I am better off without joining politics: Raveena

Actor Raveena Tandon, known for voicing her strong opinion on social issues, said she doesn’t want to join politics because she never shies away from calling a spade a spade. During a session at Hindustan Shikhar Samagam, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, she spoke at length about women empowerment and safety, politics, and her take on fitness.

As someone who has strong opinions about the status of women in our society, Raveena believes that in order to have a balanced society, women need to be empowered. “I don’t believe in compartmentalising the society based on anything, but I feel the lower middle-class women of Mumbai, who maintain a balance between their household chores and jobs, while struggling in local trains while commuting, every day, are the real Indian women for me,” she said.

Talking about her early days in the industry, Raveena revealed that she never wanted to be a part of films or become an actor, but as luck would have it, she eventually went on to become one of the most popular names in Bollywood. She said, “Today, I feel happy that I have done good work, and few films that give out a social message. My last release, Matr (2017), which tells the story of a gang rape victim, was a conscious decision because I have always felt for this cause. Through my films, I want to do my bit to solve the real problems of our country.”

Raveena is one of the few actors, who doesn’t shy from calling a spade a spade, and admits to being extremely upfront and honest, which, she says is the reason that has kept her away from politics. “I don’t want to take up politics or join any party at this point, even though I have been offered tickets by several parties, including Congress, BJP and TMC. I was also offered a ticket from Kolkata, West Bengal, but knowing myself, I will call a spade a spade, and no one can change my thought process. So, I’m better off not being associated with any political party. But you never know what the future holds, so maybe someday I might join politics,” she said.

The Satta (2003) actor has maintained herself even after all these years, and says her fitness secret is the fact that she spends some time with herself every day. She also recommends the same to everyone. “Apart from that, spend 40-45 minutes on whichever form of exercise you like every day and you will see the change,” she signed off.

I was offered a ticket from Kolkata, but knowing myself, I will call a spade a spade, and no one can change my thought process. So, I’m better off not being associated with any political party. RAVEENA TANDON, ACTOR