‘I HAVE TO FEND FOR MYSELF’

Tabu says that it’s important for her to take up projects where most of her requirements are met

Tabu is back to the mainstream movie genre after a hiatus. The actor, known for her intense portrayal of characters in serious cinema, is happy being back at comedy. “I always wanted to be part of Golmaal (series). When Rohit (Shetty; director) said there’s a role that’s the only serious character in the film, I understood that he has cast me accordingly,” laughs Tabu, whose last movie was Fitoor (2016).

“He has made me do what I am good at. For me, the objective was to be part of this madness, as I’ve always enjoyed watching this series. Also, I’ve known these people for a while. Rohit and the boys have created this brand. So, for me it was the least taxing task, as they’ve mastered it. I’m the new entrant, and I’ve just gone and enjoyed myself,” says the actor.

So, has her criteria for choosing films changed in this phase of her career? Tabu says, “Now, it is important for me to like the project in its entirety, and not just my role, to be part of it. At least 80% of the requirements should be met, kyunki kuch na kuch toh hamesha reh hi jaata hai (something or the other always gets left out).

“Sometimes everything else is good, but the money is not good, and some other times, the money is outstanding, but others things are not great. At times, the director is outstanding but your character is not great, and vice versa. Also, another question that bothers me is ‘Will I be looked after’? I want to do projects in which I am taken care of.

“I cannot take up just about anything, because it exhausts me. I am not in that space anymore, because you’re expending yourself as an actor, even off screen and in front of the media. I’ve to look out for myself because nobody else will.”

From the roles that Tabu has played in her career, she finds her character from Haider (2014) to be special. “Haider was in a new space. I don’t think anyone has attempted that kind of relationship between a mother and son, at least in Hindi films before that. Those layers of emotions have not been explored. It was a complex character for me to play, surrounded by so much more going on in the story. That is a personal milestone for me,” she says.

Tabu has always chosen to maintain her personal space and successfully balanced work and personal life. Talking about her interests beyond films, she says, “I listen to music. And, I’ve learned classical music. Also, I have been doing yoga for many years. I write in my free time, it’s a need. Besides, I like to explore nature. I can spend any amount of time with nature. I’ve been to places such as Sikkim alone, and spent weeks in resorts looking at Kanchanjunga. I am happy when I am with nature.”

I can’t take up just about anything; it exhausts me. I am not in that space anymore, because you’re expending yourself as an actor, even off screen and in front of the media TABU, ACTOR