Categories: Actress

Tabu

Tabu, born as Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, is a renowned Indian actress celebrated for her versatile roles in Bollywood.

With a career spanning over three decades, Tabu has become a household name, known for her remarkable performances and compelling screen presence.

Real name Tabassum Fatima Hashmi 
Profession Actress
Physical Stats & More
Height (approx.) 5′ 8½” (174 cm)
Weight (approx.) 65 Kg (143 lbs)
Figure Measurements (approx.) 36-32-42
Eye Colour Dark Brown
Hair Colour Black
Career
Debut Film
Telugu: Coolie No.1 (1991) as Ranjani
Tamil: Kadhal Desam (1996) as DivyaHindi• As a Child Artist- Hum Naujawan (1985) as Priya
• As a Actress- Pehla Pehla Pyar (1994) as Sapna
Malayalam: Kaalapani (1996) as Parvathi / Parvathikutty
English
• French-Indian- Hanuman (1998) as Anja
• American- The Namesake (2006) as Ashima Ganguli

Marathi: Astitva (2000) as Aditi Pandit
Bengali: Abar Aranye (2003) as Amrita
OTT/Web Series
A Suitable Boy (2020) as Saeeda Bai

Awards, Honours, Achievements Filmfare Awards

• 1995: Best Female Debut for Vijaypath (1994)
• 1998: Best Actress (Critics) for Virasat (1997)
• 2000: Best Actress (Critics) for Hu Tu Tu (1999)
• 2001: Best Actress (Critics) for Astitva (2000)
• 2008: Best Actress (Critics) for Cheeni Kum (2007)
• 2015: Best Supporting Actress for Haider (2014)
• 2023: Best Actress (Critics) for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)

Filmfare Awards South

• 1997: Best Actress – Telugu for Ninne Pelladutha (1996)
• 2022: Best Supporting Actress – Telugu for Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)

National Film Awards

• 1997: Best Actress for Maachis (1996)
• 2003: Best Actress for Chandni Bar (2001)

Other Awards
• 1998: Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actress
• 2011: Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for her Contribution towards Arts of Cinema
• 2021: South Indian International Movie Awards Best Supporting Actress – Telugu for Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)

Personal Life
Date of Birth 4 November 1971 (Thursday)
Age (as of 2022) 53 Years
Birthplace Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Zodiac sign Scorpio
Links
Nationality Indian
Hometown Mumbai
School St. Ann’s High School, Hyderabad
College/University St. Xavier’s College
Educational Qualification She attended St. Xavier’s College for two years.
Religion Islam 
Ethnicity Tabu belongs to a Hyderabadi Muslim Family. 
Food Habit Vegetarian 
Address Anukul, 2nd Floor, 7 Bungalows, Andheri West, Mumbai 400058, India
Hobbies Collecting perfumes, Writing poems, Reading books
Controversies • Accusing Jackie Shroff of Molestation: In the 1980s, Tabu accused Jackie Shroff of molesting her when she accompanied her elder sister, Farah Naaz, for an outstation shooting of a film.
• Blackbuck Case: On 5 April 2018, Tabu, along with her co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam Kothari, was acquitted by a Jodhpur Court in the 1998 blackbuck killing case. Meanwhile, Salman Khan was proven to be guilty and sentenced to a 5-year jail term. In 1998, Tabu and her co-stars were charged under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for poaching two blackbucks on the outskirts of Kankani village in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan while shooting for the film Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). 
Relationships & More
Marital Status Unmarried
Affairs/Boyfriends • Sanjay Kapoor (1987-1995)
• Sajid Nadiadwala (1996)
• Akkineni Nagarjuna
Family
Parents Father– Jamal Hashmi (actor)
Mother– Rizwana (school teacher)
Siblings Sister– Farah Naaz (actress)
Other Relatives Grandfather (Maternal)– Mohammed Ahsan (a mathematics professor)
Grandmother(Maternal)– Name Not Known (English literature professor)
Aunt– Shabana Azmi (actress)
Uncle– Baba Azmi (cinematographer)
Favourites
Film Golmaal (1979)
Actor Sanjeev Kumar
Actress Salma Hayek
Food Samosa

Who is Tabu?

