Raveena Tandon: I took my career for granted and went on too many sabbaticals

Raveena Tandon. Image source: Yogen Shah

Raveena Tandon was one of the most popular actresses in the '90s. She made her debut in the 1991-hit Patthar Ke Phool and went on to deliver blockbuster hits like Mohra, Andaaz Apna Apna, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Dhule Raja, and Ziddi. However, after her wedding, she took a break from films limiting her on-screen appearance.

Now, in a recent interview, the actress talked about her Bollywood career. She revealed that she took her career for granted and wished that she was more focused on her work. Speaking to Bombay Times, Raveena said, "I put in a lot of hard work but I took my career for granted and went on too many sabbaticals. But then again, I regret nothing. I'm happy the way things have turned out for me."

The actress recently returned from an exciting trip to Himachal Pradesh. Talking about her experience, she said, "Himachal is beautiful; the people are so honest, kind and warm! And with lesser people around, it was beautiful and almost virginal again. "It's sad that they're facing an economic crisis because of the loss of tourism, due to COVID-19. But I'm hoping things will look up for everyone in 2021".

Back in 1994, at the pinnacle of her career, Raveena had adopted two girls, Pooja and Chhaya. In a recent interview, the Maatr actress had talked about how that decision changed her life. She said, "I didn't like how their guardian would behave with them and some instinct in me pushed me to take them to my home. There was something about them that made me feel that me being a 21-year-old doesn't matter. I can say it has been the best decision of my life. I cherish each and every moment I have shared with them, from taking them into my arms for the first time to walking them down the aisle."

Talking about the best memories of her life, she had said, "There are plenty of them, actually! Be it getting Pooja and Chaya home, getting them married, being witness to the birth of their babies. Then, of course, I was blessed with my two babies Rasha and Ranbirvardhan which enhanced my choices as a mother. I have become more compassionate as a person and at the same time, I feel like this powerful woman because I am like this shield to my kids."

She added, "I have always felt one does not need to be a multi-billionaire to make a difference in someone's life but just have a kind heart and doing your two bits. Back then people were apprehensive about my decision and said no one would want to marry someone with this 'baggage.' But as they say, what is destined to be, it will happen. I couldn't have been more blessed. They still write letters to me to show their love."

On the work front, the actress was last seen in the 2017-film Shab. She will now be seen in K.G.F Chapter 2 opposite Sanjay Dutt and South superstar Yash. The film is a sequel to the 2018 film K.G.F: Chapter 1.