Tabu (actress)

Tabassum Fatima Hashmi was born on 4 November 1971{{Cite news |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/bollywood/news/bollywood-actress-tabu-is-single-in-the-age-of-47-some-life-facts-5977627.html |title=इस उम्र में भी अनमैरिड है बॉलीवुड एक्ट्रेस, खुद के सिंगल स्टेटस का जिम्मेदार मानती है एक एक्टर को, दर्द बयां कर बताया था- जब भी किसी लड़के से बात करती थी तो उसे पिटने लगता था |date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220071639/https://www.bhaskar.com/bollywood/news/bollywood-actress-tabu-is-single-in-the-age-of-47-some-life-facts-5977627.html |archive-date=20 February 2020 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi |access-date=20 February 2020 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |publisher=CNN-IBN |title=Birthday special: Tabu's 10 best performances over the years |date=4 November 2014 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/17154.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106151148/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/17154.html |archive-date=6 November 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=3 July 2019}} to Jamal Ali Hashmi and Rizwana in a Hyderabadi Muslim family.{{cite book |author1=Nihalani, Govind |author2=Chatterjee, Saibal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&pg=PT658 |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India), Popular Prakashan |year=2003 |page=634 |isbn=81-7991-066-0}}{{cite news |last=Jahagirdar-Saxena |first=Shraddha |title=Nothing serious about Tabu |url=http://www.vervemagazine.in/people/nothing-serious-about-tabu |work=Verve |date=25 July 2007 |access-date=8 June 2015}} Her father was an actor in Pakistan, with some well-received roles in the 1970s, who moved back to India in order to live with her mother.{{Cite web |date=2 December 2023 |title=Indian star Tabu daughter of Pakistani actor Jamal Hashmi, reports claim |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2448619/indian-star-tabu-daughter-of-pakistani-actor-jamal-hashmi-reports-claim |website=The Express Tribune}} He left the family when she was three.{{cite news |author=Swarup, Harihar |title=Tabu, an actor who does not need make-up |date=29 April 2007 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070429/edit.htm |work=The Tribune |access-date=10 June 2015}} She has an older sister, Farah, who is also an actor.{{Cite news |date=25 April 2024 |title=Farah Naaz: 8 glamorous pics of Tabu's sister and Shabana Azmi's niece with Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Rekha, Sunil Dutt |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/entertainment/farah-naaz-8-glamorous-pics-tabu-sister-shabana-azmi-niece-aamir-khan-sanjay-dutt-101714037521937.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240615230955/https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/entertainment/farah-naaz-8-glamorous-pics-tabu-sister-shabana-azmi-niece-aamir-khan-sanjay-dutt-101714037521937.html |archive-date=15 June 2024 |access-date=26 January 2025 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us}} Her mother was a school-teacher and her maternal grandparents were retired professors who ran a school. Her grandfather, Mohammed Ahsan, was a professor of mathematics, and her grandmother was a professor of English Literature.{{cite news |title=Tabu: On a path less travelled |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/live/tabu-on-a-path-less-travelled/42707/1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010715010349/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/live/tabu-on-a-path-less-travelled/42707/1 |archive-date=15 July 2001 |access-date=25 September 2020 |work=Forbes India}}

Tabu did her schooling at St. Ann's High School, Vijayanagar Colony, Hyderabad.{{cite news |title=Tabu: Lesser known facts |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/tabu-lesser-known-facts/photostory/45021204.cms |access-date=31 December 2019 |work=The Times of India}} She moved to Mumbai in 1983 and studied at St. Xavier's College for 2 years.{{cite news |last1=Martyris |first1=Nina |title=When dosa was a luxury... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/when-dosa-was-a-luxury-/articleshow/44588861.cms |access-date=8 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=26 April 2003 |language=en}} She is the niece of Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi and Baba Azmi.{{cite web |author=Bhatt, Rajeev |title=Tabu: As she likes it! |date=9 March 2007 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/03/09/stories/2006030900400100.htm |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |access-date=10 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017210947/http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/03/09/stories/2006030900400100.htm |archive-date=17 October 2007 |url-status=usurped}}{{cite news |last1=Bhatnagar |first1=Akash |title=Aamir Khan, Tabu, Anil Kapoor and others join Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Baba and Tanvi Azmi to 'celebrate' Shaukat Kaifi's life |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/aamir-khan-tabu-anil-kapoor-and-others-join-javed-akhtar-shabana-azmi-baba-and-tanvi-azmi-to-celebrate-shaukat-kaifis-life/articleshow/72249839.cms |access-date=8 August 2022 |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=2 December 2019}} She is reluctant to discuss her familial life in the media.{{cite news |newspaper=The Hindu |author=Pillai, Sreedhar |date=28 February 2008 |access-date=27 February 2011 |title=Tabu sizzles |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/02/28/stories/2008022850800500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303001609/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/02/28/stories/2008022850800500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 March 2008}}[http://www.screenindia.com/old/20000922/50.htm The Dynamic Dynasties: What would the world of films be without them?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210044146/http://www.screenindia.com/old/20000922/50.htm |date=10 February 2010 }} Screen, 22 September 2000.

As a child, Tabu had an uncredited appearance at the age of 11 in Bazaar (1982) and in Hum Naujawan (1985) at the age of 14—she played Dev Anand's daughter in the latter.{{cite magazine |last=Sinha |first=Rhea |date=4 November 2022 |title=Celebrating 52 years of Tabu, with 5 of the star's best films you need to watch now |url=https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/celebrating-52-years-of-tabu-with-5-of-the-stars-best-films-you-need-to-watch-now |magazine=Vogue India |access-date=10 October 2023}}{{cite book |last1=Saran |first1=Renu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0A3qAgAAQBAJ&dq=Tabu+actress+hum+naujawan&pg=PT111 |title=Encyclopedia of Bollywood–Film Actresses |date=25 February 2014 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-5083-691-0 |language=en}}

Tabu's personal life has been subject to substantial media speculation due to her decision to remain unmarried unlike most of her contemporaries and has remained reticent when asked about her choice.{{Cite web |date=8 April 2023 |title=Dazzling at 52: Why Tabu chose to never get married |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2410689/dazzling-at-52-why-tabu-chose-to-never-get-married |access-date=8 April 2024 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} When asked about her decision, Tabu said she "was working and wanted to see the world on my own. If I'd given it all up, it'd have been a disservice to me and my abilities. An ideal relationship is when both individuals grow by being in each other's lives. Relationships are meant to liberate, not stifle".{{Cite web |date=4 November 2023 |title=As Tabu turns 52, here's what she said about being happily single, 'an ideal relationship' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/as-tabu-turns-52-heres-what-she-said-about-being-happily-single-an-ideal-relationship-101699008990872.html |access-date=8 April 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

{{Main|Tabu filmography}}

In 1987, producer Boney Kapoor launched two major films; Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja and Prem, in which Tabu was signed opposite Sanjay Kapoor, Boney's younger brother. Tabu debuted into Telugu cinema with Coolie No.1 (1991) co-starring Venkatesh.{{Cite news |title=Tabu celebrates 30 years of her debut Coolie No 1: 'Slightly unbelievable' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tabu-celebrates-30-years-of-being-in-the-film-industry-7401913/ |work=The Indian Express |date=13 July 2021 |access-date=29 September 2024}} The film proved to be a major box-office success.

