When it comes to Bollywood actresses who have left an indelible mark on the big screen, Tabu definitely makes the list with the other few. With her extraordinary performances and the ability to put herself into the shoes of complex and strong characters, Tabu has carved a niche for herself in the hearts of many. With Crew in theatres, Tabu has given us another movie with a brilliant performance. Tabu stepped onto the big screen at the age of 14 and has given some mindblowing and unconventional performances to date. So, for those of you who aren’t Tabufied yet, here are a few films where Tabu broke societal norms and stereotypes with bold characters.
1. Cheeni Kum (2007)
Directed by R. Balki, Cheeni Kum is a romance comedy that explores the themes of love, relationships and its complexities. In this film, Tabu takes on the role of a woman who finds herself falling in love with a man much older than herself, played by veteran star Amitabh Bachchan. Considering the unconventional story at the given time, Tabu’s portrayal of the character takes you through the odds and complexities of their relationship with almost feeling the intense emotion of love and pain throughout the movie.
2. Andhadhun (2018)
In Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun, Tabu has delivered an applaudable performance as an antagonist of the story. Tabu’s role in the film is that of a woman tangled in a web of intrigue and deceit. This suspense thriller keeps you on the edge of your seats throughout the film with its unpredictable and enigmatic narrative. Tabu plays an unconventional character who is layered with shades of ambiguity, making it impossible for the viewers to understand her true motives until the very end. Alongside actors Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte and more, Andhadhun makes sure to give the viewers an ending that leaves them in awe.
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3. Crew (2024)
Tabu’s recent movie Crew is out in theatres right now and has received a lot of praise for the performances. There is no denying that Tabu’s performance stands out in this comedy-led heist. Tabu’s perfect comic time as Geetu, a flight attendant is quite remarkable. Adding complexities into the characters of a comedy film and that too a women-led comedy film, Tabu and the cast did a great job delivering the first women-centric heists in Bollywood. With women being called “strategic” when they have a calculative approach, and it is not an appreciated trait in women for the world, Tabu’s work as a calculative flight attendant turned smuggler is a real threat to our hearts.
4. A Suitable Boy (2020)
A Suitable Boy is a critically acclaimed web series based on the novel by Vikram Seth which might be one of my favourite characters of Tabu. In this drama, Tabu plays the role of Saeeda Bai, a courtesan. Saeeda Bai gets entangled in the complexities of a forbidden romance as she falls in love with a man younger than her, played by Ishaan Khatar. Through her role in A Suitable Boy, Tabu beautifully portrays the poignancy of love against the harsh backdrop of Societal expectations and conventions.
5. Khufiya (2023)
Khufiya is an action thriller where Tabu portrays the character of intelligence officer Krishna Mehta. In this thriller drama, Tubu’s work as an intelligence officer is a masterclass in emotional depth and resilience. Tabu navigates through the complexities of surveillance, perfectly infusion her character with complex layers of vulnerability making her performance hauntingly authentic.
Also Read: Khufiya Trailer: Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi Promise A Twisted Spy Thriller
6. Chandi Bar (2001)
Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, Chandi Bar is a crime drama that explores the landscapes of crimes in the city of Mumbai. Tabu delivers a powerful and complex performance as Mumtaz as she gets caught in this world of crime. This film brings a realistic and harsh portrayal of reality to the audience through Tabu’s role. The film delves into the themes of issues faced by marginalized women in the society.
Tell us which one is your favourite!