Early Life: Raveena Tandon
Raveena Tandon was born on October 26, 1974, in Mumbai, India, into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. She is the daughter of filmmaker Ravi Tandon and his wife, Veena Tandon. Raveena’s father, a renowned director, played a significant role in her early exposure to the world of cinema. She also has a brother named Rajeev Tandon, who is not as active in the film industry.
Raveena completed her schooling at Jamnabai Narsee School and later attended the Mithibai College in Mumbai. She developed an interest in acting at an early age, often inspired by her father’s work in the film industry. Though she had a strong academic background, Raveena chose to follow her passion for acting, and at the age of 16, she entered the world of Bollywood.
Career Beginnings (1991–1999): Raveena Tandon
Raveena Tandon made her Bollywood debut in 1991 with the film Patthar Ke Phool, where she played the lead role opposite Salman Khan. The film was a success, and Raveena’s performance earned her recognition in the industry. She quickly established herself as a promising young actress with a natural screen presence and good acting skills.
Her next few films, including Dil Ka Rishta (1993) and Zamaana Deewana (1995), did not perform well at the box office, but Raveena was undeterred. Her breakthrough came in 1994 with the film Mohra, where she starred opposite Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar. The film became a major hit, and Raveena’s performance was widely appreciated, earning her widespread recognition.
In the mid-1990s, Raveena Tandon starred in several successful films, including Laadla (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), and Viraat (1997). Her pairing with Salman Khan in Karan Arjun, directed by Rakesh Roshan, was especially popular, and the film became a massive box office success.
However, Raveena’s career truly took off in 1997, with the film Ankhiyon Se Goli Mare, where she delivered a memorable performance, which earned her several accolades. She continued to shine in both romantic and dramatic roles throughout the late 1990s, cementing her position as one of Bollywood’s top actresses.
Rise to Fame (2000–2008):
The early 2000s marked Raveena Tandon’s peak in terms of both popularity and critical acclaim. She starred in a series of successful films, including Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998) and Aks (2001). In Aks, she showcased her versatility as an actress by taking on a more serious and intense role. The film, though not a major commercial hit, received praise for its innovative direction by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Raveena’s stellar performance.
Her career was further boosted by her role in Dulhe Raja (1998), a comedy film where she starred opposite Govinda. The film was a hit, and her comic timing was praised by both critics and audiences alike.
Raveena also ventured into producing and acting in regional cinema. She starred in Satta (2003), a political drama that was critically acclaimed, where her portrayal of a woman caught in the politics of power and corruption earned her accolades for her performance.
Another significant film of this period was Tanu Weds Manu (2003), where Raveena Tandon played the role of a vivacious and rebellious woman, which was well-received by critics. This film marked her ability to play more diverse roles that challenged the typical Bollywood stereotypes.
During this time, she won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Dulhe Raja and a National Film Award for her contribution to regional cinema.
Personal Life and Family:
Raveena’s personal life attracted attention due to her relationships and eventual marriage. In 2004, she married film distributor Anil Thadani, and they have two children together, a daughter named Rasha and a son named Ranbir. Raveena’s adoption of two daughters, Pooja and Chhaya, in the late 1990s, was also widely publicized, making her one of the first mainstream Bollywood actresses to adopt children.
Raveena has often spoken about the challenges she faced as a working mother and her decision to adopt children at an early stage in her career, which set her apart from other Bollywood actresses of her time.
Comeback and Continued Work (2009–Present)
After taking a break from the limelight to focus on her family, Raveena made a successful return to acting in the late 2000s. She starred in the film Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) alongside Salman Khan, which was a commercial hit. Although her role in the film was relatively small, Raveena’s presence added to the overall appeal of the movie, and she was praised for her performance.
In 2017, Raveena also made her digital debut with the web series Aranyak, a thriller where she played a key role. The series, which received critical acclaim, marked Raveena’s successful transition into the world of web content. Her portrayal of a tough and determined cop was widely appreciated.
Raveena has also remained active in social work, especially in the areas of child welfare and environmental issues. She is associated with several charitable organizations and has worked towards issues like girl child education and the protection of animals.
