Down the memory lane

Being stern on her choices and giving out extremely incredible performances actress Tabu has made a mark in the film industry and has set an example by living life on her own terms.

She shares her experiences as an actress and the story behind her choices during a FICCI Ladies Organisation event held in Hyderabad recently.

It was an interesting entry into an unplanned career for Tabu. "My sister came along with me when I went for a film audition. She got selected and I got selected in a smaller role.

I never wanted to quit school, and so I didn't work in the film.

However, I went back to movies as there is a virtue where people think that if one of the family members is in the film industry, they expect others also to be a part of it and people were always looking for new actors and actresses.

I still wanted to study. So, when Shekar Kapoor wanted to cast me in a film, I accepted the offer only on one condition that I would be sent abroad for my further studies.

But, instead, I stuck to movies and moved on. I think things just happened."

Tabu acted in Telugu and Hindi films as lead actress. About choosing roles which are bold and making her mark in the industry she said.

"While I was doing the commercial stuff, I was pretty much enjoying it. But then I realized that there was more in me than doing just routine roles.

I wanted to do roles that were more significant and mean something to the script."

"To be able to connect to people and to feel that you have touched their heart in some way whether it is to make people laugh or cry; I think that's when the whole point of acting is gratified.

If I had made some difference among people, I am happy for that," she adds.

She says her favourite roles are many, "There are a bunch of them – 'Astitva', 'Haidar', 'Andhadhun', etc."

She, especially mentions her role in the film, Haider, "There was a time where the character of woman was shifting and so I think that was a bold step taken by Vishal to take me in that character."

On asking her about one of the popular films made last year, 'Drishyam', she shares, "Drishyam is one of the best roles written and I feel so fortunate to play that character.

I have seen the Malayalam version and was completely mesmerised; it was very challenging and is a rare combination to be able to balance both sides of it – be it a strong mother or a ruthless cop investigating on the case.

I ended up looking up to this woman, who had so much grit. It was a fantastic combination."

Tabu has a habit of penning down each day's work in a journal. "I do not really write regularly; I write when I feel something is important.

Sometimes, I have not written for years and sometimes I have written every day. I like clicking pictures because they help us re-live all the experiences."

On the obsession with beauty and stressing over it, she states, "I would say that one should look the best; I am just saying that you need not look like someone to be the best.

We become fixated with all the health and fitness, which is a bad thing at times when you forget yourself and keep concentrating on your appearance."

The actress who is based out of Hyderabad has some fond memories, "I love to be called as a Hyderabadi. I am still attached to my school, my home and friends here.

Because nostalgia of my childhood will never fade away. To tear me apart from this place was like injustice to me and I did not want to leave this city, it was very difficult for me and I am yet to recover from it. And now I find any excuse to be here."