Salman is like family: Tabu

Very selective about the films she does, actor Tabu’s reason for taking a role is simple: the journey has to be gratifying. Her last hit, Golmaal Again, became one of the highest grossing films of 2017, and this year she’ll be seen in two contrasting films. Tabu talks about her journey and her equation with Salman Khan, as she readies to work with him in Bharat.

Are you rediscovering yourself as an actor and as a person?

As a person, yes. I’m not sure about all, but some of us do, because we’re making journeys, especially in the field that I am in. It was bound to bring me to a place where there are changes and you grow. Though the essence of you is always the same. Main apni journey ko sirf kaam se relate nahi karti hoon. I’m at a place where I’m very different from who I was even five years ago. That’s what I’m enjoying the most right now. Aap mein jo changes aate wahi bahar bhi reflect hote hain. It’s fantastic and I’ve reached a place where I can be objective about it.

You seem to be neither swayed by success nor affected by failure...

My essence has stayed the same. Kuch cheezein karne ka tarika badla hai. Others, who’ve seen my journey and my life, will be in a better position to answer this question. I’ve never thought about these things. Whenever I felt like working, I worked, and jo achha nahi laga woh bilkul nahi kiya. I have a strong opinion about what I don’t want to do. It saves me the heartache.

That means there’s a strong sense of selfawareness...

Yes. But you shouldn’t give so much significance to anything, apart from your own set of values and principles.

You’ll be working with Salman Khan in Bharat. Is your equation with him still the same?

Salman is like family. I have a cameo in Bharat, but it’s a nicely written part. I think I’ve done the maximum number of films with Ajay (Devgn) and then Salman. It’s always nice to go back to working with Salman. You see how the relationship has stayed alive for so many years.

You’re among the 20 Indians invited to join the Oscar academy.

It’s a huge honour and global recognition. It is something I’ll hold dear to me, all my life.

PHOTO: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT Tabu has a cameo in the Salman Khanstarrer Bharat