Tabu was born on November 4, 1971, in Hyderabad, India. She started her acting career as a child artist in the film Bazaar (1982) and later became one of the most respected actresses in the Indian film industry. Tabu is acclaimed for her roles in films such as Maachis (1996), Chandni Bar (2001), Haider (2014), and Drishyam (2015). Known for her ability to portray complex characters, she has received numerous awards, including two National Film Awards.

Tabu’s Height and Weight

Tabu stands tall at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and weighs around 65 kg (143 lbs). Her height and graceful demeanor have made her a standout in the film industry. Despite the evolving trends in Bollywood, Tabu has maintained a timeless elegance and continues to be praised for her natural beauty.

Religion and Ethnicity

Tabu follows Islam and comes from a Hyderabadi Muslim family. Her full name, Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, reflects her Islamic heritage. Ethnically, she belongs to the Indian Muslim community. Her strong cultural roots have played a significant role in shaping her identity and the diverse roles she has taken up in her acting career.

Who is Tabu’s Partner?

Tabu is known for her private nature and has kept her personal life away from the media spotlight. As of 2024, she remains unmarried and has not publicly confirmed any long-term relationship. Over the years, there have been rumors linking her to various co-stars, including filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala and actor Nagarjuna, but she has never commented on these speculations.

Family: Parents and Background

Tabu was born to Jamal Hashmi and Rizwana Hashmi. Her father, Jamal Hashmi, was an actor, while her mother, Rizwana, was a school teacher. She has an elder sister, Farah Naaz, who was also an actress in the 1980s and 1990s. Tabu’s family background in the entertainment industry influenced her early interest in acting. Raised in Hyderabad, she later moved to Mumbai to pursue a full-time career in films.

Tabu’s Net Worth

As of 2024, Tabu’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. Her wealth comes from her extensive film career, endorsements, and appearances at events. Tabu’s consistent performances in Bollywood and regional cinema have earned her critical acclaim, contributing to her financial success. She remains a prominent figure in Indian cinema, often taking on roles that challenge her as an actress.

Filmography: Notable Movies and TV Shows

Tabu has an impressive filmography that showcases her range and versatility. Below are some of her most notable works:

  • Maachis (1996) – Tabu won her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her role as a woman caught in the insurgency in Punjab.
  • Virasat (1997) – Her portrayal of a traditional woman earned her critical praise and several awards.
  • Chandni Bar (2001) – In this film directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, Tabu played a bar dancer, a role that earned her a National Film Award and widespread acclaim.
  • Maqbool (2003) – Tabu starred in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Her role as Nimmi was highly praised.
  • The Namesake (2006) – Directed by Mira Nair, Tabu played the role of Ashima, a Bengali immigrant in the United States, showcasing her acting prowess on an international stage.
  • Haider (2014) – In this modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Tabu delivered a powerful performance as Ghazala, the mother of the protagonist, earning several awards.
  • Drishyam (2015) – Tabu played a tough police officer in this thriller, which was a commercial success and became one of her most memorable roles.
  • Andhadhun (2018) – In this black comedy thriller, Tabu’s performance as a cunning and complex character received widespread acclaim.
  • Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) – Tabu returned to mainstream cinema with this horror-comedy, where her dual role was well-received by audiences.
  • A Suitable Boy (2020) – Tabu played Saeeda Bai in this BBC series adaptation of Vikram Seth’s novel, further establishing her as a versatile actress in international projects.

Conclusion

Tabu, with her incredible talent and dedication, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. From her early roles to her recent critically acclaimed performances, she continues to captivate audiences with her nuanced acting. As a respected figure in the industry, she remains an inspiration to aspiring actors and a beloved star for fans.

With upcoming projects and continued passion for her craft, Tabu’s legacy in the entertainment world is sure to grow even stronger.

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