Back to bone-breaking schedules

SHE HAS been in and out of the city trying to accommodate location shootings, stage shows and social service. In the past month, Raveena Tandon has not been in one place for more than four days. The breathless pace of work and the expected exhaustion is showing. Tandon is running temperature, has a sore throat, but the show has to go on.

So while she is talking to her doctor asking for a prescription, Raveena instructs her make-up man on which pinks and blues to apply on her face. She takes 45 minutes to transform into the character she's playing, but once ready she gives this interview her undivided attention. The past few years haven't been easy for Raveena Tandon. In 1995 after ``Mohra'', when she was riding high, she decided to take a break.

Her best release came almost three years later, but she was surprisingly able to catch up. In 1999, she was being wooed by experimental directors (E. Niwas, Kalpana Lajmi and allegedly by Muzaffar Ali). With the commercial films neatly packaged in her kitty, Raveena Tandon, by her own admission was ready for the crossover...

Is life usually so hectic for you?

No, I am systematic worker and like to plan my dates logically. But that's not how the film industry functions. Besides whenever you alter your plans and accommodate more people than you can manage, dates go awry and your health suffers. But nobody cares. All, everyone seems to care about is finishing their schedule.

You sound cynical.

No, no, I'm past that stage. I'm being philosophical. That's the magic of showbiz. You are either in it. Or you are out of it. And if you are in it, you have to go through the grind. It isn't fair to complain.

You've changed.

All of us change. Life and our experiences change us. Perhaps I'm less trusting now. I have learnt that pouring your heart out to a stranger, specially journalists, explaining your point of view, doesn't help. It is best to keep quiet and not waste energy clarifying yourself.

Do you regret the long break in your career?

It was my own doing. I had decided to give up films and was returning signing amounts taken from producers. Then I changed my mind. Naturally coming back wasn't that simple. Colleagues had overtaken me and new projects were already cast. So I waited, biding my time. My time came after three long years. Sunil Shetty asked me if I would do ``Shaher ki ladki'' and I agreed.

Then Govinda recommended me for ``Dulhe Raja'' followed by ``Vinashak'' with Sunil Shetty. It wasn't easy picking up threads. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to dance, but I could with the support of my heroes. And slowly the wheel turned. The mind is a blur of all the events that happened. But no, there are no regrets.

What made you accept ``Shool''?

Manoj Bajpai and his conviction in the project. As a colleague I trusted his judgment. My role was interesting.

I thought it would be challenging to play a housewife and a mother. ``Shool'' was my first exposure to parallel cinema and I was seduced by the sincerity of the unit.

And ``Aks''

Again, I am paired opposite Manoj Bajpai. My role sounded interesting and I was impressed with the director of the film, Rakesh Mehra. But the most important factor was of course Mr. Bachchan. I had never dreamt I would one day work with him. It was indeed an honour.

You are doing Kalpana Lajmi's ``Daman'' too?

I got to know of ``Daman'' through a common friend. Then Kalpanaji called me and gave me a narration. Violence in marriage is a growing menace and we as a society are doing little to expose it.

By playing the role of the battered wife who finally finds courage to escape oppression, I'm taking a stand for all those women who want to escape but lack courage.

What were your feelings when shooting all those traumatic scenes?

This is strange, for during shooting, actors are usually very careful not to cause their colleagues any kind of discomfort. Still, despite the presence of the lights and the camera, there were so many moments when I found myself thinking about women faced with similar fate.

I'd wonder how they could ever fight such domination. Who do you complain to when the provider, of the house is your destroyer? It's like being a prisoner in your own house.

Are you doing any more parallel films?

No, unless Shyam Benegal or Govind Nihalani offer me something. In the meanwhile, I'm happy with my commercial packets. I have just completed Kamal Hassan's ``Abhay'' which is a regular commercial film. Kamalji plays a double role. One is a good man and the other not so good. I'm opposite the good guy. I don't know the end. You never know with scripts. A lot of things change along the way. This my first experience with a tri-lingual.

How are you managing with Tamil?

It's tough. You have to apply your mind really hard. The words are real tongue-twisters and actors down South for some reason speak very fast. But I've managed it very well so far.

What's like working with Kamal Hassan?

He is a genius, so focussed and so involved even with the most mundane details. He is a workaholic. He will not give up till he gives his best. And he won't let you give up till you give your best. Working with him has been an enriching experience.

When you are hopping from city to city, studio to studio, what are your feelings?

I feel like a gypsy on wheels... moving, moving and yearning to settle down and rest.

Would you say your relationship with your parents has changed over the years?

I think so. We don't realise it but all relationships change with age. We value our parents more as we grow up. We feel responsible, want to spend more time with them. I'm sure my brother feels the same way too. That's why everytime it is ``pack up'', we are rushing home to them.

Do you enjoy travelling as much as you do?

No, I feel very home-sick, especially when I'm not well. Then I miss my mother and my home. Hotels, no matter how comfortable, can be so impersonal. If I am away at hill stations or abroad, I normally take them with me. That is the time we catch up on all the small and big matters.

BHAWANA SOMAAYA

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