Raveena Tandon has long been celebrated as one of the most glamorous and successful actresses in Bollywood, but in a recent conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan , the Mohra star revealed that acting was never part of her plan.
During her appearance on Farah’s YouTube show, Raveena looked back at her early days and clarified a widely shared story about how she entered the industry. Contrary to the belief that she was always destined to be in front of the camera, Raveena said, “I didn't want to be a heroine. I wanted to be a director like my father. I wanted to make ads. I never thought of being a heroine.”
Farah Khan remembers a young Raveena: ‘She was very beautiful’
Farah, who introduced Raveena as the “most beautiful heroine,” fondly recalled meeting her when she was just 16. “I have known her since then. She was very beautiful. I told her, ‘You will be a heroine.’ She said, ‘I will sweep in the studio… but I want to be in films,’” Farah shared.
Raveena is the daughter of late filmmaker Ravi Tandon , known for classics like Khel Khel Mein, Majboor, and Jhuta Kahin Ka. Praising him, Farah said, “His father was my favourite director. So many classics.”
Raveena also added a fun trivia, pointing out that Baghban was actually a remake of one of her father’s films. “Baghban was also a remake of Zindagi Ki,” she said.
From accidental heroine to powerhouse performer
Though her journey into acting may have been unexpected, Raveena made her mark with her 1991 debut Patthar Ke Phool and quickly climbed the ranks with box-office hits like Dilwale, Mohra, Laadla, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, and Ziddi.

In the late ’90s, she became a staple in comedy blockbusters alongside Govinda, delivering hits like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Dulhe Raja, and Anari No.1. She later won acclaim for serious roles in Ghulam-E-Mustafa and Shool, and ventured into parallel cinema with Daman and Aks in the 2000s.