Rasha Thadani and her younger brother Ranbirvardhan Thadani are marking Raksha Bandhan with a candid conversation about their relationship, one shaped by distance, admiration, and a mother who worked hard to keep them out of the spotlight growing up. For Ranbirvardhan, currently studying in London, the interview marks his first-ever media appearance.
What does Raksha Bandhan mean to them now?
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Rasha said the festival has taken on a different meaning as the siblings have grown older, especially since her brother moved abroad. “Earlier Raksha Bandhan used to be a means of getting together with family and celebrating, but now I understand the true meaning of it. It’s about knowing we both would always be there for each other and protect one another, especially after him having moved to London for studies,” she shared.She also recalled a moment from their childhood when their mother, actress Raveena Tandon, entrusted her with a protective role in Ranbirvardhan’s life, telling him, “She isn’t around, I am his sister-mumma.”
Ranbirvardhan on Rasha Thadani’s protective nature
Ranbirvardhan described his elder sister as a constant source of support, someone who has always looked out for him. “Rasha has always been concerned and worried about me. She always tries to take care of me and solve all my problems. She is very protective of me,” he said. The siblings also keep things light-hearted Ranbirvardhan revealed he now touches Rasha’s feet during Raksha Bandhan, a gesture he uses partly to tease her. “It’s a big part of the Indian culture but I do it as a bit of a joke, showing that she is growing so old,” he joked.
Rasha Thadani on her brother’s independence
With Ranbirvardhan living independently in London for his studies, Rasha expressed admiration for how he’s adapted to life away from home. “I’m proud of him, no matter what he does. The fact that he’s even there studying abroad alone with us not being there with him every day, I don’t think I would be able to do that. I always need emotional support and some sort of familial connection with me. But he’s so independent and really strong,” she said. She also noted that her brother tends to keep his emotions guarded, becoming visibly affected only when leaving home or returning after time away. Echoing that sentiment, Ranbirvardhan admitted the distance has been harder than he lets on. “I just miss having someone who I can go and sit with, and just talk about the little things without any consequences. I miss my sister.”
Thadani siblings growing up away from limelight
Despite being raised by one of Bollywood’s most recognisable actresses, Rasha said their mother went to considerable lengths to shield them from public attention as children. “Mom did a really good job protecting us from everything that comes with the limelight. We’ve not had that much exposure, as children, to the highs and lows of it. We got lucky that the school Ranbir and I went to, I see kids getting papped there. But when we were there, we didn’t have any of that. We were very lucky to live a life where not everyone was like, ‘oh you are your celeb mom’s children,'” she shared.Ranbirvardhan added that growing up around his mother’s fame made it easier for him to understand and accept the attention now directed at Rasha. “I’m already a little used to having someone in my family with a fan following because of my mum, so I find it with Rasha also completely normal. I see her as my sister and nothing else. But when people come and talk to me about her, I do understand how big her fan following is and I do appreciate it.“
Raksha Bandhan plans this year
With Ranbirvardhan home for his summer break, the siblings are set to celebrate the festival together in person. Asked about gift plans for Rasha, he admitted he’d need to consult her directly, before offering a cheeky guess of his own. “I would have to sit and figure out what she actually wants. I think her favourite gift would be just another dog to add to the existing seven that we already have.”Rasha Thadani was last seen in ‘Azaad’, the period drama that released in theatres on January 17, 2025.
