As Tabu gears up for the release of her latest film, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, the spotlight once again shines on her illustrious career. Marking her tenth collaboration with Ajay Devgn, the veteran actress shares the secret behind their enduring on-screen chemistry. Tabu, who has had a stellar year with hits like Crew and a role in the much-anticipated Dune: Prophecy, credits the diversity of their roles for keeping their dynamics fresh.
Tabu’s laughter filled the room when she talked about her recent accomplishments. “I don’t set out with the ambition of proving a point with any film,” she says. “I go into a project thinking, ‘How will I be interesting?’ I want to enjoy what I’m doing. I want either a cutting-edge film that gives me something different experientially, or sometimes I want to do regular, predictable stories.” The opportunity to star in Crew came when she was deeply involved in projects like Drishyam 2 and Bholaa. “So, I wanted a break from that zone,” Tabu notes.
Crew, featuring a powerhouse cast including Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon, has smashed the conventional wisdom that a film needs a male hero to succeed. Its unanticipated triumph has emboldened filmmakers to explore more women-centric narratives. “Not everyone can make a Crew,” Tabu observes. “It was a combination of story, casting, and marketing. But, if this success inspires even a few filmmakers to create more women-led stories, it’s heartening.” She gives full credit to the conviction of Rhea Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor. “Rhea always believed it would be a Rs 100-crore film. I look at success differently, but she wanted to make a statement and was able to.”
Reuniting with Ajay Devgn in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha seems to have been a long time coming. This romantic drama has sparked curiosity about their enduring on-screen rapport. “When we say yes to a film, the story means something to us,” Tabu explains. “You can’t define good chemistry. We don’t feed off each other’s energies. But we don’t repeat our dynamics. In some films, we’re pitted against each other; in others, we’re romantically paired.” It’s this versatility that adds a layer of freshness to their casting.
.
Tabu elaborates on why their pairing resonates so well with the audience. “In this film, what works is that audiences have seen us together for so many years. To them, it’s believable that these two people haven’t met in a long time. People tend to believe that Ajay and I are two people in love, who couldn’t meet and are meeting after eons,” she explains. The familiarity and the believability of their relationship are key factors that draw audiences in.
Working under the direction of Neeraj Pandey for the first time, Tabu has nothing but praise for his unique approach to actor management. “He has a knack for moulding his actors beautifully,” she says. “He will mould you in every take, with the brief he gives you. By the third take, he will want you to reimagine your approach. He’ll say, ‘Let’s try it with a smile.'”
Pandey’s innovative directorial style adds another layer to the multifaceted performances that audiences can expect. Tabu seems exhilarated by the experience. “Every take feels like a new beginning,” she adds. This constant reinvention is perhaps one of the keys to Tabu’s sustained relevancy in the industry.
Reflecting on her cinematic journey, Tabu offers insights into her choices and career trajectory. She emphasizes the importance of balance between high-concept films and more conventional narratives. “Crew came to me when I was doing intense, plot-heavy films like Drishyam 2 and Bholaa. I needed a change of pace,” she reiterates.
Crew’s success, bolstered by an all-female lead cast, has affirmed the viability of women-centric stories in mainstream cinema. “It’s heartening to see the conviction pay off,” Tabu says, highlighting how Rhea Kapoor’s unwavering belief in the project resulted in a landmark achievement.
As the release date for Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha approaches, the film has garnered significant buzz, not just for its story but for the promise of witnessing Tabu and Ajay Devgn’s chemistry. For these two seasoned actors, this film is more than just another addition to their filmographies; it is a testament to their dynamic range and the enduring appeal of their collaborative work.
Tabu’s remarkable year, underscored by versatility and experimentation, sets her apart as one of the most dynamic actors in the industry. Whether it’s breaking stereotypes in Crew, stepping into the epic realm of Dune: Prophecy, or rekindling an old partnership in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, Tabu continues to enthrall and captivate her audience. Her approach to her craft, brimming with curiosity and a thirst for new experiences, ensures that her journey is far from over.
