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Most Popular Roles Of Tabu

By A Mystery Man Writer

Last updated 17 Jun 2024

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Tabu is one of those actors who’s unapologetic about both her onscreen and off-screen choices. Throughout a career spanning a few decades, she has played several unconventional roles that have established her as one of the most versatile actors in the country. On her birthday, let’s take a look at a few of those characters.1. Aditi in ‘Astitva’Source: /shaheriIt wouldn’t be wrong to say that the movie was ahead of its time. In it, Tabu plays the role of a housewife, Aditi, whose life comes falling apart when her ex-lover bequeaths his property to her. After his death, Aditi’s husband and son start questioning her past and criticise her for having “loose morals”. During the discussion, she not just questions society’s hypocrisy but also makes a case for female sexuality.2. Mumtaz in ‘Chandni Bar’Source: /TubeTabu won a National Award for essaying the role of a bar dancer in this Madhur Bhandarkar film. In it, her character goes from being a naive young woman to an independent dancer who makes Mumbai her home. However, despite her desperate attempts at desiring a different future for her children, fate has other plans for her.3. Nimmi in ‘Maqbool’Source: /dingdong1991This is one of those movies where you just can’t look away from Tabu. In the role of a mistress to an underworld don, she’s bold, courageous, and subversive. Based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the movie also stars Irrfan Khan and Pankaj Kapur in key roles. You will have to watch it to enjoy the range of Tabu’s emotions and the beauty with which she slowly transforms from a seductress to a woman haunted by her crimes.4. Nina in ‘Cheeni Kum’Source: /samech zhA fun rom-com, this one stars Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu in lead roles. Bachchan’s character is a 64-year-old chef who falls in love with Tabu’s 34-year-old Nina. As the duo develop feelings for each other, they must tackle society’s prejudices and Tabu’s traditional father. Tabu was brave enough to take on this role at a time when actresses wouldn’t want to be paired with someone decades older to them.5. Ghazala in ‘Haider’Source: /Movieclips IndieDirected by Vishal Bharadwaj, the movie is based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Along with Tabu, it stars Shahid Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, and Kay Kay Menon in lead roles. Tabu plays the role of a widow who’s caught between her lover and her rebellious son (played by Kapoor). You’ll have to watch the film to allow Tabu’s Ghazala to slowly charm you into being on her side of the narrative.6. Simi in ‘Andhadhun’Source: /Viacom18 StudiosEven though Ayushmann Khurrana is the lead of the show, it’s Tabu’s Simi that left a lasting impact on the audience. Simi is a grey character who will go to any lengths to fulfill her selfish motives. And yet, you wouldn’t be offended by her. In fact, you’ll be rooting for her to win because she’d have convinced you so. It’s one of those characters that stay with you long after the end credits start rolling.7. Saaeda Bai in ‘A Suitable Boy’Source: /Netflix IndiaTabu’s latest onscreen appearance is in the role of Saaeda Bai, in Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy, an aged courtesan who falls in love with a young man. Even though the series boasts of a large ensemble cast, Tabu, once again, manages to leave a lasting impression in every frame she holds. Her charm is palpable as she sings love ballads and yearns for a forbidden love.Which one of these is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.Social and lead image credit: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, PixMaker Studios, PictureMaker Studios and Lookout Point