Tabu's first release in Hindi as a leading lady was in the romantic drama Pehla Pehla Pyar (1994), which generally went unnoticed.{{cite web |author=Dhawan, M.L. |title=She wows with her acting prowess |date=15 April 2001 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010415/spectrum/main3.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=13 October 2007}} However, a turning point in her career came with action film Vijaypath (1994) opposite Ajay Devgn, for which she received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.{{Cite magazine |title=Filmfare winners of the year 1995 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners |magazine=Filmfare |access-date=15 August 2020}} The film marked the first of many collaborations with Devgn. In the following year, significant appearances for Tabu included her role in the box-office success Haqeeqat and the romantic drama film Saajan Ki Baahon Mein alongside Rishi Kapoor and Raveena Tandon.{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=29 December 1995 |title=Haqeeqat Box Office Collection {{!}} India {{!}} Day Wise {{!}} Box Office - Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/haqeeqat/box-office/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}}

In 1996, Tabu had eight releases, two of which—Saajan Chale Sasural and Jeet—emerged as commercial successes and ranked among the top five highest-grossing films of that year.{{cite web |date=22 August 2012 |title=IBOS Status for Jeet |url=http://ibosnetwork.com/asp/filmbodetails.asp?id=Jeet |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126021911/http://ibosnetwork.com/asp/filmbodetails.asp?id=Jeet |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=22 August 2012 |publisher=ibosnetwork.com}}{{cite web |date=27 December 1996 |title=1996: Blood and bore |url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961227/36250032.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970423000025/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19961227/36250032.html |archivedate=23 April 1997 |accessdate=8 November 2018 |work=The Indian Express}} For the latter, she received her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{cite web |title=Box Office Results 1996 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1996.htm |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070924121936/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1996.htm |archive-date=24 September 2007}} She was also seen in Gulzar's critically acclaimed political thriller Maachis opposite Chandrachur Singh. Her role as a Punjabi woman caught in the rise of Sikh insurgency earned unanimous critical claim; she earned her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance, in addition to her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.{{cite news |title=Filmfare Awards Nomination Form |url=http://www.filmfare.com/award.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970428133635/http://www.filmfare.com/award.htm |archive-date=28 April 1997 |access-date=15 August 2020 |work=Filmfare}}{{Cite web |title=44th National Film Awards 1997 |url=http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/73_44thNfacatalogue.pdf |access-date=15 August 2020 |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals}} Tabu considered the film a turning point in her career, as it helped her recognise her potential as an actress despite her initial hesitation in accepting the role due to its serious subject matter.{{Cite news |title=When Gulzar sat silently with Tabu for one hour, offered her Maachis after that: 'This relationship impacted my life the most' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/when-gulzar-sat-silently-with-tabu-for-one-hour-offered-her-maachis-after-that-changed-my-life-9011101/lite/ |work=The Indian Express |date=4 November 2023 |access-date=21 November 2024}} She followed this with a role opposite Nagarjuna in Ninne Pelladutha (1996), the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time of its release.{{Cite web |date=11 May 2021 |title=7 Nagarjuna Akkineni films that are full-on masala and ready reckoners of 90s fashion |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/7-nagarjuna-akkineni-films-that-are-full-on-masala-and-ready-reckoners-of-90s-fashion-7310436/ |access-date=27 June 2021 |website=The Indian Express}} For her performance, she earned her first Filmfare award for Best Actress – Telugu.{{cite web |date=3 November 1999 |title=Filmfare - South Special |url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/october97/south3e.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991103180423/http://www.filmfare.com/site/october97/south3e.htm |archive-date=3 November 1999 |access-date=23 August 2020}} Anupama Chopra described her as "breathtakingly sensuous".{{cite news |last1=Chopra |first1=Anupama |author-link1=Anupama Chopra |title=Fresh and Frothy |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/22091997/cinema.html |access-date=23 October 2020 |work=India Today |date=22 September 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010709153926/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/22091997/cinema.html |archive-date=9 July 2001}} This acclaim continued with the Malayalam period epic Kaalapani, directed by Priyadarshan.{{Cite web |last=Joseph |first=P.S. |date=31 May 1996 |title=Film review: Kaalapaani, starring Mohanlal, Prabhu, Tabu |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19960531-film-review-kaalapaani-starring-mohanlal-prabhu-tabu-834614-1996-05-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331211151/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19960531-film-review-kaalapaani-starring-mohanlal-prabhu-tabu-834614-1996-05-30 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=India Today |language=en}} She also made her debut in Tamil cinema with the successful romantic-drama Kadhal Desam, directed by Kathir.{{Cite news |title=Kadhal Desam |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/thalapathi-to-nanban-must-watch-films-on-friendship-day/kadhal-desam/photostory/65278737.cms |access-date=19 April 2023 |issn=0971-8257}}

Tabu's first release of 1997 was the J. P. Dutta-helmed Border, an ensemble war drama that retells the real-life events surrounding the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pak War of 1971; she played the role of Sunny Deol's wife. Though her role in the film was brief, it went on to be the second highest-grossing Indian film of 1997.{{cite web |title=Box Office Results 1997 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1997.htm |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070924122010/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1997.htm |archive-date=24 September 2007}} That year, she also starred in the critically acclaimed action-drama Virasat for which she earned her first nomination at Filmfare for Best Actress (Critics).{{Cite web |title=Filmfare winners of the year 1998 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners |access-date=15 August 2020 |website=Filmfare}} She followed this with a role in Mani Ratnam's Tamil political drama Iruvar, which had an ensemble cast consisting of Mohanlal, Aishwarya Rai, Prakash Raj and Gautami. She also appeared in Chachi 420 (1998), a remake of Tamil film Avvai Shanmughi co-starring Kamal Haasan. In her final release of the year, she starred in Aavida Maa Aavide.

In 1999, Tabu was seen among two successful ensemble films—the comedy Biwi No.1 and the family drama Hum Saath-Saath Hain, which went on to become the second highest-grossing, and the highest-grossing films of the year respectively.{{cite web |title=Box Office Results 1999 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1999.htm |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007210433/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1999.htm |archive-date=7 October 2007}} She also received near-unanimous critical acclaim for her performance in the drama Hu Tu Tu, with Namrata Joshi of India Today describing her as "mesmerising and eloquent".{{Cite web |title=Film review: 'HU TU TU', starring Nana Patekar, Sunil Shetty, Tabu |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19990201-film-review-hu-tu-tu-starring-nana-patekar-sunil-shetty-tabu-kulbhushan-kharbanda-825023-1999-01-31 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=India Today |date=February 1999 |language=en}} She won her second Filmfare Best Actress (Critics) Award.{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Namrata |title=Strident Voice |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/01021999/cinema.html |access-date=10 May 2020 |work=India Today |date=1 February 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001031182803/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/01021999/cinema.html |archive-date=31 October 2000}}{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid |author1-link=Khalid Mohamed |title=Topical, Timely, Tangy |url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/btalkies/bomb50.htm |access-date=18 October 2021 |work=Filmfare – Bombay Talkies |year=1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991003015939/http://www.filmfare.com/site/btalkies/bomb50.htm |archive-date=3 October 1999}}

In 2000, Tabu had five releases across several languages. She first starred in the comedy Hera Pheri and the drama Astitva in Hindi.{{Cite news |last=Jain |first=Mimmy |date=3 April 2000 |title=Three for a laugh |url=http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/20000403/fle02025.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012084729/http://www.expressindia.com/fe/daily/20000403/fle02025.html |archive-date=12 October 2012 |access-date=19 April 2011 |work=Express India}} The former was a box-office success, while the latter earned critical acclaim. Hindustan Times{{'s}} Arnab Banerjee praised her performance in Astitva, writing that she "is brilliant and once again proves her mettle as an actress".{{cite web |title=Astitva review |url=http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsastitva.shtm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001121043000/http://www.go4i.com/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsastitva.shtml |archive-date=21 November 2000 |website=go4i.com}}{{cite web |title=Box Office Results 2000 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2000.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070924122111/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2000.htm |archive-date=24 September 2007 |access-date=10 October 2007 |publisher=Box Office India}} She won her third Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for Astitva, along with her fourth nomination for Best Actress.{{cite web |title=Filmfare Awards 2000 |url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368708.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708165249/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/368708.cms |archive-date=8 July 2012 |access-date=10 October 2007 |publisher=Filmfare}} In the South, Tabu had two Tamil releases and one Malayalam film. Her Tamil films included the romantic musical Kandukondain Kandukondain, an adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, and the mystery thriller Snegithiye. In Kandukondain Kandukondain, she starred alongside Mammootty, Ajith Kumar, and Aishwarya Rai as Sowmya, based on the character of Elinor Dashwood—Rai's character's sagacious older sister.{{cite news |date=28 May 2000 |title=From the known to the unknown |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/05/28/stories/09280223.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019141252/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2000/05/28/stories/09280223.htm |archive-date=19 October 2011 |access-date=22 April 2011 |work=The Hindu}} In Snegithiye, directed by Priyadarshan, Tabu portrayed a headstrong police officer investigating the murder of twin sisters. Both films were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.{{Cite news |date=10 July 2000 |title=Movie reviews |url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014072652/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |archive-date=14 October 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012 |work=Express India}}{{Cite news |last=Jain |first=Mimmy |title=I have seen... and conquered |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20000808/ien06038.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030429043410/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20000808/ien06038.html |archive-date=29 April 2003 |access-date=25 August 2012 |work=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |last=Arvind |first=C.V. |date=5 May 2002 |title=At the crossroads |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/74BF0E402B90412FE5256BB400126220 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321215625/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/74BF0E402B90412FE5256BB400126220 |archive-date=21 March 2011 |access-date=27 June 2021 |website=Deccan Herald}}{{Cite web |date=30 January 2020 |title='Snegithiye' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/happy-birthday-priyadarshan-from-gopura-vasalile-to-snegithiye-lesa-lesa-nimir-and-sometimes-a-look-at-five-box-office-hits-of-the-legend-in-tamil-cinema/photostory/73737244.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118055242/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/happy-birthday-priyadarshan-from-gopura-vasalile-to-snegithiye-lesa-lesa-nimir-and-sometimes-a-look-at-five-box-office-hits-of-the-legend-in-tamil-cinema/photostory/73737244.cms |archive-date=18 January 2021 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=The Times of India}} Tabu's Malayalam release, the action thriller Cover Story, featured her alongside Suresh Gopi and received positive reviews from critics.{{Cite web |title=Review of |url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?id=6007625&ctid=5&cid=2428 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040131073211/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?id=6007625&ctid=5&cid=2428 |archive-date=31 January 2004 |website=Sify}}

