Tabu is an Indian actress who has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and American films.
She has won the National Film Award for Best Actress twice. She is best known for her critically acclaimed acting in a number of films rather than achieving box office success.
Despite a few exceptions, Tabu is best known for acting in artistic, low-budget films that go on to garner more critical appreciation than they do substantial box office figures such as in Maqbool (2003), Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities (2004) or The Namesake (2007).
She has also acted in a number of commercially successful films such as Vijaypath (1994), Border (1997), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Biwi No.1 and Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United (1999). Her most notable performances include Astitva (2000), Chandni Bar (2001), Maachis (1996), Hu Tu Tu (1999) and Virasat (1997). Known to be selective about her film roles, she has said, "I do films which move me and most of all, the unit and the director should appeal to me."
She was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in 2011 by the Government of India for her contributions towards the arts.
She had a supporting role in Fanaa (2006), with Aamir Khan and Kajol. The film went on to become the fourth biggest hit of that year.
In 2007, Tabu starred in her first Hollywood film, The Namesake, directed by Mira Nair. The film was a big hit overseas. She also starred in Cheeni Kum in which she played a 34 year-old woman who falls in love with a 64 year-old played by Amitabh Bachchan.
She started off 2009 by being featured on the cover of Vogue India's January 2009 issue.
