About:

Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, known professionally as Tabu (born 4 November 1971), is a highly acclaimed Indian actress primarily working in Hindi films. Renowned for portraying complex characters, she has earned numerous awards, including two National Film Awards, seven Filmfare Awards, and the prestigious Padma Shri in 2011.

Early Career and Breakthrough
Tabu’s acting career began with a small role in Hum Naujawan (1985). She had her first leading role in the Telugu film Coolie No. 1 (1991). Her breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with Vijaypath (1994), earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She received widespread acclaim for her role in Maachis (1996), winning her first National Film Award for Best Actress. The same year, she starred in successful films like Ninne Pelladata, Kadhal Desam, Saajan Chale Sasural, and Jeet.

Acclaimed Performances and Versatility
Tabu continued to shine with her performances in Virasat (1997), Hu Tu Tu (1999), and Astitva (2000), earning multiple Filmfare Critics Awards. Her role as a bar dancer in Chandni Bar (2001) garnered her second National Film Award. She further impressed audiences with her performances in Cheeni Kum (2007) and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Maqbool (2004) and Haider (2014).

Hollywood and Commercial Success
Tabu expanded her horizons to international cinema with The Namesake (2006) and Life of Pi (2012). In India, she found box-office success with films like Golmaal Again (2017), Andhadhun (2018), and Drishyam 2 (2022). Her recent hits include Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) and Crew (2024).

Personal Life
Born in Hyderabad to a family with academic roots, Tabu’s father, an actor, left the family when she was three. Her mother was a school teacher, and her grandparents were professors. She moved to Mumbai in 1983 and studied at St. Xavier’s College. Tabu is the niece of Shabana Azmi and the younger sister of actress Farah Naaz. Known for her privacy, Tabu remains unmarried and has spoken about prioritizing her career and personal growth over traditional relationship norms.

Career Highlights

• 1990s: Vijaypath, Maachis, Ninne Pelladata, Virasat, Biwi No.1, Hum Saath-Saath Hain
• 2000s: Chandni Bar, Maqbool, Cheeni Kum
• 2010s: Haider, Golmaal Again, Andhadhun
• 2020s: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Drishyam 2, Crew

Tabu’s career, marked by critical and commercial successes, showcases her versatility and enduring appeal in Indian cinema.