From a college dropout with a first film offer in hand to a single mother who defied societal norms at 21 this Bollywood icon has lived a life full of bold choices big screens and an even bigger heart. As she celebrates another year of life it’s the perfect moment to reflect on her extraordinary journey from a college student with dreams to one of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses. Yes we are talking about none other than Raveena Tandon celebrated for her talent charm and fearless choices. Raveena has consistently challenged norms both on and off the screen. Here are a few things you might not know about her. Whats special about her name? The actresss name is a distinctive combination of the names of her parents. Raveena is a combination of her mothers name Veena Tandon and her fathers name Ravi Tandon. Her maternal uncle the late actor Mac Mohan also gave her the endearing moniker Munmun. Early professional experience Raveena was an intern before entering the performing industry. At the public relations and advertising company Genesis PR she assisted renowned adman Prahlad Kakkar. She received a cinematic break during this period after photographer-director Shantanu Sheorey saw her potential. Dropout from College Raveena pursued her further schooling at Mumbais Mithibai College. She only finished the first two years of her BA degree though and ultimately made the decision to drop out. After getting her first acting offer the actress decided to drop out of college to focus entirely on her developing film career. Being Adopted as an Unmarried Mother In 1995 Raveena adopted two girls Pooja and Chhaya at the young age of 21 demonstrating her maturity and independence. She defied social conventions at the time by choosing to raise her distant cousins children who were 8 and 11 alone. Bollywood debut film In 1991 the actress made her Bollywood debut. Her debut motion picture was Patthar Ke Phool an action flick in which she costarred with Salman Khan. The actress won the coveted Lux New Face of the Year Filmfare Award for her work in this film. A co-star was a former classmate. Alongside another Bollywood star Raveena recalled her time in school and college. At Jamnabai Narsee School and then Mithibai College Raveena and actor Ajay Devgn were classmates. After they both started working in the film industry she recalled being offended when he later failed to recognise her. Engagement with co-Star During the 1994 filming of Mohra Raveena Tandon and her co-star Akshay Kumar developed a well-known romance. According to reports the couple became engaged but their romance ended. Later Raveena called off the engagement for several reasons including his alleged flamboyant ways. An Adolescent Grandmother The unusual distinction of becoming a reasonably young grandmother belongs to Raveena Tandon. A few years ago Chhaya her adopted daughter gave birth to a boy. Pooja Chhaya Rasha and Ranbirvardhan are Raveenas four children. Highlights: Raveena adopted two daughters at the age of 21 challenging societal norms. Made her Bollywood debut in Patthar Ke Phool alongside Salman Khan winning Lux New Face of the Year. Now a grandmother Raveena continues to inspire with her fearless choices in life and career.