‘I’ve never been too ambitious’

What with leading heroines of your time making a comeback, when do we get to see Raveena sizzling the big screen?
Well, comeback would be a very strong word to use for the simple reason that I never went any where. One has to remember that once an actor, always an actor. It���s never possible for an actor to disappear from the spotlight totally. Yes, it���s true that I haven���t been doing films for quite a while now.But then I���ve never been too ambitious. In fact, even at the peak of my career, I took a sabbatical of two years and refused films like Dil To Pagal Hai and Gupt. But right now, I���ve started taking a look at scripts once again. Talks are on, and maybe, by next year, I should get back to working again.
And what kind of roles are you looking at essaying?
I���ve always been particular about the kind of roles I���ve done. There was a time when heroines were used as mere props in the film. But even then, I did manage to hold my own. I did what seemed interesting to me then. Things have changed now, and it���s a very favourable phase for heroines, as there are a number of directors willing to experiment with women as protagonists. I���m certainly looking at doing an author-backed role and play a woman of substance where the storyline would revolve around me. I would do a film with a good director and cameraman as they are the key people in making or breaking a film.
So, would you be open to doing a Bengali film?
See, you really cannot plan these things. Were someone to approach me, and if I were to like the script, I shall most certainly go ahead with it. Language can never be a barrier to doing great work.
Any plans of turning director?
I live each day as it comes. I don���t think too much about the future. If it has to happen, it will. Right now, I would like to concentrate on my acting career.
Of late, there���s been a sharp increase in the number of heroines dabbling with the small screen. Do we get to see more of you on television?
I always believed in treading uncharted territory, which is why I took up a challenging role in the serial Saheb, Bibi aur Ghulam. Not too many Bollywood heroines have taken up a mega serial. But since I liked what I was doing, I didn���t think twice. Ditto for the children���s show that I judged. I did it simply because I love kids, and wanted to do something with them. If something similar were to come my way, I���m all for it.
A successful actor, a wife and now a mother of two, does this complete you?
Oh, yes! Marriage has made me secure. And having children has made me feel complete. Nothing gives you a greater high than seeing your children grow up in front of your eyes, taking their first steps, saying their first words. Every moment is worth living.
Are your kids aware about the aura of Raveena Tandon?
(Laughs) Not yet. They are still taking baby steps. For them, I���m a person to play with and tell them bedtime stories.
As a parting shot, how would you want people to remember you?
As someone who came, saw and conquered.