Tabu, a name that resonates deeply with Telugu cinema enthusiasts, has carved a remarkable journey in Indian cinema. Though currently making waves in Bollywood, she once dominated the Telugu film industry with blockbusters like ‘Coolie No. 1‘, ‘Ninne Pelladata‘, ‘Aavida Maa Aavide‘, ‘Prema Desam‘, and ‘Chennakesava Reddy‘. As she celebrates her 54th birthday, let’s delve into the fascinating life of this evergreen actress.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born as Tabassum Fatima Hashmi in 1971, Tabu’s early years were spent in Hyderabad. Raised by a single mother following her parents’ separation when she was just three, Tabu showed early promise in acting. She made her debut at age ten in the 1982 Hindi film ‘Bazaar’, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.
Telugu Cinema Success Story
In Telugu cinema, Tabu’s star power shone brightly alongside leading actors like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh, and Nagarjuna. Her chemistry with Nagarjuna proved particularly successful, leading to memorable hits including ‘Ninne Pelladata’, ‘Sisindri‘, and ‘Aavida Maa Aavide’.
Interesting Personal Life
Known by over a hundred nicknames including Tabs, Tubs, Tabby, and Toblerone, Tabu’s personal life has been as colorful as her career. Her eight-year wait for the release of ‘Prem’, starring alongside Sanjay Kapoor, became a talking point in the industry. The film, which began shooting in 1987, finally released in 1995.
Romance and Relationships
Tabu’s romantic life has been subject to much speculation over the years. She openly admitted to a brief romance with Sanjay Kapoor during ‘Prem’s filming. Her alleged decade-long relationship with Nagarjuna sparked considerable interest, though both maintained they were just good friends. She was also linked to producer Sajid Nadiadwala following the death of his wife, Divya Bharti.
Her 25-year friendship with Ajay Devgn has been particularly noteworthy, with rumors suggesting it played a role in her choosing to remain unmarried. During the promotions of ‘Bhola’, Ajay revealed their friendship dates back to their teenage years, marked by comfortable camaraderie and playful teasing.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Tabu was initially implicated in Salman Khan’s blackbuck hunting case during the shooting of ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ (1998) but was later cleared of all charges.
- Unlike many actresses, Tabu candidly admitted she cannot cry real tears on screen and relies on glycerin for emotional scenes.
Current Status
At 54, Tabu continues to defy age with her timeless beauty and versatile acting skills. She has successfully adapted to changing times, venturing into web series while maintaining her presence in films. Her appearance belies her age, as she continues to portray roles typically written for actresses in their 30s.
