Mumbai: Actress Raveena Tandon has looked back on her 35-year journey in the film industry, recalling how she went from being labelled a “jinx” early in her career to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated performers and a National Award winner.
Reflecting on her career, Tandon spoke about overcoming criticism, navigating the expectations placed on leading actresses in the 1990s and eventually earning recognition for her acting range.
Early career marked by criticism
Tandon made her acting debut opposite Salman Khan in the 1991 film Patthar Ke Phool.
While the film earned attention, several of her subsequent releases failed to perform at the box office. As a result, sections of the media reportedly branded her “Little Miss Jinx”, a label she says followed her during the early years of her career.
Despite the criticism, Tandon continued working steadily and remained focused on building her place in the industry.
Mohra changed everything
The turning point came with the blockbuster Mohra, which became one of the biggest hits of the decade.
The film’s success transformed public perception of the actress almost overnight. Tandon recalled that producer Gulshan Rai publicly referred to her as a “lucky mascot” following the film’s release.
According to the actress, offers began pouring in soon after, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change in the film industry.
The film also featured the iconic song Tip Tip Barsa Paani, which became one of the most memorable musical sequences of the 1990s and remains closely associated with Tandon’s career.
Challenges faced by actresses in the 1990s
Speaking about the era, Tandon said leading actresses were often expected to maintain a glamorous image regardless of the role they played.
She noted that actresses frequently had limited opportunities to portray morally complex or unconventional characters, with greater freedom often given to character actors.
The actress cited performers such as Aruna Irani, Kirron Kher and Reema Lagoo as examples of artists who were able to explore a wider range of characters.
Shool and Daman redefined her career
Tandon identified Shool as the film that changed the industry’s perception of her acting abilities.
The critically acclaimed film allowed her to move beyond the glamorous image that had defined much of her earlier work and showcase her dramatic talent.
She later starred in Daman, a performance that earned her the prestigious National Film Award.
However, Tandon believes it was Shool that first demonstrated her range as an actor and opened the door to more challenging roles.
A career built on resilience
Thirty-five years after her debut, Raveena Tandon continues to remain active in films and digital projects.
Her journey from being criticised as a box-office “jinx” to becoming an award-winning actor reflects the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the importance of perseverance.
Today, Tandon is regarded as one of the most enduring stars of her generation, with a career that spans commercial successes, critically acclaimed performances and continued relevance across changing eras of Indian cinema.
