A solid second innings for Raveena

In a smart move to garner more TRPs, channel 9x, a recent entrant into the world of entertainment, has roped in former actress Raveena Tandon as a judge on the show Chak De Bacche. Raveena has also been busy helping husband Anil Thadani with his film distribution business. Mother of two, she looks as ravishing as ever when we meet her.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview ...

What is the mantra of your beauty?
(Laughs) I believe in doing service from within my heart. Be it on the home front or for my kids, I remain happy and also believe in caring and sharing. Right now I'm enjoying my motherhood. Each day brings different feelings and responsibilities and I try to live up to the necessities. I do not brood over yesterday or crave for tomorrow. Whatever life has in store for me will come to me. Contentment and joy are all that I care for at the moment.

Why did you opt to judge a TV show?
I took up this show only because I cannot devote myself totally to the hard core industry appointments. My kids Rasha and Ranbirvardhan are very small and they need to be attended to by me at this tender age. So I decided to judge this show. I don't need to devote too much of my time for my work. One thing I like about the show is that it is organised in a very systematic manner and is less time consuming. No one needs to put in long hours so it is also good for the kids too as they can concentrate on their studies as well. The director wraps up on time, hence it becomes hassle free.

Don't you feel this show - based on the differences between the urban and rural kids - will create a complex amongst the participants and the viewers too?
Changes are phenomenal. Our country has a bundle of talented lot. I do not think any such difference will create any complexities within the identities. I noticed the kids from small towns to be very intelligent and they do not suppress their feelings as such. Whatever they feel they promptly express unhesitatingly. This show is just meant to showcase talents from the nook and corner of our country. If at all any kid has a complex after watching this show he will change and try to get into a healthy competition, which is very essential.

Do you miss not having such platforms during your childhood? The stage to showcase one's talent wasn't so easily available...
Oh, yes! During our times how simple we used to be. Studies, sports and back home in a simplistic way was the schedule. But these days kids are over awed with fashionable dresses and hip behaviour. They are lucky enough that they are getting these platforms to showcase their talent which we did miss. The kids of today also know how to make the best use of such talents. I appreciate one thing in them - confidence. If they utilise the experience they gather in the right direction there will be no looking back for them.

So how do you judge them?
It indeed is a difficult job. All of them are so talented that I get confused while giving them the right grades. I try to question myself and finally gauge them with all my sincerity hoping to do justice to each one.

Do you see your kids participating too?
No, right now they are too small to take part in any show.

What's your kids' take on your working? Don't they miss you?
The elder one Rasha goes shouting excitedly ‘I can see two-two mammas!' when we are watching the show together. They don't miss me because I don't stay away from them for a long period of time.

Are they already getting ready to step in your shoes?
Could be, but it's too early to say. Only the time will tell...