In 2001, Tabu starred in Madhur Bhandarkar's Chandni Bar as a bar dancer. Despite her initial hesitation due to the failure of Bhandarkar's previous film Trishakti (1999), she accepted the role after hearing the film's narration.{{cite news |title=Tabu was 'demoralised' to do Chandni Bar with Madhur Bhandarkar after knowing he made Trishakti. Here's what changed her mind |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tabu-was-demoralised-to-do-chandni-bar-madhur-bhandarkar-8177596/ |access-date=13 October 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=28 September 2022}} The film, along with Tabu's performance, received unanimous critical acclaim, and she received her second National Film Award for Best Actress and a fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.{{cite news |title=Chandni Bar Completes 19 Years: Madhur Bhandarkar Thanks Tabu, Atul Kulkarni with a Special Video |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/chandni-bar-completes-19-years-madhur-bhandarkar-thanks-tabu-atul-kulkarni-with-a-special-video/articleshow/78360079.cms |access-date=3 December 2023 |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=28 September 2020 |language=en}}{{cite web |author=Rediff Entertainment Bureau |title=Tabu, Shobhana share National Award for Best Actress |date=26 July 2002 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/jul/26tabu.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=10 October 2007}} Critic Taran Adarsh wrote, "Chandni Bar is Tabu's film all the way and there are no two opinions on that. Her performance deserves the highest marks and of course, all the awards. Her work is flawless and the impact her character makes on the minds of the viewer is also due to a tailor-made role".{{cite web |author=Adarsh, Taran |title=Chandni Bar review from indiafm.com |date=25 September 2001 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/6726/index.html |publisher=Indiafm.com |access-date=10 October 2007}} In a similar fashion, Salil Kumar of Rediff.com reviewed, "if there is one actress who can carry a film on her shoulders, it is Tabu. As usual, she sparkles!"{{cite web |author=Kumar, Salil |title=Chandni Bar review from rediff.com |date=27 September 2001 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/sep/27bar.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=10 October 2007}} Several publications have since regarded the performance as one of the finest of her career.{{Cite web |title=Tabu's best performances |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/tabus-best-performances-7385.html |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=3 November 2023 |title=Best performances of Tabu |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/best-performances-of-tabu/photostory/104942005.cms |access-date=4 December 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=28 October 2022 |title=Tabu: 20 greatest performances |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/tabu-20-greatest-performances/ |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=EasternEye}}

File:Irfan Khan Tabu still1.jpg at the premiere of The Namesake in 2006]]In 2003, Tabu starred in an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, titled Maqbool, that saw Irrfan Khan in the eponymous role. Based on the character of Lady Macbeth, she played Nimmi, Khan's domineering wife. Helmed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film was the first of his Shakespearean Trilogy and premiered at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival.{{cite web |title=Maqbool premieres at Toronto International Film Festival |url=http://www.videovision.co.za/Press/press50.html |publisher=Videovision.Com |access-date=10 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923082549/http://www.videovision.co.za/Press/press50.html |archive-date=23 September 2006}} Maqbool was a box-office failure, but was met with acclaim; Tabu's performance also received unanimous acclaim with critic Ron Ahluwalia writing, "Tabu shines in a dark role. The most versatile actress in Bollywood takes to villainy like second nature.".{{cite web |author=Ahluwalia, Ron |title=Tabu: She is menacing and seductive |date=30 January 2004 |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/Maqbool/ |publisher=planetbollywood.com |access-date=10 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017190029/http://planetbollywood.com/Film/Maqbool/ |archive-date=17 October 2007}}

She played the supporting role of a RAW officer in Fanaa (2006), alongside Aamir Khan and Kajol. The film went on to become the sixth highest-grossing film of the year.{{cite web |title=Box Office Results 2006 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/2006.htm |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=10 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813220427/http://boxofficeindia.com/2006.htm |archive-date=13 August 2007}} The same year, she starred in her first Hollywood film The Namesake, directed by Mira Nair. The film was a success overseas, and she received positive reviews for her performance. In R Balki's romance Cheeni Kum (2007), Tabu played a 34-year-old tourist in London who falls in love with a chef in his sixties (played by Amitabh Bachchan). Due to budget constraints, Balki borrowed equipment from Nikkhil Advani's Salaam-e-Ishq for filming.{{Cite web |title=R Balki recalls shooting Cheeni Kum with borrowed equipment from Salman Khan's Salaam-e-Ishq; calls Amitabh Bachchan-Tabu starrer "complimentary item" |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/r-balki-recalls-shooting-cheeni-kum-borrowed-equipment-salman-khans-salaam-e-ishq-calls-amitabh-bachchan-tabu-starrer-complimentary-item/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=16 November 2024 |access-date=31 January 2025}} Cheeni Kum received positive reviews from critics; Taran Adarsh praised Tabu for holding her own in the presence of Bachchan.{{cite web |author=Adarsh, Taran |title=Cheeni Kum review from indiafm.com |date=25 May 2007 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/12845/index.html |publisher=Indiafm.com |access-date=10 October 2007}} Though the film was moderately successful in the domestic market, it performed particularly well in the UK and US.{{cite web |author=Adarsh, Taran |title=Overseas box office report: 30 May 2007 |date=30 May 2007 |url=http://www.indiafm.com/trade/overseas_boxoffice/160.html |publisher=Indiafm.com |access-date=10 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017205128/http://indiafm.com/trade/overseas_boxoffice/160.html |archive-date=17 October 2007}} She acquired a record-setting fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for her performance in the film.

Following a brief hiatus, which she attributed to being meticulous in her film selection, Tabu starred in Toh Baat Pakki!, a romantic comedy about a woman searching for a husband for her sister (played by Yuvika Chaudhary).{{Cite magazine |title=My long hiatus was due to my selectiveness: Tabu |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/my-long-hiatus-was-due-to-my-selectiveness-tabu-67364-2010-02-14 |magazine=India Today |agency=PTI |date=15 February 2010 |access-date=19 November 2024}}{{citation |title=Preview: Toh Baat Pakki |date=15 February 2010 |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100130955&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood |access-date=21 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221172010/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100130955&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood |archive-date=21 February 2010 |url-status=live |publisher=NDTV Movies}} The film was widely panned by critics, with Raja Sen of Rediff.com calling it a "bland, preposterously dated 'comedy'" and pointing out that Tabu's poorly written character limited her performance.{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Raja |title=Review: Tabu cannot save Toh Baat Pakki |url=https://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/feb/19/review-toh-baat-pakki.htm |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=Rediff |language=en}} She next starred opposite Sunny Deol as a CBI officer investigating the murder of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra in the action drama Khuda Kasam.{{Cite web |title=Sunny Deol returns with Khuda Kasam |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120712182608/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?id=ENTEN20100150838 |archive-date=12 July 2012}} Both Toh Baat Pakki! and Khuda Kasam had minuscule box-office returns.{{Cite web |title=Tabu Filmography |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/actor.php?actorid=871 |access-date=20 March 2024 |website=Box Office India}} She returned to Malayalam cinema in 2011 with a song appearance in the multi-starrer Urumi, directed by Santosh Sivan.{{Cite web |date=9 March 2016 |title=Vidya Balan, Tabu starrer Urumi to now re-release in Hindi as Ek Yoddha Shoorveer |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/vidya-balan-tabu-starrer-urumi-to-now-re-release-in-hindi-as-ek-yoddha-shoorveer/ |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} Tabu had also completed filming for B. R. Chopra's Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai; however, the film was indefinitely shelved due to plagiarism disputes.{{Cite news |title=No ripoffs, please |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/7-days/no-ripoffs-please/cid/623609 |work= The Telegraph |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=20 November 2024}}File:Tabu 2, 2012.jpg in 2012]]In 2012, she had a brief role in her second Hollywood film, Life of Pi, playing the protagonist's mother.{{Cite web |date=22 November 2012 |title=Length of the role does not affect my choice: Tabu |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/length-of-the-role-does-not-affect-my-choice-tabu-531395.html/amp |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}} A.O. Scott of The New York Times described her limited screen time as "excellent".{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=A. O. |title=Plenty of Gods, but Just One Fellow Passenger |work=The New York Times |date=20 November 2012 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/movies/life-of-pi-directed-by-ang-lee.html |access-date=20 March 2024 }} Tabu's sole release of 2013 was in Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-Tamil bilingual crime thriller David co-starring Vikram and Neil Nitin Mukesh; the film failed at the box-office.{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=27 June 2017 |title=Top Grossers Worldwide of 2017 – Tubelight beats Hindi Medium, claims the 5th rank :Bollywood Box Office - Bollywood Hungama |website=Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/top-grossers-worldwide-2017-tubelight-beats-hindi-medium-claims-5th-rank/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |language=en}}

