‘I wouldn’t want to change a thing’
In her over three-decade long career, Tabu has worked in films of several genres ranging from comedy and action, to drama. There is a stark difference in the kind of work she did early on in her career as compared to what she does now, but the actor says that there has been no special plan that she had in place to survive for this long. After two National Awards and a Padma Shri, Tabu says that she now wants to be part of films that she absolutely enjoys working on and a particular genre isn’t a big draw for her.
After being part of Bollywood for so many years, what’s the one thing you always look for while choosing a role?
My only criteria is that I should be able to enjoy most things about working on a film because finally, it is the whole experience that’s going to translate on the big screen. I have to feel like it’s going to be engaging for me and I should feel consumed by it. There is no benchmark for me and I take each day as it comes. Maybe I won’t like what I liked yesterday so it’s really about your growth and how your priorities are shifting and altering.
But of late, has there been an attempt to break away from serious roles and do fun stuff? Your role in De De Pyaar De was away from the serious space.
I have no attempt or agenda whatsoever, because I know no film is going to come to me because of an image. Whatever is being offered to me, I choose from that. And thankfully, a lot of different stuff is being offered to me so I don’t need to break away from any image. My role in my upcoming film — Jawaani Jaaneman is a cameo and my friend is producing the film so I really wanted to do it. Teaming up with Saif (Ali Khan, actor) after so many years, is of course, exciting.
When you look back on your journey, do you have any regrets?
All that has been part of my journey has brought me to this place that I am at today. So, if at all I do try to take any piece out of the jigsaw puzzle, the entire thing will fall apart. Whatever has happened in my career so far, is great and whatever is happening is great, too. I wouldn’t want to change a thing and I have absolutely no regrets. It’s all part and parcel of life and everything happens for a reason.
You recently attended the Indian film festival of Melbourne. What was your experience like at the festival?
Andhadhun (2018) as a film was already established and had already been loved and appreciated by the audience, so to go with a film that is already successful is always a bonus. You are going on a strong footing and it’s not just showcasing the film because you already know that people have liked it. But it was wonderful to be there. This was also my first time in Australia so I had a blast.