Veteran actress Raveena Tandon sheds light on critical issues within the film industry, particularly the portrayal of women and the sensitive topic of marital rape. Let’s delve into her thought-provoking insights. Raveena Tandon Addressing Bollywood Norms and Marital Rape.
Raveena Tandon, an Indian actress, has significantly contributed to Hindi cinema. Known for her work in action films like “Dilwale” (1994), “Mohra” (1994), and “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi” (1996), she also ventured into arthouse cinema with acclaimed roles in “Daman” (2001) and “Aks” (2001). Recently, she received the Padma Shri award and starred in the Netflix series “Aranyak” (2021) . Tandon is also an environmentalist and has worked with PETA since 2002 . She continues to leave a lasting impact on Indian entertainment.
Raveena Tandon Addressing Bollywood Norms and Marital Rape:
- Breaking Stereotypes: Raveena questions the clichéd portrayal of women in Bollywood films. She emphasizes that her conscious effort has been to choose roles that defy stereotypes. Films like “Maatr,” “Shool,” and “Daman” allowed her to challenge societal norms and advocate for women’s empowerment.
- Marital Rape in Cinema: The 1990s witnessed a paradox—while society grappled with the concept of marital rape, Bollywood perpetuated the notion that “mera pati mera devta hai” (my husband is my deity). Heroines often stood by their husbands, regardless of their actions. Raveena acknowledges this contradiction and believes that cinema should reflect reality more authentically.
- Her Unique Condition: Raveena reveals that she agreed to perform rape scenes in films under one condition: her clothes would remain fully intact during those intense moments. She proudly claims to be the “only actress” with such a policy. Her stance challenges the industry’s approach to sensitive subjects while maintaining her dignity and boundaries.
Raveena Tandon’s candid conversations highlight the need for nuanced storytelling and responsible representation in cinema. As an influential figure, she continues to advocate for change, pushing boundaries and fostering dialogue on crucial issues.