‘Dubai has something for everyone’

Raveena Tandon is looking slim, svelt and gorgeous; feeling great, enjoying motherhood and readying herself for a super fabulous comeback into Bollywood ‘if the role is right’. 

You look ravishing on the cover of the magazine Kohl.

What I love about Kohl is that it has a soul and substance. It feels great to be a part of it. When I said yes for the cover it was because of the relevant issues the magazine highlights each month. This month they have talked about women being emotionally abused and a really powerful story on how 25 million children live on the streets of Asian countries and how they become drug addicts and victims of abuse before they even reach adulthood.

We believe you are in Dubai for a very special occasion.

Kohl has created a cover in association with Damas which is the most expensive magazine in the world. They will be auctioning this at the event for the Rashid Pediatric Centre. I will be helping with the auction and I will also be the chief guest. I am taking my kids along as at their age I can’t leave them behind. Anil will follow a day or two later.

What is it that you love about Dubai?

Dubai is one of the best cities in the world today. It has something for everyone. I will take my kids skiing at the Mall of the Emirates. My children are really excited about going to Wild Wadi. We also plan to go on a desert safari and dune bashing all of which is a great adventure for us. Anil and I have been to Dubai many times and we have always enjoyed it but this is the first time my kids are accompanying us hence we are all very excited.

We hear that you are spending your birthday in Dubai this year. What are you planning to do on this special day?

I will be spending my birthday [October 26 ] with the Kohl family. I am sure it will be special for them too, what with the Awards Function and Auction. I return to Mumbai on October 27 as I will be shooting and plan to spend  Diwali with my family, parents  and in-laws.

Any memorable birthday that you cherish forever?

All birthdays have been special to me. I think the most memorable was the surprise party that Anil had planned for my birthday. We had just got married and it was really special. We always end up partying three nights in a row on my birthday. One day before the birthday, second day being my birthday and the third is usually Diwali. In 2004 Anil proposed to me on my birthday which is another memorable reason for me to cherish my birthday.

Are there any birthday gifts that you treasure the most?

Actually I love presents so I start reminding all my friends a week in advance. I love surprises and I get beautiful presents which I keep and use. I believe one is never too old to receive presents be it on birthdays or any other occasion.

I think my best birthday gift was my engagement ring which Anil gave me on my birthday. It is a very cute little two karat rock which I cherish the most. I wear this ring on Karva Chauth and on my wedding anniversary each year. After that he gave me a whopper of a 14 karat rock diamond as my wedding ring which I always wear as a symbol of our togetherness.

You have been busy lately with your kids, do you miss acting?

I am taking things step by step. I do not want to make a strong jump. I have started work on a reality show which I have to shoot only on Mondays ‘Chak De’. I have also started hearing scripts, sitting for sessions and meetings at my house which keeps me busy. Hopefully I may sign two films early next year.

You have been doing a lot of television work these days, any particular reason for that?

Television is very easy to begin with. It requires much less time. My son was four or six months old when I did my first show. It was easier to get back to work this way. It required one day in the week  to shoot and was not too stressful. I enjoy ‘Chak De Shehar Di Kudiya Galle De Gunde’ now, like I enjoyed ‘Chak De Bachche’ on 9x.

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Favourite restaurants in Dubai… 

Zuma in London is one restaurant I cannot miss going to. I love the décor, the fusion Japanese cuisine and most importantly the superb presentation. And now I hear it has opened in Dubai. This is one restaurant I’m really looking forward to visit.

Favourite cuisines

I love Chinese and I love Shwarma. Bangkok has great oriental food. I am not that adventurous with food. I only eat chicken and fish which is my cut off point. I cannot eat strange meats like frogs legs, monkeys etc.

Favourite shopping malls in Dubai.

Mall of the Emirates. My favourite brand is Gucci. I love the clothes, their bags and eye wear. Another is Louis Vuitton. I do not wear leather as I am totally against it. Sunglasses from Gucci, Feragamo and Marc Jacobs

Favourite shopping destination in the world?

Milan. Because you can’t get closer or better to what comes out of Milan. Lots of variety!

Getaways for holidays?

I would love to go to Capri on the Amalfi Coast and to Lake Como! I also love the South of France – especially Cape Ferrat. And in India I would love to visit Amarnath, Maansarovar and Leh in Ladakh. I have never been there, would definitely want to go there some day.