Keen to take on a light-hearted role, Tabu returned to commercial cinema with the Salman Khan-starrer Jai Ho (2014), a remake of the Telugu film Stalin (2006).{{Cite web |last=Chhabra |first=Aseem |title=Bollywood doesn't know what to do with a national treasure like Tabu! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/column/bollywood-doesnt-know-what-to-do-with-a-national-treasure-like-tabu/20140205.htm |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Rediff |language=en}} Despite being six years younger than Khan, she played the role of his elder sister.{{Cite web |date=15 June 2017 |title=Salman Khan's confession proves age is no longer just a number for the Khans; it's a concern |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/salman-khans-confession-proves-how-age-has-ceased-to-be-just-a-number-for-the-khans-3645759.html |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}} Variety's David Chute wrote that, "Stately-tall and with the profile of an Egyptian princess, Tabu is operating here several kilometers beneath her gifts".{{Cite magazine |last=Chute |first=David |date=29 January 2014 |title=Film Review: ‘Jai Ho’ |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-jai-ho-1201075681/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=24 February 2025}} With a gross of over {{INRConvert|1.9|b}}, it emerged as the sixth-highest grossing Hindi film of the year.{{cite web |date=1 August 2014 |title=Classifications |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/classifications2014blockbusteratlastwithkick#.U9t0SGP4J4U |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804204919/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Details/art_detail/classifications2014blockbusteratlastwithkick#.U9t0SGP4J4U |archive-date=4 August 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014 |publisher=Box Office India}} She then reunited with Bhardwaj for Haider, his film adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet.{{Cite web |date=4 November 2021 |title=The role Tabu said was to 'die for': When she played Shahid Kapoor's mother in Haider |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tabu-in-haider-the-complicated-but-graceful-ghazala-the-only-one-who-could-have-done-it-7604352/ |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} The film completed Bhardwaj's Shakespearean Trilogy that previously featured Tabu in Maqbool.{{Cite news |last=Bhaskaran |first=Gautaman |date=2 October 2014 |title=Vishal Bharadwaj completes his Shakespearean trilogy with Haider |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/vishal-bharadwaj-completes-his-shakespearean-trilogy-with-haider/story-umVeOvjjhYi4htvtekB5uL.html |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}} She initially passed on the role as she was hesitant toward playing a mother to Shahid Kapoor, but relented when Bhardwaj stressed the character's importance to the plot.{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K |date=10 February 2015 |title=Is playing mom a dead end for Tabu? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150209/entertainment-bollywood/article/playing-mom-dead-end-tabu |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}} She essayed the role of Ghazala Meer, the Gertrude character, to Kapoor's Haider (Hamlet). Haider received critical acclaim, with Tabu's performance being particularly praised.{{Cite web |title=Haider is Tabu's best performance: Irrfan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/haider-tabubest-performance-irrfan-shahid-kapoor-shraddha-kapoor-301373-2014-09-29 |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=India Today |date=29 September 2014 |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |date=3 October 2014 |title=Haider: Beyond the line of control |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/haider-review/article6469064.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209045031/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/haider-review/article6469064.ece |archive-date=9 December 2017 |access-date=5 April 2023 |website=thehindu.com |publisher=The Hindu}} Both Rachel Saltz of The New York Times and Lisa Tsering of The Hollywood Reporter concurred that Tabu overshadowed the rest of the cast with her performance.{{Cite news |last=Saltz |first=Rachel |date=2 October 2014 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/03/movies/haider-puts-an-indian-twist-on-hamlet.html |title='Haider' Puts an Indian Twist on 'Hamlet' |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=23 May 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Tsering |first=Lisa |date=2 October 2014 |title='Haider': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/haider-film-review-737780/ |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=20 November 2024}} She earned her first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{cite news |last=Bhushan |first=Nyay |date=31 January 2015 |title='Queen' Rules India's Filmfare Awards |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/queen-rules-indias-filmfare-awards-768890 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306053905/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/queen-rules-indias-filmfare-awards-768890 |archive-date=6 March 2015 |access-date=15 April 2015 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}} Tabu continued to receive critical acclaim with her next venture, Drishyam (2015), in which she portrayed Meera, a police officer investigating the murder of her son.{{cite news |last1=staff |date=27 February 2015 |title=Shriya in Drishyam Hindi remake |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shriya-in-Drishyam-Hindi-remake/articleshow/46391522.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316081419/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shriya-in-Drishyam-Hindi-remake/articleshow/46391522.cms |archive-date=16 March 2015 |access-date=10 April 2015 |work=The Times of India}} Directed by Nishikant Kamat, the film was a remake of the Malayalam film of the same name.{{cite web |title=Drishyam director responds to Ekta Kapoor's legal notice |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Drishyam-director-responds-to-Ekta-Kapoors-legal-notice/articleshow/38802704.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617025728/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Drishyam-director-responds-to-Ekta-Kapoors-legal-notice/articleshow/38802704.cms |archive-date=17 June 2015 |access-date=2 August 2015 |work=The Times of India}} Writing for Scroll.in, Nandini Ramnath wrote that Tabu's "raspy voice and impassive face convey the systemic obduracy that Meera Deshmukh represents".{{Cite web |last=Ramnath |first=Nandini |date=30 July 2015 |title=Film review: In 'Drishyam', what you see is what you get |url=https://scroll.in/article/744252/film-review-in-drishyam-what-you-see-is-what-you-get |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Scroll.in}} She earned her third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{Cite web |date=31 July 2015 |title=Drishyam review: This Ajay Devgn film could have been better if it had been tighter |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/drishyam-movie-review-ajay-devgn-tabu/ |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Both Haider and Drishyam emerged as modest commercial successes.{{Cite web |title=Haider - Movie |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2318 |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Box Office India}}{{Cite web |title=Drishyam - Movie |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2904 |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Box Office India}}

Fitoor—the Hindi adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations—was Tabu's sole release of 2016 alongside Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapur.{{Cite news |date=17 November 2014 |title=Aditya Roy Kapur starts shooting for Fitoor in Kashmir on his birthday |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Aditya-Roy-Kapur-starts-shooting-for-Fitoor-in-Kashmir-on-his-birthday/articleshow/45173161.cms |access-date=16 November 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Based on the character of Miss Havisham, she essayed the role of Begum Hazrat, Kaif's manipulative mother.{{Cite web |title=When Great Expectations turned to great disappointments in Fitoor. On Wahiyat Wednesday |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/when-great-expectations-turned-to-great-disappointments-in-fitoor-on-wahiyat-wednesday-1767893-2021-02-10 |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=India Today |date=10 February 2021 |language=en}} Tabu's performance divided critics;{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=27 May 2015 |title=Tabu replaces Rekha as Miss Havisham in 'Fitoor' |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150527/entertainment-bollywood/article/tabu-replaces-rekha-miss-havisham-fitoor |access-date=20 March 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}} While Rachel Saltz remarked that her performance was inferior to her other roles in adapted English tragedies, she praised her ability to convey loss with "her great tragedienne's face", and Subhash K. Jha of Firstpost thought that she had been miscast in the role of Kaif's mother, but both criticised the inadequacy of the script.{{Cite news |last=Saltz |first=Rachel |date=11 February 2016 |title=Review: 'Fitoor' Enlists Dickens to Tell a Hindi Love Story |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/movies/review-fitoor-enlists-dickens-to-tell-a-hindi-love-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306165507/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/12/movies/review-fitoor-enlists-dickens-to-tell-a-hindi-love-story.html?partner=rss&emc=rss |archive-date=6 March 2016 |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last=K Jha |first=Subhash |date=12 February 2016 |title=Fitoor Review: What the Dickens? Aditya Roy Kapur, Katrina star in a beautiful but disappointing adaptation |url=https://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/fitoor-review-what-the-dickens-katrina-aditya-roy-kapur-star-in-a-beautiful-but-disappointing-adaptation-2623026.html#goog_rewarded |work=Firstpost |access-date=17 November 2024}} It emerged as a box-office bomb.{{Cite news |title=Bollywood 2016: When big names failed to impress at box office |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-2016-when-big-names-failed-to-impress-at-box-office-4445825/lite/ |work=The Indian Express |agency=PTI |date=26 December 2016 |access-date=31 January 2025}} In 2017, Tabu joined Rohit Shetty's Golmaal (film series) in the sequel Golmaal Again.{{Cite news |title=Tabu on how she bagged 'Golmaal Again' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/golmaal-again-interesting-statements-made-by-the-star-cast-during-promotions/tabu-on-how-she-bagged-golmaal-again/photostory/61133095.cms |access-date=8 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} She cited her admiration for Shetty's work as the reason for her return to comedy. Her portrayal of a ghostbuster drew praise from critics with The Indian Express{{'}} Shubhra Gupta writing that "her inclusion to the film is an unexpected pleasure".{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/golmaal-again-movie-review-ajay-devgn-rohit-shetty-star-rating-4891742/ |title=Golmaal Again movie review: This Tabu and Ajay Devgn starrer generates some laughs |work=The Indian Express |date=21 October 2017}} Golmaal Again became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year.{{Cite web |title=Golmaal Again - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=3630 |access-date=25 February 2023 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}

