Bollywood has challenging roles for married actresses: Raveena

Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon feels the film industry has changed has more challenging roles to offer for married woman.

"I think the industry has changed a lot as compared to past 15-20 years. Today married women are offered challenging roles. We see Shabanaji, Sharmilaji, Hemaji, Aishwarya and others playing varied roles and are part of some fantastic movies," Raveena said.

Raveena, who is married to film distributor Anil Thadani, has not acted in films since 2006. Her last film was 'Sandwich' opposite Govinda.

The actress who has started her second innings in Bollywood said, "As actresses get married they have very little to offer as they have other responsibilities. But thanks to the industry which is more open today." 

But the 35-year-old actress known for peppy performances like 'Kisi disco mein jayeen kisi hotel Khaae...', 'Apne diwane ka kar de burra hal, ke akhiyon se goli mare…' feels little sad that these kinds of offers do not come her way. 

The national award wining actress is quick enough to add that, Kareena and Priyanka are doing those kinds of moves much better. 

Raveena, who took voluntary retirement from the silver screen as the glamour girl post her marriage, reveals that she was offered loads of script but nothing seems to have excited her much.

"I have been going through lots of scripts but I am inclined to roles like I played in 'Shool', 'Daman' and 'Satta', something more evolved and something that suits my personality now," she said.

Raveena who is playing lead role in Rajeev Walia's 'Agni - The Fire' said, she feels fortunate to be part of this film. "The movie is about women empowerment. We do talk about India's development and how far it has reached but today also women in rural areas face problems," she said.

Raveena will be seen making her Bengali debut in Raja Sen's 'Laboratory' which is based on a story written by Rabindranath Tagore. The film revolves around a scientist, an uneducated Sikh woman (Raveena) and her daughter. 

"Sohini (Raveena) gets married to a Bengali scientist, who dies soon, how the woman decides to educate herself and ensure her husband's works live on is what makes up the story," she said.

The actress will also be seen in 'Aap Ke Liye Hum'. The film which is a remake of Tamil film 'June R' stars Jaya Bachchan, Manisha Koirala, Raveena, Ayesha Takia and Ranvir Shorey.

"Aap Ke Liye Hum is about an adopted mother, played by Jaya, abandoned by her wretched son, played by Ranvir," Raveena said.