She is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses to have worked in Hindi cinema. At 47, Tabu is still going strong and continues to be a part of memorable films. In this interview, she talks about her new film ‘De De Pyaar De’, desire to work with Gulzar, not getting an award for ‘Andhadhun’ and more.
There are reports of you doing a show for Netflix which will be directed by Mira Nair.
They have not announced it yet, so I will not be able to comment on it.
Right from the beginning of your career, you have maintained a fine balance between doing commercial and offbeat films. Was that a conscious decision?
Now, everything has become commercial (laughs). It was not a conscious decision but I feel fortunate to have got the opportunity to work in such a diverse variety of films.
‘Haider’ is probably the only Hindi film which explored the Oedipus complex.
Yes, it was brave of Vishal (Bhardwaj) to attempt something like this. The relationship between Shahid (Kapooor) and me was shown in a very sensitive and mature way.
You are a part of ‘Bharat’ but we did not get to see you in the trailer.
It is a cameo. I share a great rapport with Salman (Khan) and his family and it is always nice to be a part of a film he is doing.
You have collaborated with Gulzar on two brilliant films ‘Maachis’ and ‘Hu Tu Tu’.
Yes, the character that I played in ‘Hu Tu Tu’ continues to be one of my favourite roles. I feel very fortunate about the fact that I got the opportunity to play such complex roles at such a young age. I hope he directs a film again and I get to be a part of it.
What is your take on awards? A lot of people think you should have won at least a couple of awards for ‘Andhadhun’.
I think it feels great for anyone to win an award. Everybody knows who deserves an award and who does not. I am really the last person to answer as to why I did not get an award for ‘Andhadhun’.
You are not on social media except for Instagram.
I love Instagram! I post something only when I want to. I was on Facebook till two-three years back. I do not have the time to be on Twitter.
How was it working with the late Dev Anand in your first ever film ‘Hum Naujawan’?
Dev saab used to have a permanent room in Sun N Sand hotel (the place where this interview was taken). I was in school when I shot for the film, so he treated me like a small, little girl. I did not interact with him much when we shot for the film as I was not familiar with this whole world of films. Whenever I met him after that, I always kept in touch with him. He lived his life to the fullest. He had a very positive approach towards life. I have never seen him being sad or upset with anything.
You have done films as diverse as a ‘Vijaypath’ and a ‘Maachis’. What are the kind of films you like watching?
I like watching films of all genres and types. It depends on my mood actually. I expect a film to engage me and give me the kind of experience I never had before.