File:Tabu promoting Andhadhun in 2018.jpg in 2018]]Tabu's first release of 2018 was Mukul Abhyankar's Missing, a thriller opposite Manoj Bajpayee.{{Cite web |date=6 April 2018 |title=Missing movie review: Slightly disoriented, but Manoj Bajpayee-Tabu make it work |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/missing-movie-review-slightly-disoriented-but-manoj-bajpayee-tabu-make-it-work/story-4wYlUGlB755VSlXbjeXD0M.html |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} She lent her vocals for the film's only song, a lullaby titled "So Ja Re".{{Cite news |title=Tabu records her song for 'Missing' - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Tabu-records-her-song-for-Missing/articleshow/48510685.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616212015/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Tabu-records-her-song-for-Missing/articleshow/48510685.cms |archive-date=16 June 2018 |access-date=12 June 2018 |work=The Times of India}} Despite earning praise for her portrayal of a mother in search of her missing daughter, the film underperformed at the box office.{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/missing-movie-review-the-brilliance-of-tabu-and-manoj-bajpayee-make-a-flawed-film-gripping-1833721 |title=Missing Movie Review: The Brilliance Of Tabu And Manoj Bajpayee Make A Flawed Film Gripping |publisher=NDTV |date=6 April 2018}} She followed this with a special appearance in Rajkumar Hirani's biopic Sanju, starring Ranbir Kapoor.{{cite web |date=11 July 2018 |title=Tabu on her cameo in Sanju: I call it my Truman Show moment, it was surreal to recreate the moment |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/tabu-on-her-cameo-in-sanju-i-call-it-my-truman-show-moment-it-was-surreal-to-recreate-the-moment-4711861.html |publisher=Firstpost.com}} Tabu described her scene in the film as her "Truman Show moment", as she recreated the moment she presented Sanjay Dutt the award for Best Actor in a Comic Role at the 49th Filmfare Awards.{{Cite web |date=11 July 2018 |title=Tabu on her cameo in Sanju: I call it my Truman Show moment, it was surreal to recreate the moment |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/tabu-on-her-cameo-in-sanju-i-call-it-my-truman-show-moment-it-was-surreal-to-recreate-the-moment-4711861.html |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}} A turning point in her career came with Sriram Raghavan's crime thriller Andhadhun, which saw her as the parallel lead to Ayushmann Khurrana.{{Cite web |date=5 October 2018 |title=AndhaDhun Cast & Crew |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/andhadhun/cast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120105050/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/andhadhun/cast/ |archive-date=20 November 2021 |access-date=25 September 2021 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} The film, along with her performance, received unanimous critical acclaim.{{cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/national-award-winning-actress-tabu-to-be-honoured-at-la-indian-film-festival/articleshow/68213022.cms |title=National Award-winning actress Tabu to be honoured at LA Indian Film Festival |work=The Economic Times |date=1 March 2019 |access-date=15 April 2019 |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523054630/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/national-award-winning-actress-tabu-to-be-honoured-at-la-indian-film-festival/articleshow/68213022.cms |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/tabu-greatest-actress-of-our-generation/#.y36mnf8kl |title=From 'Maachis' To 'Andhadhun', Here's Why Tabu Is One of the Most Versatile Actors Of Our Time |publisher=Scoop Whoop |date=9 October 2018}} Critic Rajeev Masand lauded Tabu as "the film's towering performance" and reviewers for Reuters and Hindustan Times commended her capabilities as the femme fatale.{{cite web |url=https://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/aao-twist-karein/ |title=Film's towering performance comes from Tabu |publisher=Rajeev Masand |date=5 October 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Sen |first=Raja |date=5 October 2018 |title=Andhadhun movie review: A terrific game of blind man's bluff. 5 stars |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/andhadhun-movie-review-a-terrific-game-of-blind-man-s-bluff-5-stars/story-S7HfPWavwU2IWvv18GOt7I.html |access-date=25 November 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite news |last=Jamkhandikar |first=Shilpa |date=5 October 2018 |title=Movie Review: Andhadhun |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/india/movie-review-andhadhun-idUSKCN1MF154/ |access-date=25 November 2024 |work=Reuters}} With a gross of over {{INRConvert|4.5|b|year=2024}}, the film emerged as a top-grossing Indian film, and earned her a sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, and fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics).{{Cite web |date=22 April 2019 |title=AndhaDhun Box Office Collection: Ayushmann Khurrana's Film Crosses The 300-Crore-Mark In China |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/andhadhun-box-office-collection-ayushmann-khurranas-film-crosses-the-300-crore-mark-in-china-2026962 |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=NDTV.com}}

In Akiv Ali's romantic comedy De De Pyaar De (2019), she starred as the ex-wife of Devgn's character who disapproves of his relationship with a younger woman (played by Rakul Preet Singh).{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/movies-to-look-forward-to/tabu-roped-in-for-ajay-devgns-untitled-romcom/photostory/60730604.cms |title=Tabu roped in for Ajay Devgn's untitled romcom |work=The Times of India |year=2018}} She was drawn to exploring how a middle-aged divorcee navigates love.{{Cite magazine |title=Tabu says De De Pyaar De is not about mindless laughter: There is seriousness and maturity |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/tabu-says-de-de-pyaar-de-is-not-about-mindless-laughter-there-is-seriousness-and-maturity-1524497-2019-05-14 |magazine=India Today |agency=PTI |date=14 May 2019 |access-date=17 November 2024}} Rediff.com{{'}}s Sukanya Verma praised Tabu for enhancing a mediocre picture.{{Cite web |last=VERMA |first=SUKANYA |title=De De Pyaar De review: Modern family mockery! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/de-de-pyaar-de-review-modern-family-mockery/20190517.htm |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=Rediff |language=en}} She ended the year with a brief role as the missing younger sister of Salman Khan's character in Ali Abbas Zafar's partition drama Bharat.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/news/people/article/bharat-stars-salman-khan-katrina-kaif-and-tabu-catch-up-in-the-city-see-phtoos/349486 |title=Bharat stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Tabu catch up in the city |publisher=TimesnowNews |date=18 January 2019}}

