Raveena Tandon needs no introduction. With multiple National Film Awards and Padma Shri to honour her work over 3 decades, the actress is an inspiration to millions. While Raveena has entertained her fans through cinema, she's also very active when it comes to social work. Taking a stand for women and girl children, she is going all out to make a difference in society. 

In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon after receiving a Padma Shri, Raveena spoke about her aim to leave behind a planet that's safe and empowering for women and children. She further opened up about her acting career, pay parity, and the change that can be seen in how women are shown on-screen. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

You’ve been actively working for women and their rights. What inspires you to take a step forward and be the voice of change?

It is necessary for us to think about the planet we are leaving behind for our children. I am not only talking about the kind of environment, I am also talking about the kind of treatment our women should be getting. We should be talking and making people aware of women's rights. In India, we have such amazing rights for women but unfortunately, they are not implemented. Women in rural areas don’t even know of the rights they have. We need to spread that awareness so that they're empowered.

After over 30 years in the industry, you are choosing a variety of roles and mediums. What has been your biggest takeaway?

The biggest takeaway from my career is when society at large gives you so much love, you must sit down and think about returning the same love to fans and people. Once you’ve reached a certain stage where you are capable of bringing across a change, then you must do it.   

You’ve seen generations of actors change right in front of you. According to you, has it changed for good?

The change has been for the best always. Our young actors today are so professional. They are on-point, articulate, and intelligent-thinking actors. 

Has the treatment given to women on and off-screen changed in these years?

Slowly but surely it has. I think it is a welcome change. I wish to see more of the right message being sent out there.

You've chosen content-driven cinema in your career. Do you believe this approach of yours has helped make a difference?

I am happy to say that I have made a difference but I still believe I am trying to bring across the change. I believe as actors we must do content-driven and socially relevant films because people look up to their favourites. It is important for us to give the right message through our work and our personal lives too. When it comes to my career, I have tried to do a variety of roles. I have done commercial cinema and at the same time, I have done films that send you back home thinking. 

Do you believe you have reached a point in your career where box office numbers don’t bother you?

With the introduction of OTT, box office numbers are related to movies released in theatres. As an actor, you give your best performance in front of the camera. Whichever medium that is then translated to is for the audience to absorb. Whether it is TV, OTT, or big screen, box office numbers will always matter because it keeps the industry functioning. It is very important for our theatres and movies to do well.

Has Bollywood finally changed its approach to sexism and ageism?

I think we are. There’s political correctness coming into the industry which is good.

After 3 decades in the industry, what’s that one thing which is non-negotiable for you?

To an extent, I can give my input and change a character slightly but if it is sexist or has a double-meaning angle, or is degrading, that’s something I won't accept. It's non-negotiable for me.

What’s your opinion on pay parity? Is there an equal ground for actors to co-exist? 

It is certainly changing for good. TV is completely ruled by women and they are paid higher. Even on OTT, there’s equality. In films, male protagonists are paid higher. We’re slowly bridging the gap.