I was on cloud nine when MissMalini told me to write a special post for Tabu’s birthday. Tabu is one of the greatest and most talented actresses the film industry has ever seen. She’s acted in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malyalam and Bengali films and has won several awards and accolades for her impressive body of work.
1) Maachis
This movie directed by Gulzar is about the rise of the Sikh insurgency in Punjab in the 80s. Tabu had worked in many commercial formula flicks like Vijaypath, Saajan Chale Sasural and Jeet before this one.
However it was her super portrayal of a Punjabi woman, Veeran in Maachis that made critics and audiences realize that she was superb in more serious and artistic characters as well. Tabu even won her first National Award for this one. And who can forget Vishal Bharadwaj‘s moving soundtrack which included chart-busters like Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale, Pani Pani Re and Chod Aaye Hum Woh Galiyan.
2) Virasat
This is actually one of the cutest Tabu films in my list and one of my personal favorites! Tabu played Anil Kapoor’s wife and she was spot on with her village girl act complete with sarees and a giant red bindi and her broken English which was hilarious.
Tabu really captured the essence of the character’s insecurity, her unconditional love for her husband despite his affair with Pooja Batra’s character and the simplicity of the character is heart wrenching. The movie was a success and Tabu won a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.3) Hu Tu Tu
Another Gulzar flick, this one was had Tabu and Suniel Shetty in the lead roles. The film had a strong message about corruption and educating the youth of our country. Tabu and Suneil shared a refreshing and lovable romantic chemistry. The movie was another critically acclaimed gem in Tabu’s crown. 4) Astitva
Back in Journalism college, this was one of the movies we reviewed as part of our curriculum. I think what makes it so special (and even worth featuring in academic discussions) is that it has deals with important issues like domestic abuse and a women’s identity outside marriage.
I admire Tabu’s decision in accepting the challenging role of Aditi opposite Sachin Khedekar and this was clearly one of her best performances. Aditi’s passion for music and her unusual but special bond with her music teacher, Malhar played by Mohnish Bahl makes you want to celebrate the little things in life and really work on finding your happy place. 5) Chandni Bar
Boy, where do I even begin about this one! The flick won four National Awards including Best Actress for Tabu and it really was a defining point in her career. The movie deals with the ruthless Mumbai underworld, prostitution and dance bars in the city. Tabu plays a bar dancer to perfection and her spontaneous acting skills really make the movie memorable even without any major male protagonists. She really nails the character and her research and hard work is evident in the way that her character Mumtaz has turned out. Madhur Bhandarkar shot to fame with this one and there’s been no looking back for him either.
6) Maqbool
Tabu’s character in Vishal Bharadwaj‘s adaption of Macbeth had shades of grey. But being one of the most versatile actress in B-town, Tabu was brilliant in the dark and conniving role of Nimmi based on Lady Macbeth. She pulled off the complex character with the greatest of ease and critics thought that her expressions were super.
7) Cheeni Kum
After impressive performances in films like The Namesake directed by Mira Nair and a small but significant role in Fanaa, Tabu worked opposite Amitabh Bachchan in this lighter romantic comedy.
The movie was about a 34 year old girl in love with a 64 year old man and I totally enjoyed watching two of our best actors share screen space. The dialogues were insanely funny and the music was interesting too.
It’s always difficult to compile an actor’s best work especially when there are so many movies that we loved watching them in. I know that I’ve mostly listed out serious movies where we loved and appreciated her work, but I’ve enjoyed watching Tabu even in comedies like Hera Pheri, Biwi No.1 and Saajan Chale Sasural.
Tabu has really left an impeccable mark on the world of cinema and we really hope that she continues to sweep us off our feet with her stellar performances. And while we’re celebrating her best work, I just figured I had to include one of her most popular songs ever, Ruk Ruk Ruk from Vijaypath… so here goes!
And we really want to see more of her, so we wish she takes on more work asap! We at Team MissMalini wish Tabu a happy birthday and a life full of joy and smiles that she deserves for entertaining us for all these years.