Tabu then returned to Telugu cinema after a decade, appearing in Trivikram Srinivas' Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), as the mother of Allu Arjun's character.{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/tabu-to-make-her-tollywood-comeback-with-allu-arjun-film-with-trivikram-srinivas-1484068-2019-03-22 |title=Tabu to make her Tollywood comeback in Allu Arjun film with Trivikram Srinivas? |work=India Today |date=22 March 2019}} The film went on to become the second highest-grossing Indian film of the year and Tabu's performance received praised critically, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress (Telugu).{{Cite web |date=26 June 2020 |title=Highest-grossing Telugu movies at WW box office |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/baahubali-2-to-khaidi-no-150-highest-grossing-telugu-movies-at-the-worldwide-box-office-854029 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Winners Of The Filmfare Awards South 2022 - Telugu |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2022/telugu/winners |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=filmfare.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Awards South 2022: Allu Arjun, Suriya, Tabu - All Winners |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/67th-filmfare-awards-south-2022-full-list-of-winners-3418190 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=NDTV.com}} She followed this with both her television and streaming foray as Saeeda Begum, a ghazal singer who engages in a relationship with a younger man (played by Ishaan Khatter) in Nair's post-partition drama A Suitable Boy.{{cite web |date=12 August 2019 |title=BBC - Cast announced for BBC One's A Suitable Boy, the first screen adaptation of Vikram Seth's classic novel - Media Centre |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/a-suitable-boy-cast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905014114/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/a-suitable-boy-cast |archive-date=5 September 2019 |website=www.bbc.co.uk}} Based on Vikram Seth's 1993 novel of the same name, the series marked the first BBC period-drama series to have a non-white cast.{{Cite web |date=5 May 2017 |title=Vikram Seth's novel A Suitable Boy to get a non-white, BBC adaptation |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/culture/story/a-suitable-boy-vikram-seth-bbc-adaptation-house-of-cards-lifest-975466-2017-05-05 |access-date=26 January 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}} Critics were divided on the series, but Tabu's performance earned widespread praise. In a positive review for RogerEbert.com, Roxana Hadadi wrote that Tabu "gives nuance to Saeeda's sense of otherness in a community that seems to both treasure and abhor her".{{Cite web |last=Hadadi |first=Roxana |date=3 December 2020 |title=Mira Nair’s Charming A Suitable Boy Miniseries Will Transport You |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/streaming/a-suitable-boy-tv-review-acorn-tv |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=RogerEbert.com}} She ended the year with a brief role (billed as a special appearance) in the unremarkable family comedy Jawaani Jaaneman.{{Cite web |last=Parasuraman |first=Prathyush |date=31 January 2020 |title=Jawaani Jaaneman Movie Review: Adequate Performances Let Down By Frustratingly Inadequate Writing |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/jawaani-jaaneman-movie-review-adequate-performances-let-down-by-frustratingly-inadequate-writing |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=Film Companion |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Jawaani Jaaneman - Movie |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie-story.php?movieid=5748 |access-date=14 December 2024 |website=Box Office India}}File:Tabu in Umang 2020.jpgIn the spiritual sequel Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), Tabu received critical acclaim for her dual role as twin sisters seeking vengeance against each other.{{Cite web |title=Tabu shares BTS shots of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 as it celebrates its one-year anniversary |url=https://www.filmfare.com/photos/tabu-shares-bts-shots-of-bhool-bhulaiyaa-2-as-it-celebrates-its-one-year-anniversary-58619.html |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}} She found the experience of playing the dual role particularly challenging as she had to showcase the characters in multiple time periods.{{Cite news |date=8 April 2023 |title=Tabu talks about the most challenging role she played till date! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/tabu-talks-about-the-most-challenging-role-she-played-till-date/articleshow/99338591.cms |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Reception to the film was generally mixed but Tabu's performance was seen as a highlight;{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Koimoi com |date=20 May 2022 |title=Kartik Aaryan Wants To Do Akshay Kumar's Biopic, Says "It's Easy To Say That" For His Comparison In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 |url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/kartik-aaryan-wants-to-do-akshay-kumars-biopic-says-its-easy-to-say-that-for-his-comparison-in-bhool-bhulaiyaa-2/ |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Koimoi}} Writing for Hindustan Times, Monika Rawal Kukreja thought that Tabu "stole the show", but considered her portrayal of Manjulika inferior to that of Vidya Balan's in the predecessor.{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 review: Kartik Aaryan film is a well-made sequel; Tabu shines |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhool-bhulaiyaa-2-review-kartik-aaryan-starrer-holds-its-ground-against-the-original-tabu-steals-the-show-101653019821073.html |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} She earned a seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, and a record-setting fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics).{{cite news |date=28 April 2023 |title=Winners of the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2023/winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427192148/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-2023/winners |archive-date=27 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |work=Filmfare}} Later that year, she reprised her role as Meera in the thriller sequel Drishyam 2, directed by Abhishek Pathak.{{Cite news |date=18 October 2022 |title=Ajay Devgn and Tabu on their Drishyam 2 characters: Both characters are right in their own way |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ajay-devgn-and-tabu-on-their-drishyam-2-characters-both-characters-are-right-in-their-own-way/articleshow/94951035.cms |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Archika Khurana of The Times of India described her as "simply outstanding", and WION's Shomini Sen appreciated her for subtly complementing Devgn's performance.{{Cite news |title=Drishyam 2 Movie Review : A gripping sequel with ample twists, turns and drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/drishyam-2/movie-review/95588434.cms |access-date=25 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Shomini |title='Drishyam 2' review: Ajay Devgn, Tabu's film is a textbook example of how a sequel should be made |url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-drishyam-2-review-ajay-devgn-tabus-film-is-a-textbook-example-of-how-a-sequel-should-be-made-535200/amp |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=www.wionews.com |language=en}} Both Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Drishyam 2 rank among the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2022, with the latter earning over {{INRConvert|3.4|b}} worldwide.{{cite web |title=Bollywood Top Grossers Worldwide 2022 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/box-office-collections/worldwide/2022/ |access-date=23 December 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}

2023 witnessed Tabu portray a government official thrice in the thrillers Kuttey, Bholaa and Khufiya.{{Cite web |title=Bholaa First Look: Tabu As A Cop (Again). Enough Said |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/bholaa-update-tabu-s-first-look-poster-is-now-out-3698952 |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=NDTV.com}} In Kuttey, she essayed the role of a corrupt police officer—a role originally written for a man.{{Cite web |title=Tabu talks about her role in 'Kuttey' says 'the character was written for a male actor' |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1022005-tabu-on-her-role-in-kuttey-this-character-was-written-for-a-male-actor |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=The News International |language=en}} Sukanya Verma commended Tabu for elevating a poorly-written script.{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=13 January 2023 |title=Kuttey Review |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/kuttey-review/20230113.htm |website=Rediff.com |access-date=5 December 2024}} Once again as a police officer, Tabu starred opposite Devgn in the action thriller Bholaa, which he also directed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/entertainment/ajay-devgn-tabu-get-candid-at-new-bholaa-teaser-launch-101674543271967.html|title=Ajay Devgn, Tabu get candid at new Bholaa teaser launch|work=Hindustan Times|date=24 January 2023|accessdate=2 February 2023}} In her mixed review of the film, Monika Rawal Kukreja felt that Tabu had not been given adequate scope to perform as she is "made to disappear as Devgn takes spotlight while fighting the bad guys".{{Cite news |last=Kukreja |first=Monika Rawal |date=30 March 2023 |title=Bholaa review: Ajay Devgn brings some slick but mindless action in this 'dark' thriller |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bholaa-review-ajay-devgn-brings-some-some-slick-but-mindless-action-in-this-dark-thriller-101680162964052.html |access-date=1 October 2024 |work=Hindustan Times}} Both Kuttey and Bholaa underperformed at the box-office.{{Cite web |date=19 December 2023 |title=Year Ender 2023: Adipurush To Kuttey; Movies That Failed To Impress The Masses |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/year-ender-2023-adipurush-to-kuttey-movies-that-failed-to-impress-the-masses-8708113.html |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=15 April 2023 |title='Bholaa' starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu crosses Rs 100 Cr mark at the box office |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/bholaa-starring-ajay-devgn-and-tabu-crosses-rs-100-cr-mark-at-the-box-office/articleshow/99516123.cms |access-date=18 April 2023 |issn=0013-0389}} In Khufiya, she reunited with Bhardwaj for their fifth collaboration as an operative of an intelligence agency alongside Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi.{{cite news |title=Vishal Bhardwaj on Netflix film Khufiya: Changed gender of character for Tabu |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/vishal-bhardwaj-on-netflix-film-khufiya-changed-gender-of-character-for-tabu/cid/1883388 |access-date=2 February 2023 |work=The Telegraph |date=30 August 2022}} Released directly on to Netflix, the film had a generally ambivalent reception from critics.{{cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |date=5 October 2023 |title=Khufiya Review: Vishal Bhardwaj Keeps Gripping Spy Thriller Simple And Direct |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/khufiya-review-vishal-bhardwaj-keeps-gripping-spy-thriller-simple-and-direct-3-5-stars-4452079 |access-date=6 October 2023 |publisher=NDTV}}{{cite web |last=Roy |first=Dhaval |date=5 October 2023 |title=KHUFIYA REVIEW : THIS ESPIONAGE THRILLER IS AS HEART-RENDING AS INTRIGUING |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/khufiya/ottmoviereview/104180095.cms |access-date=6 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}}{{cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |date=5 October 2023 |title=Khufiya Review: Gripping Spy Drama |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/khufiya-review/20231005.htm |access-date=6 October 2023 |work=Rediff.com}} Anuj Kumar of The Hindu was appreciative of Tabu's consistent performances in Bhardwaj's projects, but thought that she had been overshadowed by Gabbi.{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=5 October 2023 |title='Khufiya' movie review: Vishal Bhardwaj conjures up a soulful human drama in the guise of a spy thriller |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/khufiya-movie-review-vishal-bhardwaj-conjures-up-a-soulful-human-drama-in-the-guise-of-a-spy-thriller/article67383848.ece |access-date=23 March 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

