CHANGE AND GROWTH ARE CONSTANT: TABU
Comparing films that we see now to those that we had a decade ago, the actor feels that centuries have passed
In an industry where everyone has an opinion and wants to make their voice heard, Tabu might come across as someone who is a bit too reticent for an actor. However, she is quick to point that she’s well aware of the global picture. And therefore, the 48-year-old feels that it is extremely important to keep up with changing times.
“In the past 10-15 years, too much has changed in the world — politics, economics, sexuality, family structure, man-woman relationship, love, art and so on. And, so, the change in the content being churned out by the entertainment industry was (also) bound to happen,” explains Tabu with her signature candour.
Having dabbled in the Hindi and regional film industries, she knows that Indian cinema and its grammar is changing, and for her it wasn’t something unforeseen. “I’ve been around for so many years. If we pick up films that we saw a decade, or two, back and compare them to the material and content that we’re getting to see, hear and consume nowadays, it seems like centuries have passed, and so much has happened. Sometimes you don’t know how and why the change and growth happened. At times, it even feels like the change has happened suddenly. But, we always knew that it was simmering, be it in the society or in any art form,” says the Haider (2014) actor.
Elaborating her point, Tabu asserts that had it not been for the new era and new generation of viewers, this evolution of Indian content wouldn’t have been possible. “We have so many things to say today through multiple platforms. The audience’s tastes have changed. But it’s difficult to put a finger on it and interpret what exactly is this evolution,” she adds.
Hinting at how audience’s sensibilities towards cinema have changed, Tabu, who will next be seen in Jawaani Jaaneman, says, “I don’t think that anybody would have thought that a film like AndhaDhun (2018), with a serial killer playing a crucial role and where almost everybody is evil and grey, would get the kind of love and acceptance that it eventually received. I think all this is a depiction of growth. Change and growth are constant.”
So, how does she define her growth as an actor? “Luckily, I get emotionally complex characters to play,” she says, adding, “As an actor and artiste, these characters are very engaging. It’s very interesting when a character can engage and consume me, in a creative way. These characters do tire you and take a lot from you, but that’s a far better exercise for me than something that doesn’t ask anything of me and makes me feel under-utilised. I’ve enjoyed playing these characters and living their journeys (smiles).”