Legacy and Contributions to Indian Cinema
Raveena Tandon is one of the most respected actresses of her generation, known for her versatility and strong screen presence. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to transition from glamorous roles to more substantial, character-driven parts. She has appeared in a wide variety of genres, from romantic comedies to intense dramas, and has received critical acclaim for her performances.
In addition to her acting career, Raveena has made significant contributions to Indian cinema through her production ventures and philanthropic activities. She remains an icon of strength and determination, both on and off-screen, and continues to influence younger generations of actors.
Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award, National Film Award, and Zee Cine Award, marking her as a significant figure in Indian cinema. Raveena Tandon’s legacy is cemented not only by her film career but also by her contributions to social causes and her pioneering work in adopting children in an industry where personal lives are often scrutinized. She remains a beloved figure in Bollywood and continues to entertain audiences through her ongoing work in both film and television.
Physical Stats: Raveena Tandon
- Height: 5′ 6″ (168 cm)
- Weight: 60 Kg (132 lbs)
- Figure Measurements: 34-28-34
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
Personal Life: Raveena Tandon
- Date of Birth: 26 October 1974 (Saturday)
- Age (as of 2024): 50 Years
- Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Education: B.A. dropout from Mithibai College, Mumbai
Hobbies and Interests: Raveena Tandon
- Hobbies: Reading, Dancing
- Tattoos:
- Back of Shoulder: Kids’ names (“Vardhan” and “Vishakha”)
- Below Neck: Scorpion design
Controversies: Raveena Tandon
- Linked to various controversies including social media disputes regarding the #MeToo movement, a legal case with matrimonial sites, and incidents involving social and public opinions. In June 2024, her driver was involved in an accident, leading to an FIR after allegations of rash driving surfaced.
Favorites: Raveena Tandon
- Food: Dhokla, Tandoori Paneer, Tandoori Chicken
- Actors: Sanjay Dutt, Govinda, Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff
- Actress: Neetu Singh
- Films: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Padosan (1968)
- Perfume: Angel by Thierry Mugler
- Holiday Destination: Switzerland
- Watch Brand: Audemars Piguet
- Car: Pajero
Style and Wealth: Raveena Tandon
- Car Collection: Audi Q7, Bentley Continental Flying Spur
- Salary: ₹1-2 crore per film (INR)
- Net Worth: Approximately $7 million
Here are some lesser-known facts about
- Smoking and Drinking: Raveena Tandon does not smoke. She drinks alcohol occasionally.
- Family Background: She was born in Mumbai to Ravi Tandon, a film producer, and Veena Tandon.
- Childhood Ambitions: As a child, Raveena wanted to become a pilot or an IPS officer.
- Unexpected Career Path: Raveena did not plan on acting. While interning under ad-maker Prahlad Kakkar, her friends encouraged her to consider Bollywood due to her looks.
- Film Debut: Prahlad convinced her to try acting, leading to her debut in Patthar Ke Phool (1991).
- Celebrity Crush: When young, Raveena had a huge crush on Sanjay Dutt.
- Education: She left college after two years. Her rising popularity made it difficult for the college to manage the crowd.
- Secret Engagement: She was reportedly secretly engaged to Akshay Kumar. They kept it under wraps to protect his career and fan base.
- Popular Films: She starred in hits like Laadla (1994), Dilwale (1994), Mohra (1994), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), and Dulhe Raja (1998).
TV Hosting and Judging
- TV Hosting and Judging: Raveena hosted shows like Isi Ka Naam Zindagi and Simply Baatien With Raveena. She judged Sabse Bada Kalakar, The Drama Company, and Nach Baliye 9.
- Missed Roles: She turned down iconic roles in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Gupt due to a two-year break.
- Breakup with Akshay: She ended her relationship with Akshay Kumar due to his rumored link-ups and image as a “Casanova.”
- National Award Winner: She won a National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence (2002).
- Family Ties in Bollywood: The 70s villain Mac Mohan was her maternal uncle. Actress Kiran Rathod and producer Manjari Makijany are her cousins.
- Chairperson Role: She served as the chairperson of the Children’s Film Society of India from 2003 to 2004. She resigned for personal reasons in 2005.
- Name Origin: Her name is a blend of her parents’ names, Ravi and Veena.
- Inspiration: She considers her parents as her guiding inspirations.
