Life Begins When You Want It To Begin,” The Ravishing Raveena Tandon Turns 50 On October 26, Or Is That Just A Myth?

 Raveena  Tandon got  nostalgic   on her  birthday. “My childhood birthdays were so sweet and simple.We used to play tug of war. We used to play oranges, a lemon sold for a penny. And then, you know, we used to have chutney sandwiches and small, tiny rasgullas.And we used to have wafers and we used to get a small, sweet return gift with some pencils and erasers and a couple of sweets in them. I thought that was the most beautiful, simplest way of living. Nowadays, everyone's trying to outdo each other with   the most amazing, expensive return gifts, etc.I think our growing up years in the 90s and 80s and 90s was was a very simple lifestyle. But yes, sometimes you want to do the best for your kids also, so I don't blame anyone. But I've always tried to also keep my children's birthdays pretty simple.But now they're grown up and they're, you know, doing their own thing. So I'm off the hook.

  She  also  looked  back with  much affection at her career which began with  Salman  Khan in Patthar Ke Phool, which proved  she was  nobody’s phool. “Ha ha never wanted to be  just  aprop.There are so many precious moments that have shaped my journey, each with its own significance. My breakthrough roles like Mohra and Andaz Apna Apna were landmarks, of course, as they established my presence in the industry. But, on a deeper level, stepping into roles that challenged me emotionally, like  my National Award for  Daman and  my role as a mother  fighting against her daughter’s rapists in Matra, were truly transformative. These milestones taught me resilience, allowed me to explore my craft, and left an impact that still resonates with audiences.

Celebrity comes with its share  of responsibilities  and  irritants. Recently Raveena was  a casualty  of  a scary celeb-baiting. “It's true that being in the public eye can sometimes lead to misinterpretations or negativity. This experience taught me the importance of inner strength and the need to stay grounded amidst any chaos. It’s also a reminder that I’m privileged to have a platform where I can stand up for what I believe in. Celebrities are people, too, and just as anyone would, we find ways to adapt, focus on the positive, and learn to build resilience.

   Raveena  sees  a remarkable transformation in the  heroine’s role over the years. “Today, female roles are so much more nuanced and multi-dimensional. Actresses are being celebrated for their strength, intelligence, and complexity. We’re witnessing an era where women are driving narratives, portraying strong lead roles, and telling diverse stories that resonate with audiences. It’s heartening to be part of this journey, where we’re shifting perspectives and making meaningful strides.I feel very fortunate to be working on projects that are meaningful and creatively fulfilling. At this stage in my career, I’m prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on roles that challenge me and bring something valuable to the audience. It’s a blessing to continue evolving as an artist and contribute to stories that leave an impact.”

     It is  said that life begins  at 40.Does Raveena agree? “ Life  begins whenever you want it to begin, so it's all in your hands, age has no demarcation of how you should be feeling or how you should be living. I am as how I used to be and will always be. And I think I'm pretty consistent in my feelings for people or what I do or how I am as a person.So, yes, for me, I think, like I said, you start living when you decide that I want to start living now.”

How does  she manage to look  like her daughter’s Didi at 50? Considering that you're my raakhi-brother , you will say only beautiful, but I love you for that always.I think a healthy lifestyle ultimately does show on you. You are what you eat. You are how you sleep.Your skin is what you put into your body. So it's all a reflection of everything encompassed together, whether you know how you are in your heart, how you are in your soul. I think it kind of mirrors the personality that you become.So for me, I think it's an entire wholesome lifestyle. It's for everyone, actually, your  diet, the way you behave, the way you are in your heart, everything shows what you are.”