Raveena Tandon adopts stray pup 'Zoya' from Welcome To The Jungle sets
Synopsis
A five-month-old stray puppy wandering onto the sets of 'Welcome To The Jungle' ended up doing what no script could — bringing Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Disha Patani together off-camera. Tandon has since adopted the dog, named her Zoya after her film character, and taken her home to her farmhouse.
Key Takeaways
Raveena Tandon adopted a stray puppy named Zoya from the sets of 'Welcome To The Jungle' .
The puppy, approximately five months old at the time, regularly wandered onto the shoot location.
Caring for the dog became a bonding activity for Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez , and Disha Patani , all self-described animal lovers.
Tandon arranged the puppy's vaccination on her last day of shoot before bringing her home to her farmhouse .
The name Zoya is drawn from Tandon's character in the film. 'Welcome To The Jungle' , directed by Ahmed Khan , released on 22 June to positive audience and critical reception.
Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon has revealed that a five-month-old stray puppy became an unexpected bonding force between her and co-stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Disha Patani on the sets of 'Welcome To The Jungle', which released on 22 June. Tandon has since adopted the puppy, naming her Zoya — after her character in the film.
How Zoya Won Over the Cast
Recalling the heartwarming episode, Tandon said the unit was shooting at a remote location where animals were rarely spotted. The lone exception was a young stray pup who would regularly wander onto the set. 'She slowly became a part of our daily routine. I grew very fond of her. Jacqueline and Disha are also animal lovers, so caring for her became something we all connected over,' Tandon said.
Over time, the puppy grew visibly comfortable around the crew, often settling close to the actors during breaks. The shared responsibility of looking after her gave the three co-stars a natural off-camera camaraderie that, by Tandon's own account, carried into their on-screen chemistry.
Adoption and a New Home
On her final day of shoot, Tandon arranged for the puppy's vaccination and transported her to her farmhouse. 'I have named her Zoya, after my character in the film. She is with me now,' the actor shared. The name is a deliberate nod to the role that brought her to the sets where the two first crossed paths.
A Consistent Record of Animal Welfare
This is far from the first time Tandon has stepped in for an animal in need. Known for decades as a vocal advocate for animal welfare, she has rescued stray dogs, birds, and cattle over the years and frequently documents these moments on social media. Most recently, she was spotted at a spiritual centre feeding and tending to calves and cows. During the journey to the centre, she reportedly noticed a lone puppy stranded on a highway and took it along with her — an impromptu rescue that drew wide appreciation online.
About Welcome To The Jungle
Directed by Ahmed Khan, 'Welcome To The Jungle' is the latest chapter in the long-running Welcome franchise. The comedy entertainer features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Lara Dutta, Kiku Sharda, Johnny Lever, and Rajpal Yadav, among others. The film has opened to positive responses from both audiences and critics since its release. With Zoya now settled at Tandon's farmhouse, the stray pup's journey from a remote film location to a permanent home may well be the film's most talked-about off-screen story.
Point of View
Feel-good narrative that travels further on social media than most promotional interviews — and that is precisely what makes it worth noting. Raveena Tandon's animal welfare record is long and consistent, which lends the episode credibility rather than the air of a publicity beat. What is subtler is the casting insight it offers: shared off-script moments — even ones involving a stray dog — can shape ensemble chemistry in ways a director cannot manufacture. For a franchise film leaning heavily on its cast's collective energy, that is not a trivial detail.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Raveena Tandon name her new dog Zoya?
Raveena Tandon named the puppy Zoya after her own character in 'Welcome To The Jungle', the film on whose sets she first encountered the stray dog. It was a personal nod to the role that brought her to the location where the two met.
How did Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Disha Patani bond on the sets of 'Welcome To The Jungle'?
The three actors bonded over caring for a five-month-old stray puppy that frequently wandered onto the shoot location. All three are animal lovers, and looking after the dog became a shared daily routine during the schedule.
When did 'Welcome To The Jungle' release and who directed it?
'Welcome To The Jungle' released on 22 June and was directed by Ahmed Khan. It is the latest instalment in the Welcome franchise and features a large ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, among others.
What is Raveena Tandon's history with animal rescue?
Raveena Tandon has a well-documented history of animal rescue and advocacy. She has rescued stray dogs, birds, and cattle over the years, and regularly shares such moments on social media. She recently rescued a puppy stranded on a highway while travelling to a spiritual centre.
Where is the puppy Zoya now?
Zoya is currently at Raveena Tandon's farmhouse. Tandon arranged for the puppy's vaccination on her last day of shoot before bringing her home, giving the stray a permanent residence.
