‘People have not forgotten me’ says Raveena Tandon

Raveena Tandon who has a blink-and-miss role in Bombay Velvet is on cloud nine with the response

There were whistles and claps both the times you appeared on screen…
The feedback has been overwhelming and I am very grateful. It’s not what I was expecting. But now I know people haven’t forgotten me. Earlier you wouldn’t get such feedback so quickly. Now with the social media you get instant reactions. I did the film for fun. When I was in Sri Lanka, they would start shooting as early as 6 am and I would ask them: ‘How are you guys doing this?’ I spoke to Anurag and told him that you have divided the country into halves, some love your movie and some hate it.
 
Are you planning to go to the theatres to see the reaction for yourself?
I used to do that earlier. I would love to. It’s a great feeling. Everyone likes to be appreciated for their work. We used to hear in the ’90s of people throwing coins and whistling. Maybe I will go, let’s see.
 
Didn’t you feel that with more screen time you could have made a larger impact?
People assumed that it was a long guest appearance and expected a lot from me. To tell you the truth, it makes me feel wanted. But it’s just a guest appearance and not a comeback film. My role got hyped, but there was never any role. I remember we were shooting the song in Sri Lanka and we shot it in one take, like a performance — 300 audience members and 200 unit members gave me a standing ovation. Anurag had also tweeted this, may be that’s when the buzz started. Choreographer Ashley, who has worked with so many actors, told me he loved my performance.
 
Why do you think everyone is attacking the film?
Honestly, I don’t know what went wrong. When I saw the film I felt it was fabulous, the setting, and bringing back the ’60s. I know many who have loved the film. But then that is Anurag for you. No one can take away the fact that he is the country’s best director.
 
What is his state of mind right now? He wrote a long post after the film released.
I can’t really comment on his state of mind. But I think it’s a superb gesture to write that post, thank everyone and boost the morale of his team.

Will we now get to see you in more films?
I would rather spend more time with my kids than rushing from one studio to another. It all depends on the script. If it moves me, why not?