Tabu returned to commercial cinema in 2024 alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon in the female-led heist comedy Crew, in which the trio played flight attendants.{{cite web |date=8 November 2022 |title=Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon unite for Ektaa Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor's next The Crew |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/tabu-kareena-kapoor-khan-kriti-sanon-unite-ektaa-kapoors-next-crew/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109000642/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/news/bollywood/tabu-kareena-kapoor-khan-kriti-sanon-unite-ektaa-kapoors-next-crew/ |archive-date=9 November 2022 |access-date=9 November 2022 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} In preparation, they received training from former cabin crew members.{{cite web |date=28 March 2024 |title='Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Tabu received training from former air hostesses': Crew writers |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/movies/kareena-kapoor-kriti-sanon-and-tabu-received-training-from-former-air-hostesses-crew-writers-article-12537171.html |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=Money Control}} Outlook{{'s}} Garima Das commended Tabu as the film's standout.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2024 |title='Crew' Movie Review: Kareena Kapoor, Tabu And Kriti Sanon Shine In This Well-Crafted Heist Comedy |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/crew-movie-review-kareena-kapoor-tabu-and-kriti-sanon-shine-in-this-well-crafted-heist-comedy |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=Outlook India |language=en}} Ranking among the top-grossing Hindi films of 2024, it emerged as a major commercial success.{{Cite web |title=Bollywood Top Grossers Worldwide 2024 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/box-office-collections/worldwide/2024/ |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} She next reunited with Devgn for their tenth collaboration in Neeraj Pandey's Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, a romantic thriller about a married woman who rekindles a relationship with her incarcerated former lover.{{Cite web |last=Hungama |first=Bollywood |date=6 February 2023 |title=Ajay Devgn, Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha goes on floor, see photo |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/ajay-devgn-tabu-starrer-auron-mein-kahan-dum-tha-goes-floor-see-photo/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=Bollywood Hungama |language=en}} The film was unable to recoup its estimated {{INRConvert|1|b}} investment.{{Cite web |date=5 August 2024 |title=Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha box office collection day 3: Ajay Devgn-Tabu deliver lowest opening weekend of their collaborations; mints Rs 6.75 cr |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/auron-mein-kahan-dum-tha-box-office-collection-day-3-ajay-devgn-tabu-deliver-lowest-opening-weekend-of-their-collaborations-mints-rs-6-75-cr-9495544/ |access-date=7 August 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=2 August 2024 |title='Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha' movie review: Ajay Devgn and Tabu struggle in a dated romance |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/auron-mein-kahan-dum-tha-movie-review-ajay-devgn-and-tabu-struggle-in-a-dated-romance/article68477181.ece |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |access-date=7 August 2024}} Lachmi Deb Roy of Firstpost panned the film's antiquated storyline and the underutilisation of both Devgn and Tabu, though Dhaval Roy took note of Tabu delivering a performance of "quiet intensity".{{Cite news |last=Deb Roy |first=Lachmi |date=2 August 2024 |title=Ajay Devgn, Tabu's Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: A predictable love story which lacks 'dum' |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ajay-devgn-tabus-auron-mein-kahan-dum-tha-movie-review-a-predictable-love-story-lacks-dum-13799135.html |work=Firstpost |access-date=4 November 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Roy |date=2 August 2024 |first=Dhaval |title=Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: This slow-burn outing may appeal to a niche audience |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/auron-mein-kahan-dum-tha/amp_movie_review/112213654.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=4 November 2024}} In her final release of the year, she had a brief role as Francesca in the Dune franchise prequel series Dune: Prophecy, a character she described as "deep and intense".{{Cite magazine |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=13 May 2024 |title='Dune: Prophecy' Casts Indian Superstar Tabu (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/dune-prophecy-cast-tabu-1236000907/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=15 May 2024}}{{Cite magazine |title=Watch: Tabu finally takes the centre stage as Sister Francesca in Dune Prophecy |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/international-shows/story/tabu-entry-dune-prophecy-sister-francesca-mark-strong-emperor-2651343-2024-12-17 |magazine=India Today |date=17 December 2024 |access-date=17 December 2024}} Praising her styling and look in the series, Mini Anthikad Chhibber of The Hindu remarked that Tabu did "what she can with her thinly written character", and The Hindustan Times{{'s}} Abhimanyu Mathur compared her performance unfavourably to those of her other English-language roles in Life of Pi and The Namesake.{{Cite news |last=Chhibber |first=Mini Anthikad |date=30 December 2024 |title=Dune: Prophecy series review: Tabu-powered mini-series is as overwrought as it is addictive |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dune-prophecy-series-review-tabu-powered-mini-series-is-as-overwrought-as-it-is-addictive/article69042965.ece#:~:text=Excellent%20acting,%20eye-watering%20production,a%20fairly%20engrossing%20spin-off&text=So%20Tabu%20made%20her%20appearance,(Mark%20Strong)%20former%20lover. |access-date=22 January 2025 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite news |date=27 December 2024 |title=Dune Prophecy review: Emily Watson and Tabu can't save this sisterhood of dull storytelling, cliched lore |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/dune-prophecy-review-emily-watson-and-tabu-cant-save-this-sisterhood-of-dull-storytelling-cliched-lore-hbo-jiocinema-101735285592976.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241227212624/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/dune-prophecy-review-emily-watson-and-tabu-cant-save-this-sisterhood-of-dull-storytelling-cliched-lore-hbo-jiocinema-101735285592976.html |archive-date=27 December 2024 |access-date=22 January 2025 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en-us}}

Tabu will next star opposite Akshay Kumar in Priyadarshan's horror comedy Bhoot Bangla.{{Cite web |date=25 January 2025 |title=Tabu wraps up Bhooth Bangla shoot with a perfect 'End Of Schedule Wala Pose'; watch : Bollywood News |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/tabu-wraps-bhooth-bangla-shoot-perfect-end-schedule-wala-pose-watch/ |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} She will also feature in Puri Jagannadh's as-yet untitled action film starring Vijay Sethupathi.{{Cite news |title=Tabu joins forces with Vijay Sethupathi in pan-India film with Puri Jagannadh |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/tabu-joins-forces-with-vijay-sethupathi-in-pan-india-film-with-puri-jagannadh-101744288420017.html |work=Hindustan Times |agency=PTI |date=10 April 2025 |access-date=15 April 2025}}

File:Tabu LFW 2017.jpg

Tabu is among the most accomplished actresses in Hindi cinema, known for her work in both mainstream and independent cinema. India Today observes that Tabu's "uncontrived freshness" and "mobile face" have made her a favourite in Bollywood, with her performances showcasing "a considerable range".{{cite news |last1=Chowdhury |first1=Nandita |date=8 September 1997 |title=Innocent Temptress |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/08091997/tabu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010715010349/http://www.india-today.com/itoday/08091997/tabu.html |archive-date=15 July 2001 |access-date=23 October 2020 |work=India Today}} Filmfare adds that her presence in a film's credits automatically raises audience expectations.{{cite news |last1=Gangwani |first1=Rahul |title=Super Talented Tabu |url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/if-im-single-that-means-i-definitely-want-to-be-so-tabu-14063.amp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010715010349/https://m.filmfare.com/features/if-im-single-that-means-i-definitely-want-to-be-so-tabu-14063.amp |archive-date=15 July 2001 |access-date=25 October 2021 |work=Filmfare}} According to Forbes, Tabu portrayed strong, women-oriented characters long before such roles were labelled "game-changers," while Vogue highlights her ability to deliver "non-stop stellar and heart-swooning performances." Eastern Eye describes her as a "versatile performer" often called upon to bring depth to commercial blockbusters.{{Cite web |author=Asjad Nazir |date=28 October 2022 |title=Tabu: Her 20 greatest performances! |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/tabu-20-greatest-performances/ |access-date=14 November 2022 |work=Eastern Eye}} Film Companion has commented on the "aura of mystery" surrounding her as a celebrity, adding that her onscreen presence carries an "ineffable, intuitive quality."{{Cite web |last=Bhakay |first=Varun |date=3 March 2024 |title=Why We Love Tabu |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-lists/why-we-love-tabu |access-date=25 January 2025 |website=Film Companion |language=en}} Despite having no formal acting background, Tabu considers herself a risk-taker, relying on instinct and her director's guidance rather than extensive preparation.

