Actress Raveena Tandon was just 21 years old when she decided to adopt two daughters in the 90s.
Driven by the desire to give them a better future, Raveena Tandon adopted daughters – Pooja, and Chaaya – without getting bothered by society’s regressive thought process.It is quite heart-touching how she helped these two beautiful young ladies to create a beautiful life for themselves. Her younger daughter, Chhaya is an air hostess, while her elder daughter, Pooja is an event manager, who is now a mom to a son.
Raveena Tandon Marriage & Children
Raveena adopted two daughters – Pooja and Chaaya in the year 1995. And, almost a decade later, Raveena married film producer Anil Thadani in 2004. Now, they are parents to daughter Rasha, 14, and son Ranbir, 11, along with Pooja & Chaaya. How Raveena dedicated herself fully to four of her kids is quite inspiring.
Raveena Tandon Adoption Journey
While sharing her inspiring adoption journey, Raveena mentioned:
“This was before Mohra (1994). My mother and I used to visit orphanages like Asha Sadan on our weekends. When my cousin passed away he left behind two young daughters, Chaya and Pooja. I didn’t like the way their guardian was treating them so I took them home with me. I didn’t think much of it. It came naturally to me. I wanted to give the girls the life they deserved. I’m not a multibillionaire but I do what I can to help.”
Rather than applauding her heartwarming gesture, it was disheartening how some regressive minds had concerns about it. But Raveena didn’t let these negative voices bother her.
“Some people wondered what would happen to the two children once I got married. They said no one would marry me as I came with excess baggage. But I said I come in a package deal: my children, my dogs and me. Take it or leave it. Fortunately my husband (Anil Thadani) and in-laws dote on the girls.”
Raveena Has No Regrets About Her Adoption Decision
Though it has been more than 2 decades since that decision, Raveena shared how she hasn’t once regretted her decision:
“From the time I held the girls’ hands when we were taking our first flight, to walking them down the aisle, to holding my first grandchild in my arms, every moment has been priceless. They love my biological children, Rasha and Ranbirvardhan. They pay it forward by being kind to others. Every Mother’s Day the girls send me cards and letters saying how much they love me. What more can any mother ask for?”
On the marriage of one of her daughters, Raveena spoke to HT about her beautiful relationship with her daughters,
“My daughters are my best friends. I remember, when I got married, they were the ones who sat in the car and led me to the mandap. And now, I got the chance to walk them down the aisle.”
Becoming A Mother At 21 Wasn’t Easy
But becoming a mother at the age of 21 was not easy. It was full of challenges, but Raveena was all ready for it. Sharing how her family support was crucial in this journey, she mentioned:
“I didn’t think too much at that time about how I would manage it. I knew that I could afford to bring up and give a great life to two children and I went ahead with it. I am so proud of them today. But of course, I could not have done it without my family.”
Raveena’s Advice For Parents Who Want To Adopt
Raveena also shared her two cents for people planning to adopt:
“If you’re thinking of adopting a child, don’t start with apprehensions. Don’t have negative thoughts. Be sure of your own self, be sure that you can do justice. When you get your child, you will be swamped by natural parental feelings because blood is not thicker than water. If you’re strong, brave, compassionate and have it in you to love a child, then you’ll love that adopted child through everything, even tantrums. You don’t deserve to adopt if you have apprehensions.”
At IFORHER, we are in awe of Raveena’s heart-touching gesture that gave Chhaya and Pooja a fair chance at life.
As a society, we need to celebrate role models like Raveena Tandon, Sushmita Sen, Shefali Jariwala, and many more, who are helping our society to change its outlook towards adoption. Hope many more will follow their lead.