She eventually made her debut opposite Salman Khan in Patthar Ke Phool (1991). Raveena Tandon’s journey in Bollywood has been nothing short of extraordinary. Becoming an actor was never part of her original plan, but she went on to become one of the leading female stars of the 1990s and an icon. From interning with ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar and cleaning studio floors to turning down several film offers, including Darr and Prem Qaidi, Raveena took her time finding her way into the industry.
In an interview with Lehren in 2023, she recalled how her friend and fellow model Bunty Walia encouraged Salman to meet her after learning that the Dabangg actor was looking for a fresh face. Raveena’s performance in Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence earned her the National Film Award for Best Actor (Female) in 2002. 1 and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
She also won audiences over with her comic timing alongside Govinda in films such as Dulhe Raja, Anari No. Raveena shared that during her modelling stint, she kept receiving film offers, but acting was not something she actively sought. In another interview, the actor spoke about turning down several films, including those featuring leading stars. Raveena eventually agreed to make her debut with Patthar Ke Phool, opposite Salman Khan. Salman separately came to see my work. I think it was destiny. Her debut film earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut and set the stage for a career in Hindi cinema that included critically acclaimed films such as Shool, Daman and Aks, as well as hits such as Mohra, Dilwale, Andaz Apna Apna, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi and Dulhe Raja.
Recalling how her debut film came about, Raveena said, “At that time, Bunty Walia, who was a friend of mine and a co-model on an ad, called Salman and said ‘You have to meet this girl and I think she is the next big thing and you are looking for a new girl.
Raveena started her career as an intern, wiping off vomit from floors
Despite being the daughter of filmmaker Ravi Tandon, Raveena began her professional journey behind the camera. she realised she could take up modelling and earn some pocket money While interning with him. Everytime when a model would not turn up on Prahlad’s set, he used to say ‘call Raveena,’ he would ask me to do my makeup and start posing. So I thought if I have to do it why should I do it for Prahlad again and again for free, why not make some pocket money out of it, and that’s exactly the thought which started the modeling. So I am in this industry actually by default, never grew up thinking that I am going to be an actor.”
In an interview with Mid-Day in 2022, she recalled assisting ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar soon after completing Class 10.
She said, “I did start from cleaning the studio floors to wiping off vomit from the stalls floors and studio floors and stuff, and I did assist Prahlad Kakkar I think straight out of 10th Standard.
