Padma Shri recipient Raveena Tandon reflects on her successful career

Raveena Tandon, the recipient of the Padma Shri, was in disbelief when she heard the news. "I can hardly believe that I've been honored with the Padma Shri by the government. All of my hard work has finally paid off. I can't wait to get back to Mumbai," she expressed to Bollywood Hungama in an exclusive interview.

Currently, Raveena is attending a wedding in Bhopal, where she received the news. "I woke up to the good news on Thursday morning. My husband, film distributor Anil Thadani, who is in Mumbai, had no idea about it. I had to inform him that his wife is now Padma Shri Raveena," she says with a hearty laugh.

Raveena reflects on the past year, which has been both a triumph and a tragedy for her. "The past year has been a roller coaster. Professionally, it's been amazing, with my web series 'Aranyak' on Netflix and the blockbuster film 'KGF 2' being huge successes. But, it was also the year that I lost my father, who was a well-known producer-director. It was the hardest blow of my life, and I'm still processing the loss. My father would have been so proud of the Padma Shri," she says wistfully.

(All photos credit: officialraveenatandon)

Raveena is grateful to have received the honor at the midpoint of her life and career. She also expresses her happiness for her colleague MM Keeravani receiving the Padma Shri. "I'm lucky to have received this honor so early in my life and career. I'm also thrilled that MM Keeravani Sir has received the Padma Shri. His 'Naatu Naatu' has the world dancing to his tune, but even before that, he did amazing work," she says.

Raveena looks back on her career, which began when she was just 17 years old. "I've done all kinds of cinema, from Bade Miyan Chote Miyan to Shool, Rakshak to Ghulam-e-Mustafa, Bulundi to Khauff, Daman to Aks. I've always tried to balance escapism and real cinema. Some people think that doing the masala stuff is easy, but it's not. In fact, being real on screen is far easier," she reflects.

Raveena believes that the entertainment industry is experiencing a resurgence. "I watched 'Pathaan' and I was blown away. It's a pure mass entertainer and is sure to revive the industry. While the Padma Shri is a personal victory for me, the success of 'Pathaan' is a triumph for the entire industry. So, yes, I am on top of the world," she says.

When asked about her secret to looking beautiful, Raveena simply says, "It's just about eating and sleeping right. I try to eat healthy, only organic food. But, the most important thing is being happy and secure in life. If you're content, it will show on your face."