📅 July 03, 2026 : Veteran Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon believes that making audiences laugh in today’s social media-driven world has become far more challenging than it was during the 1990s, as filmmakers now have to constantly worry about offending someone or triggering online controversy.
In an interview, Tandon reflected on the golden era of 90s Bollywood comedy, describing it as spontaneous, fearless, and refreshingly uninhibited. According to the actor, the freedom that once defined comic storytelling has gradually diminished, with creators now carefully weighing every joke against the possibility of public backlash.
“Making people laugh without someone getting offended is probably the ultimate tightrope walk today. In the 90s, there was an innocent, uninhibited and unapologetic madness to our films. Govinda and I would react purely on instinct without worrying about how a joke would look in a 15-second social media clip or whether it would spark an online debate,” she said.
Tandon added that the raw, character-driven humour that defined the era has become increasingly rare because filmmakers are often forced to second-guess themselves.
“Comedy desperately needs the freedom to breathe. We’ve become far too cautious, and that affects the natural flow of humour,” she remarked.
Comedy Defined Her Commercial Success
Raveena Tandon credited comedy classics such as Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Aunty No. 1, Dulhe Raja, Pardesi Babu, and Aankhiyon Se Goli Maare for shaping her commercial identity in Bollywood.
While critically acclaimed performances in films like Daman and Satta earned her prestigious recognition, including the National Award, she believes comedy created the strongest emotional connection with audiences.
“Comedy has honestly been the backbone of my commercial career. If you can genuinely make people laugh, they keep you in their hearts forever. Even children who weren’t born in the 90s recognize me because those films continue to be watched on television and social media,” she said.
A Homecoming with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’
Tandon has now returned to the comedy genre with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, the latest installment of the successful Welcome franchise. The film reunites her with longtime co-stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, recalling the chemistry they shared in the blockbuster Mohra.
Describing the experience as nostalgic, she said returning to comedy felt like “coming home to a room full of old friends.”
The film, directed by Ahmed Khan, has opened strongly at the box office, crossing the ₹100 crore mark within its first week of release. Presented by Jio Studios in association with AA Nadiadwala, the film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Firoz A. Nadiadwala.
The ensemble cast includes Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Jackie Shroff, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Urvashi Rautela, Farida Jalal, Krushna Abhishek, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Vindu Dara Singh, Kiran Kumar, and Zakir Hussain, among others.
Sridevi Remains the Gold Standard
When asked about comic inspirations, Tandon paid glowing tribute to legendary actress Sridevi, calling her the ultimate benchmark for female comedy in Indian cinema.
She praised iconic performances in Mr. India and ChaalBaaz, saying Sridevi proved that a glamorous leading lady could embrace slapstick comedy, exaggerated expressions, and complete goofiness while still remaining captivating on screen.
Tandon also acknowledged Juhi Chawla for her effortless comic timing and remembered legendary actresses Geeta Bali and Madhubala for bringing wit and charm to classic Hindi cinema.
Need for Stronger Female Comic Roles
Expressing concern over the current state of comedy, Tandon observed that meaningful comic roles for women have significantly reduced over the years.
According to her, modern comedy films are often driven by elaborate plots or ensemble casts, leaving heroines with limited opportunities to showcase genuine comic talent.
She urged writers and filmmakers to create flawed, chaotic, and naturally funny female protagonists instead of restricting actresses to glamorous supporting roles or worrying excessively about political correctness.
Choosing Roles That Challenge Her
Reflecting on the current phase of her career, Tandon said she is no longer interested in conventional commercial formulas and instead seeks projects that offer creative satisfaction and challenge her as a performer.
Following acclaimed performances in Aranyak, Patna Shukla, and blockbuster KGF: Chapter 2, she said she is particularly drawn to stories featuring strong women navigating complex social realities.
“I want audiences to say, ‘She can do that too.’ I’m chasing scripts that surprise people and respect my maturity as an actor. I can’t relate to weak or passive characters because that’s simply not who I am in real life,” she said.
Emphasizing the changing role of women in society, Tandon concluded that cinema must increasingly reflect the resilience, strength, and determination displayed by women who balance careers, families, and systemic challenges every day.
