Zamaana Deewana completes 31 years: Raveena Tandon says only one of four films with SRK materialised | Exclusive
Mumbai: As Zamaana Deewana completes 31 years on July 28, actor Raveena Tandon looks back on her memories of the 1995 film, her experience of working with Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, and the projects that never made it to the big screen.
In an exclusive interview with News9 Digital, the actor also revealed that she had signed four films with Shah Rukh Khan, but only Zamaana Deewana eventually materialised. She also spoke about her bond with the Khans of Bollywood and the success of Welcome to the Jungle. Read the full excerpts here.
Raveena Tandon interview: Key excerpts
Q: As Zamaana Deewana completes 31 years, what memories do you have of the film?
Raveena Tandon: My memories of Zamaana Deewana are filled with happiness. It was a wonderful time working with Shah Rukh Khan, Ramesh Sippy ji, Farah Khan, Anupam Kher and the entire team. We had an amazing time together on the sets.
Q: What was your experience of working with Sippy Films?
Raveena Tandon: After Patthar Ke Phool (1991), Ramesh ji and Sippy Films became like mentors to me. I worked with them on several projects after my debut, including Aatish (1994), Zamaana Deewana (1995) and Aranyak (2021). Working with them has always felt like being at home, and they’ve always been incredibly supportive.
Q: How was Shah Rukh Khan as a co-star?
Raveena Tandon: Shah Rukh has always been witty, funny and wonderful to work with. He’s such a gentleman. Even off-screen, he’s a very warm, loving and caring person. He’s never someone who keeps to himself or creates distance. That warmth has always been one of his greatest qualities.
Q: Did you ever discuss Sholay with Ramesh Sippy while working on Zamaana Deewana?
Raveena Tandon: Not at that time. But recently, we met at a social event where he also met my daughter, Rasha. I had also conducted a masterclass at the Sippy Films Academy, and I told him that when Rasha wanted to learn about cinema, the first film I showed her, among the classics by our industry’s greatest directors, was Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay. He was deeply touched by that. It has always been a pleasure working with him, and I consider it my good fortune and honour to have worked with Sippy sahab (GP Sippy).
Q: You and Shah Rukh Khan did not work together again after Zamaana Deewana. Why?
Raveena Tandon: It’s quite uncanny because I had actually signed four films with Shah Rukh, but for one reason or another, they never materialised. I had signed a film called Jadoo with him. I had almost signed Darr, and there was another film whose name I don’t remember now. We were supposed to work together on two or three projects.
I eventually opted out of English Babu Desi Mem and Darr. Jadoo was a film that I had signed, and its music was excellent. Unfortunately, the film’s director passed away, after which the project was stalled and eventually shelved. Sadly, Shah Rukh and I haven’t had the chance to work together since then.
Q: You’ve shared screen space with all three Khans. How do you look back at those experiences?
Raveena Tandon: I’ve been fortunate enough to work with all the Khans of the film industry. But for me, they have always been friends first and co-stars later. Working with Saif Ali Khan has also been a lot of fun. I did three films with Aamir Khan, and that was a wonderful experience too. I’ve worked with Shah Rukh and Salman as well. We continue to remain friends off-screen, and they’ve all been true forces to reckon with in the industry.
Q: Welcome to the Jungle received a positive response from audiences. How do you feel about its success?
Raveena Tandon: I’m very happy that Welcome to the Jungle has been appreciated and has done well, especially at a time when films are struggling to find success. A hit has become quite rare these days, so I’m genuinely delighted for the entire team, especially Firoz bhai (Nadiadwala), Ahmed, who is also a close friend, and everyone who worked so hard on the film. The movie succeeded despite several challenges, and only Ahmed and Firoz bhai truly know what it took to complete it. I’m extremely happy that the film has been successful.