Tabu Reveals Why She Turned Down Hundreds of Roles: The Untold Story Behind Her Iconic Career!
Acclaimed for both her artistry and honesty, Tabu dominates Femina’s October cover with revelations on her professional philosophy and unique approach to selecting roles. Renowned for standout performances in films like Maqbool, Haider, Drishyam and Crew, Tabu discusses the importance of gut instinct in shaping her diverse career. She confesses, “The volume of work that comes in is huge, but nothing is really making me say, ‘oh yes’. Sometimes, you get a hundred offers and not one feels right. Then you don’t do any.” For Tabu, it’s never about numbers but finding projects with true substance and the right creative exchange.
Tabu shares how her image in the industry stems from her distinct choices and the many offers she has confidently passed over, humorously adding, “Thirty-seven is just a number I say jokingly, but I really have turned down many, many offers.” She believes labels are mere social impressions: “You are different things to different people. I am something to my mother, something else to my friends, and something else to the media.” Her selection process is anchored by trust in directors and authenticity, not crowd-pleasing trends. She reflects, “If the most important factors aren’t ticked, there’s no point. Too much mehnat, too many people, too much hullabaloo over the wrong things.”
Candid about her viewing habits, Tabu says real movie watching means a theatre experience with popcorn, chai, and immersive sound—highlighting her refined sensibilities. From her debut to her latest roles, she remains unwavering in her intention: clarity, honesty, and discernment drive her journey, making her a rare, enduring force in cinema.
