Raveena Tandon says making people laugh today without offending someone is tough: 'In the 90s, we weren't overthinking'

Veteran Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon has opened up about the evolving nature of comedy in Indian cinema, saying that making people laugh has become far more challenging today because of heightened sensitivities and the fear of offending audiences.

Speaking in a recent interview, Tandon reflected on how comedy has changed since the 1990s, an era she described as one where filmmakers and viewers approached humour with fewer inhibitions.

"Making people laugh today without offending someone is tough. In the '90s, we weren't overthinking," the actor said, adding that comedy has become increasingly difficult in an environment where jokes are often scrutinised through multiple social, cultural and political lenses.

Tandon, who starred in several successful comedy films during the 1990s alongside actors such as Govinda, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan, noted that humour from that period was more spontaneous and less burdened by concerns over public backlash. She suggested that creators today must carefully consider how different sections of society may interpret their work.

The actor clarified that while society has become more aware and sensitive to issues of representation, the challenge lies in striking a balance between responsible storytelling and preserving the freedom to create light-hearted entertainment.

Her remarks come at a time when comedians and filmmakers frequently find themselves at the centre of online debates over jokes, dialogues and scenes that some viewers deem offensive. In recent years, several films, stand-up comedy performances and web series have faced criticism or legal complaints over their content.

Tandon acknowledged that evolving social norms have encouraged greater accountability in entertainment but also observed that excessive scrutiny can sometimes discourage creative risk-taking. According to her, comedy thrives when creators have the confidence to experiment without constantly worrying about unintended reactions.

Having worked in the film industry for more than three decades, Tandon has witnessed significant changes in audience preferences, storytelling styles and the rise of social media, which has amplified public reactions to films and performances almost instantly.

Her comments have resonated with many fans online, with some agreeing that comedy has become more difficult to execute in the age of social media, while others argued that evolving standards of humour have helped make entertainment more inclusive and respectful.

As debates over creative freedom and audience sensitivities continue, Tandon's observations add to the broader conversation about how comedy is adapting to changing cultural expectations in contemporary cinema.