I REALLY VALUE FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS: TABU
Tabu refutes the ‘heavy-duty’ tag, says she is seen in lighter roles too, just like her latest release
Tabu’s name is at the very top when one talks about good Bollywood actors. This is owing to her ability to effortlessly tackle any character with utmost honesty — be it her turn as the cunning Simi in Andhadhun (2018), her menacing, tough cop act in Drishyam (2015) or her fun, hippie act in the justreleased comedy, Jawaani Jaaneman. It’s late in the night when we connect over a call, and you’d expect her to be tired. But all we hear is an actor who is as excited about this film as she was four decades ago when her first film hit the theatres. Excerpts:
Your latest film sees you in a completely hatke avatar. What prompted you to take it up?
First of all, the producer is one of my closest friends, Jay Shewakramani (Jayu). Saif (Ali Khan, co-star and the film’s co-producer) was partnering, and since it was Jayu’s first venture, he wanted me to do this cameo. I definitely wanted to do it for him. Of course, the character was very interesting and different from what I have done. They also thought of this completely nice look for me, which is again something I don’t think I have ever done before!
Over the years, have you always said ‘yes’ to every project that a friend offered you?
They will never come to me with something not worth my while. We all know who we are. There’s always a mutual respect for each other’s space, and no one oversteps. Having said that, I really value friendships and relationships, as I feel that forms the most important part of my life.
Is it necessary for you to have a good equation with your co-stars in a film before you sign on? Even if you’re not friends, would you be okay doing a film?
Absolutely! You can’t force yourself to have equations, good or bad. They are formed... I think it’s really the synergy. You can’t dictate or plan things. For me, it doesn’t work that way. Abhi tak jitne bhi mere equations achhe bane hain, they happened over time. When you meet people, connect with them, if you like them, they like you, then it automatically forms a rapport. With some people, it does not. But work is work.
Jawaani Jaaneman is so far removed from the kind of films you and Saif did back in the day, like (the goody-goody) Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), isn’t it?
Really (laughs)! Twenty years later... I really wanted to work with him, especially in a project like this. It suits him so much, because everyone knows his wit and timing and the way he intelligently approaches his characters. I am glad for Jayu and Alaya F, who makes her debut and has done a very good job.
What everyone has come to associate with you are emotional, heavy characters over the years…
(cuts in) This one is a fun film, not some heavy-duty stuff. I don’t think people should expect a very intense story. It has its moments, and is a sweet story about a father and a daughter. Then of course, all of us come in and add our little two bits to it.
I know my friends, and they all belong to the business. There’s always a mutual respect for each other’s space, and no one oversteps.
ACTOR