person you are?

A big part of my journey has been my willingness to work without the fear of failure or criticism. There is no one in the film industry whom I respect more than my directors. It was a challenge at an unreal level. But it was also most exciting and fulfilling for the performer in me. I took on films to highlight the true magnificence of an actor.

Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you list some special milestones that have changed your life?

It’s been a long and great journey, for sure. It has taught me a lot. I remember I was so young when I started. It was not easy but I didn’t quit and always worked hard to make a respectable place for myself. There’s so much I have learned in all these years. Life is the best teacher. Every day comes with a new lesson.

I don’t have any regrets in life. I never regret anything. I might have an incomplete dream but I never regret anything I have done. I believe destiny has a path to follow. I love my life. It could not be better than this. There is nothing that I would like to change about my life. I have made mistakes like other human beings. I have learned from them. So, no regrets. I thank God for giving me whatever I wanted in life.

Could you list 3 of what you believe are your major achievements?
I have to say that I am very proud to be born in India which gives umpteen opportunities to women. Women in our country have broken glass ceilings. Whether we have truck drivers, pilots or in the army, or the air force or even working in fields, in the agricultural sector, in the railways, even becoming engine drivers, bus drivers, truck drivers, auto rickshaw drivers, bus conductors, tickets collectors, etc –

I think our women are making progress in leaps and bounds. I am very proud that I live in a country that is giving women this freedom and these kinds of opportunities, as sex holds no bar. You can participate and just be and decide and choose your own career options.

As an actor, I truly believe you are one of the best actors we have and we have seen just the tip of the iceberg in terms of your immense talent, Aranyak and KGF: Chapter 2 showcased what a powerhouse performer you really are, do we see you similar challenging characters in the future?

After KGF Chapter 2 which was the second-highest-grossing film. The movie has set a new benchmark in the Indian film industry by breaking all box office records. I also made a big wave with ‘Aranyak’ on OTT for which I have bagged a lot of awards. I will be next seen in T-series family entertainer Ghudchadi alongside Sanjay Dutt. Also Arbaaz Khan Production’s upcoming social drama Patna Shukla. I have recently finished shooting for a Disney plus Hotstar web series. Will soon start shooting for Aranyak Season 2.

What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?

Think calmly, speak calmly’ as ‘there are nicer ways to deal with problems. You can do that and work out for yourself whether that can be the remedy.

When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?

I started doing movies at a time when we used to walk on set not knowing what dialogues we were going to say or what was going to happen. There used to be a writer on set busy writing the lines and we mugged it up then and there. Everything was spontaneous. I think in today’s time the industry … is more streamlined.

It was the norm at that time. I remember in one year I did 7 films. Today, it’s unimaginable. We hardly slept and yet we had to look good for the camera. I look back and wonder, how did we manage? It’s really the spirit of what you are doing. It’s the love of the job that keeps you going.

Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
I know women in our society can rise even higher if their family becomes the wind beneath her wings, My family always supported me. But there is definitely a need to support the arts on a higher level as a career choice. It’s great to have your parents by your side.

Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
I believe in loyalty above everything. It’s all or nothing with me.