Tabu: The timeless star who played mother, wife and lover to the same hero—And redefined Indian cinema on her terms

In the Bollywood industry, Tabu, whose certified name is Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, has long been delivering her performances with grace, nuance, and bold decisions all her life. Throughout her more than three-decade generational career, she has moved between Bollywood and South Indian movies with simplicity, leaving a legacy of standout performances and still is.

However, her portrayal of three different roles—mother, wife, and lover—to the same actor, Nandamuri Balakrishna, is among the most intriguing aspects of her journey.

The Balakrishna trilogy: A rare cinematic feat

In a rare and interesting twist of casting, Tabu played Balakrishna’s wife and mother in the 2002 Telugu action drama ‘Chennakesava Reddy,’ where the actor portrayed dual roles. Then, in 2008’s ‘Pandurangadu’, she returned as his romantic partner. This unusual character set not only showcased her acting skills but also highlighted the flexibility with which Indian cinema often forgets the generational lines in storytelling.

From child artiste to global icon

At the age of 11, Tabu landed a small part in the 1982 film 'Bazaar,' which marked the beginning of his cinematic career. She got her first big break in Telugu cinema in 1991 when she played her role with Venkatesh in 'Coolie No. 1.' 'Prem' was supposed to be her Bollywood debut, but due to delays, "Pehla Pehla Pyar" was released in 1994 instead. She and Ajay Devgn began an on-screen collaboration for a long time that same year when they co-starred in 'Vijaypath.'

A Legacy of layered characters

Whether it’s the rebellious Veeran in ‘Maachis,’ the bar dancer in ‘Chandni Bar,’ or the morally ambiguous Simi in ‘Andhadhun,’ Tabu has consistently chosen roles that challenge stereotypes. Her performances have earned her multiple ‘National Awards’ and a place among the most respected actors in Indian cinema.

Still single, still sovereign

Tabu is 53 years old and still single, a fact that frequently garners media attention but never overshadows her career. She has demonstrated that her appeal cuts across boundaries and formats by continuing to shine on OTT platforms and even making her Hollywood debut in "Dune: Prophecy."