Tabu, one of Bollywood’s most beloved and versatile actresses, has been a prominent figure in Hindi cinema since the 1980s. Known for her remarkable acting skills, she has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Born Tabassum Fatima Hashmi on November 4, 1971, in Hyderabad, Telangana, she hails from a well-to-do family. Her father, Jamal Hashmi, and mother, Rizwana, divorced when she was just three years old.
Tabu is the niece of acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi and cinematographer Baba Azmi. Her elder sister, Farah Naz, is also in the film industry. After her parents’ separation, she was raised by her mother and grandparents.
She completed her early education at St. Ann’s High School in Hyderabad and later pursued higher studies at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Tabu began her acting career as a child artist in the 1982 film “Bazaar” and appeared in the 1985 film “Hum Naujawan.”
Her breakthrough as a lead actress came in 1994 with the film “Vijaypath,” which earned her widespread acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Over her illustrious career spanning four decades, Tabu has starred in over 90 films. Some of her notable works include “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” “Maachis,” “Virasat,” “Chandni Bar,” “Maqbool,” “Cheeni Kum,” “Haider,” “Drishyam,” “Andhadhun,” “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2,” “De De Pyaar De,” “Hera Pheri,” and “Crew.”
She has received numerous accolades for her performances, including two National Film Awards for Best Actress for “Maachis” and “Chandni Bar,” as well as several Filmfare Awards, including five Critics’ Awards for Best Actress.
In recognition of her invaluable contributions to the arts, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri award in 2011. Tabu is celebrated not only for her beauty and acting prowess but also for her gentle demeanor and simplicity. Remarkably, she remains unmarried and chooses to live life on her own terms.