Tabu is a renowned Indian actress, primarily recognized for her work in Hindi films, although she has also appeared in a diverse range of languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali, as well as an American film. Her impressive career has been marked by numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards for Best Actress and a record-breaking four Critics Awards for Best Female Performer from Filmfare.
Notably, Tabu is often associated with artistic, low-budget films that receive widespread critical acclaim, despite not always achieving substantial box-office success. Her appearances in commercially successful films are relatively rare, and when she does appear in such films, her roles are often smaller, as seen in films like Border (1997),Saajan Chale Sasural (1996),Biwi No. 1 (1999),and Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999).
On the other hand, her most notable performances are in films like Maachis (1996),Virasat (1997),Hu Tu Tu (1999),Astitva (2000),Chandni Bar (2001),Maqbool (2003),and Cheeni Kum (2007),which have earned her widespread recognition. Her leading role in Mira Nair's American film The Namesake (2006) also received major praise.
Regarded as one of the most talented Indian actresses of her generation, Tabu is known for her selectiveness when it comes to film roles. Her dedication to her craft has been recognized by the Government of India, which awarded her the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2011, for her significant contributions to the arts.