Tabu all for breaking taboos

Actor wants more comic roles for female actors

KOLKATA: As a multi award-winning actor, Tabu is no stranger to blockbuster roles. With over 30 years of experience in the Indian entertainment industry and more than 40 films to her credit, saying that the south-Indian beauty has proved her mettle would be a great understatement.

But even stupendous credentials like Tabu’s are apparently insufficient to improve gender diversity when it comes to comedies in Bollywood. The 41-year-old — who has previously worked in humorous hits such as Biwi No 1 and Hera Pheri — is hoping to change that. Speaking at the Kolkata Literary Meet on January 24, Tabu openly voiced her doubts regarding the inclusion of female actors in the genre. “I don’t know if a lot of female actors get comic parts,” she said. When asked why she had not been seen in any light-hearted films lately, Tabu replied, “Not many light-hearted films are made — not that I am not doing it.” In fact, the Chandni Bar star shared she craved for more comedies. “I would love to do more! Maybe Biwi No 2 or 3 or more Hera Pheri…”



While at the summit, Tabu also shunned media speculation that she does not accept a role that is anything less than the best. “Filmmakers think that if they come to me with less than the best role of the film, I will not do it — whether it’s a comedy or whatever,” she claimed, when inquired about the roles that have passed her by because certain filmmakers felt that she preferred intellectual characters. “They feel ‘give her the best role or she will refuse it.’ But that is a myth they have about me.” On the other hand, the National Award-winner also revealed that she is not perfectly comfortable with the labels people ascribe her with. “People will put a tag that is convenient to put, on you, rather than what you are,” explained Tabu. “But I am happy being who I am.” She will next be seen in Abhishek Kapoor’s upcoming romantic saga, Fitoor, to be released on February 12.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th,  2016.

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