By
Tanveer Zaidi (Actor-Author-Educationist)
Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, better known as Tabu, is known for her bold and unconventional roles in Hindi cinema. From a bar dancer in Chandni Bar to a terrorist in Maachis, she has consistently taken on unusual characters and built an evident place for herself.
Pursuing her dream career and establishing her own Identity
Tabu was brought up by her grandparents after her parents separated when she was very young.
She has never used her father’s surname, choosing instead to go by Tabassum Fatima, with Fatima even serving as her surname during her school years. In an interaction with Bollywood Reporter, Tabu shared, ” I have no memories of my father,
I never felt the urge to meet him.” Tabu feels content with the way she was brought up.
About her name, she says, ” Dev Anand Sir shortened my name, he asked me,
‘Tabassum Fatima (Hashmi) isn’t a big one, make it short, Tabu will pronounce it more sweet’
And since then, I am Tabu for the film fraternity and filmgoers.”
Tabu is considered an icon of meaningful cinema due to her consistent portrayal of complex, often unconventional female characters and her dedication to films that explore important social themes.
She’s known for choosing roles that celebrate women’s power and highlight their importance in society, paving the way for a new generation of actresses in Bollywood.
Tabu has consistently proven her versatility, moving seamlessly between mainstream and independent cinema and across languages. She’s equally adept at playing intense dramatic roles and bringing depth to commercial blockbusters.
She’s not afraid to take on challenging roles, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable in Bollywood. This allows her to explore complex female characters and bring realistic portrayals to mainstream cinema.
Tabu has been a strong advocate for women-led films, bringing them into the mainstream and proving their commercial viability. Her choices have influenced the landscape of Bollywood, paving the way for more women-centric narratives.
Tabu’s work has earned her recognition both nationally and internationally, with her performances in films like “The Namesake” and “Life of Pi” demonstrating her global appeal.
Her consistent excellence and fearless approach to acting have inspired a new generation of actresses, demonstrating the power of unusual, meaningful roles.
Tabu has often acted alongside Ajay Devgn. Shee says, ” Ajay Devgn is a great human being, we are good friends, he’s like a family, and I feel in a comfort zone while working with him.”