Members of the Indian film industry have often commented on Tabu's beauty and talent. Lyricist Gulzar hailed Tabu as "the beginning of a new era" and "a thinking actress in the mould of Nargis, Nutan and Meena Kumari".{{Citation |title=Tabu On Kiara Advani Calling Her The 'Golden Girl' & How She Celebrates Success {{!}} EXCLUSIVE | date=7 January 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmP2DKGcMko |access-date=19 April 2023 |language=en}}{{Citation |title=Rendezvous with Simi Garewal - Tabu | date=3 August 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZjpmzzZ_ng |access-date=19 April 2023 |language=en}} For filmmaker Karan Johar, Tabu is "truly the country's greatest actor", as well as "versatile", "adaptive" and "timeless".{{Citation |title=Karan Johar And Tabu Walks The Ramp At Lakme Fashion Week 2019 | date=29 January 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMQkAJ12wMQ |access-date=19 April 2023 |language=en}} She describes her aunt, Shabana Azmi, as her "biggest critic".{{cite web |author=Banerjee, Arnab |date=5 June 2007 |title=Tabu: making understatement an art |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e051d411-7392-4d2c-aacc-e260846c5317&MatchID1=4578&TeamID1=7&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1148&PrimaryID=4578&Headline=Tabu%3a+making+understatement+an+art |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017192527/http://hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e051d411-7392-4d2c-aacc-e260846c5317&MatchID1=4578&TeamID1=7&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1148&PrimaryID=4578&Headline=Tabu:+making+understatement+an+art |archive-date=17 October 2007 |access-date=10 October 2007 |work=Hindustan Times}} In 2023, journalist Rajeev Masand named her one of Hindi cinema's best actresses of all time.{{Cite news |last=Masand |first=Rajeev |title=The eyes have it: Hindi cinema's best actresses |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-eyes-have-it-hindi-cinemas-best-actresses-2320786-2023-01-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112160303/https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-eyes-have-it-hindi-cinemas-best-actresses-2320786-2023-01-12 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |access-date=13 January 2012 |work=India Today}} Known to be selective about her film roles, Tabu once said, "I do films which move me and most of all, the unit and the director should appeal to me". In 2019, at the 17th Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles she was honoured with "Opening Night Tribute". In 2019, Film Companion ranked Tabu's performance in Haider and Andhadhun among the 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade.{{Cite web |url=https://www.indianfilmfestival.org/17th-annual-indian-film-festival-of-los-angeles-announces-2019-lineup-including-opening-night-tribute-to-iconic-indian-actress-tabu/|title=17th Annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Announces 2019 Lineup Including Opening Night Tribute to Iconic Indian Actress TABU|website=Indian Film Festival|access-date=16 August 2020}}{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/kangana-ranaut-gushes-about-tabu-on-her-insta-hails-her-for-single-handedly-saving-the-hindi-film-industry/articleshow/95657497.cms|title=Kangana Ranaut hails actress Tabu for 'single-handedly saving the Hindi film industry'|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=21 November 2022 |access-date=22 November 2022}} India Today named her in their "Top Bollywood Actresses" list.{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/2 |title=Top heroines of Bollywood |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327214337/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/2 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |url-status=live}} She was placed in Filmfare{{'}}s "Top Ten Actresses" of 2003.{{cite news |work=Filmfare |title=Filmfare Top Ten Actresses' Listing |date=20 December 2008 |url=http://www.filmfare.com/articleshow/1021707.cms?&right=1&fright=1&botlink=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050401091106/http://www.filmfare.com/articleshow/1021707.cms?&right=1&fright=1&botlink=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 April 2005 |accessdate=15 February 2014}} In Rediff.com{{'}}s "Top Ten Actresses" list, she ranked 9th in 2007.{{cite web |author=Sen, Raja |work=Rediff.com |title=The most powerful actresses of 2007 |date=18 December 2007 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2007/dec/18yrpoweractress7.htm |accessdate=25 December 2007}} She topped the list in 2014{{cite web |author=Sen, Raja |work=Rediff.com |title=The Best Actresses in Hindi cinema, 2014 |date=31 December 2014 |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/the-best-actresses-in-hindi-cinema-2014/20141231.htm }} and 2018.{{cite web |author=Verma, Sukanya |work=Rediff.com |title=And 2018's Best Bollywood Actresses are... |date=31 December 2018 |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/special/and-2018s-best-bollywood-actresses-are/20181231.htm }} In 1998, Tabu received the Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actress, for her contribution to Indian cinema.{{Cite web|url=http://www.priyadarshniacademy.com/14th-anniversary-national-awards.php|title=14th Anniversary Global Awards|website=Priyadarshni Academy|access-date=15 December 2020}} Forbes India included Tabu in its "50 Showstoppers" list of 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/showstoppers-202223/making-of-showstoppers-202223-ss-rajamouli-tabu-hardik-pandyacapturing-the-best-in-film-ott-and-sports/82321/1 |title=Making of Showstoppers 2022-23: SS Rajamouli, Tabu, Hardik Pandya — capturing the best in film, OTT and sports |website=Forbes India |access-date=8 January 2023}}

{{Main|1998 blackbuck poaching case}}

In 1998, Tabu was charged with poaching two blackbucks on the outskirts of Kankani village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain along with co-stars Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre and Neelam Kothari.{{cite web |title=Blackbuck case: Tabu, Salman, Saif charged with poaching |date=25 August 2007 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/25/stories/2007082557720100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012112000/http://hindu.com/2007/08/25/stories/2007082557720100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2007 |work=The Hindu |access-date=10 October 2007}} A lower court charged her with the others under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the IPC. She had filed a revision petition before a sessions court which discharged her of Section 51 (causing harm to wildlife) of Wildlife Act and both of 147 (punishment for rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly of persons) of the Indian Penal Code.{{cite web |author=Pillai, Pai |title=Salman Khan expresses faith in judiciary |date=1 September 2007 |url=http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/41716.aspx |publisher=news.sawf.org |access-date=10 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012120930/http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/41716.aspx |archive-date=12 October 2007}} The Rajasthan State Government then filed a revision petition before the Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur which again added Section 149 against her, which had been dropped earlier. In December 2012, the Jodhpur court summoned her along with all the accused for commencement of the trial with the revised charges on 4 February 2013.{{cite web |url=https://khabar.ndtv.com/news/filmy/jodhpur-court-summons-salman-khan-saif-in-february-for-poaching-case-358003 |title=हिरन शिकार मामला : सलमान, सैफ को कोर्ट में पेश होने के आदेश |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=24 October 2019 |language=hi}} Although Tabu was acquitted in the blackbuck poaching case on 5 April 2018,{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/20-yrs-on-blackbuck-killing-verdict-live-updates/articleshow/63621241.cms |title=Blackbuck poaching case: Salman Khan gets 5-year jail term |date=5 April 2018 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=5 April 2018}} the Rajasthan High Court issued her with a notice, challenging her acquittal on 11 March 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/110319/blackbuck-poaching-case-jodhpur-hc-issues-notice-to-saif-tabu-and-so.html |title=Blackbuck poaching case: Jodhpur HC issues notice to Saif, Tabu, Sonali Bendre |date=11 March 2019 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |access-date=11 March 2019}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Tabu}}

Tabu received the National Film Award for Best Actress for Maachis and Chandni Bar. She received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for Virasat, Hu Tu Tu, Astitva, Cheeni Kum and Bhool Bhulaiyya 2, along with Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Haider, and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for Vijaypath.{{Cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/68_49thNfacatalogue.pdf|title=49th National Film Awards 2002|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=15 August 2020}} She was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, by the Government of India for her contributions towards the arts in 2011.{{Cite web |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/bollywoods-honour-roll-kajol-tabu-irrfan-get-padma-shri/742580/|title=Bollywood's honour roll: Kajol, Tabu, Irrfan get Padma Shri|website=The Indian Express|date=27 January 2011|access-date=15 August 2020}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrity/tabu/awards/|title=Tabu Awards & Nominations |website=Bollywood Hungama|date=27 January 2017|access-date=17 August 2021}}

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