Tabu has long been known for doing things on her own terms in the film industry. Over the years, the acclaimed actor has earned a reputation for choosing unconventional roles, avoiding unnecessary attention and speaking with a level of honesty rarely seen in celebrity culture.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, Tabu opened up about ageing, the scrutiny women face in cinema and why she never learnt the art of giving politically correct industry responses.
“People are more worried about your age”
Speaking about how women are constantly judged in films, Tabu said society often appears more concerned about a woman’s age than the woman herself.
She remarked that people frequently try to “show you the mirror” as though women are unaware of their own ageing process.
According to the actor, ageing is gradual and lived every day rather than being some dramatic overnight transformation. She pointed out that people do not suddenly wake up one day at 45 after being 20 the previous day, but instead experience change continuously over time.
Tabu on honesty in the industry
Tabu also revealed that she was often advised against being too direct while turning down film offers.
She said people in the industry would suggest using scheduling conflicts or date issues as excuses rather than honestly admitting dislike for a script.
However, Tabu explained that she never understood that approach. If she did not like a script, she preferred saying so openly instead of hiding behind polite industry diplomacy.
Upcoming projects
On the professional front, Tabu continues to have a packed slate of projects.
She was last seen in Bhooth Bangla alongside Akshay Kumar. The horror comedy, directed by Priyadarshan, released in theatres on April 17, 2026.
Tabu is also part of Nagarjuna Akkineni’s 100th film, tentatively titled King100. The project marks their reunion after 28 years. The two actors were last seen together in the 1998 Telugu film Aavida Maa Aavide, while they had earlier shared screen space in the 1996 hit Ninne Pelladata.
The film is being directed by Naveen (Ra) Karthik, who previously helmed Made in Korea for Netflix.
