IANS reported that actress Raveena Tandon offered strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cultural initiatives during a visit to an art exhibition in Mumbai. The Bollywood performer, known for her film roles and advocacy for traditional crafts, spoke at length about India’s historical prominence while viewing works by artist Shivali Bhojbal at the Jehangir Art Gallery. Her remarks came as the government continues efforts to elevate the nation’s creative traditions on the international stage.
Tandon told IANS that the country once known as Akhand Bharat had earned worldwide fame for its achievements across multiple disciplines. She listed arts, crafts, music, literature and fields such as science and astrology as areas where India maintained a distinct identity for centuries. The comments reflected a view that these strengths form a continuous thread from ancient times into the modern era.
According to the IANS interview, the actress emphasised that India possesses abundant talent yet requires sustained campaigns to heighten awareness of its artistic forms. “This is nothing new, that our India is not filled with this talent. It is full of it. But yes, there is an awareness to bring that art form up,” she said. Such observations align with ongoing discussions among artists and officials about bridging domestic creativity with global audiences.
Tandon welcomed the Prime Minister’s personal involvement in the sector when speaking to IANS. “And if our honourable PM is taking that initiative, so I think it is fantastic because world over, the art that was and is there in our country, it should get recognition and should get more. I think for that, our push is necessary,” she added. Her endorsement arrives amid a series of governmental steps aimed at showcasing Indian heritage through diplomatic channels and public programmes.
Prime Minister Modi stated during his Mann Ki Baat radio programme in January 2026 that Indian culture and festivals have gained a growing international presence, with the diaspora playing an essential part in their preservation, an IANS report at the time noted. He pointed to communities in Malaysia that maintain Tamil-language schools and organise heritage walks linking the two nations. These examples illustrate the high-level priority placed on cultural outreach that Tandon referenced.
An Odisha-based talapatra artist told IANS in May 2026 that traditional crafts have begun receiving greater global respect under the current administration, crediting the Prime Minister’s selection of Indian gifts for foreign leaders. The artisan described positive feedback from overseas audiences for forms that previously received little attention. The sentiment parallels Tandon’s call for continued momentum in promoting the country’s creative legacy.
Raveena Tandon has maintained a consistent record of supporting Indian artisans, including a social media post on National Handloom Day in August 2026 that praised weavers for keeping cultural heritage alive, according to a separate IANS article. She also presented a traditional Pichwai painting to the Prime Minister in 2025, demonstrating her personal engagement with heritage arts. These actions provide context for her latest remarks at the Mumbai exhibition.
