Raveena Tandon breaks silence on ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ criticism, says Bollywood is ‘losing’ funny female characters

Veteran actress Raveena Tandon has spoken candidly about the changing landscape of comedy in Bollywood, especially at a time when her latest film Welcome to the Jungle is facing criticism over its portrayal of female characters.

The actress, who made a mark in the 90s with iconic comedy films like Dulhe Raja, Pardesi Babu, and the cult classic Andaz Apna Apna, believes that Bollywood comedies have gradually reduced the depth and importance of women’s roles.

Speaking about the issue, Raveena looked back at the golden era of comedy and credited late superstar Sridevi for setting the benchmark.

Calling Sridevi the “gold standard” for comic performances by women in Indian cinema, Raveena praised her unforgettable acts in Mr. India and ChaalBaaz.

She particularly highlighted the legendary Hawa Hawai sequence and the Charlie Chaplin-inspired act in Mr. India, describing them as “sheer genius.” According to Raveena, Sridevi proved that a glamorous heroine could embrace slapstick, distort expressions, and still captivate audiences effortlessly.

Raveena also acknowledged actresses like Juhi Chawla, Geeta Bali, and Madhubala for their strong comic timing and natural wit.

But according to her, that space has changed dramatically.

She pointed out that modern comedy films have become more plot-driven and often revolve around large ensemble casts, leaving little room for female-led comic arcs.

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While she praised today’s actresses for being polished, talented, and capable of strong comic performances, she noted that scripts frequently confine them to glamorous support roles rather than allowing them to become the real drivers of humour.

Her message to the industry was clear — writers need to craft female characters who are not just beautiful, but also chaotic, imperfect, and genuinely funny.

The statement comes at an important time as Welcome to the Jungle continues to draw mixed reactions from audiences and critics, with some questioning whether Bollywood still gives enough room for women to shine in comedy beyond decorative roles.

For many fans, Raveena’s words are more than just an observation — they are a reminder of an era when female characters in comedy could be just as loud, wild, and unforgettable as their male counterparts.