Actor Tabu, known for her unconventional choices and powerful performances, has opened up about how different the industry feels today compared to when she began her career. Reflecting on her journey, she said she is “happy” she did not debut in the Gen Z era and would not choose to launch her acting career in the current landscape.
Speaking at a recent event, Tabu shared that the environment, expectations and pressures surrounding actors today are vastly different. According to her, the pace of the industry, the immediacy demanded by social media, and the heightened scrutiny can make the profession more demanding for newcomers. She noted that when she began acting, the industry operated at a slower rhythm, allowing performers to discover themselves without constant digital noise.
A career built on selective choices
Tabu’s long career has been marked by carefully selected roles that often defied mainstream expectations. She admitted that she never felt the need to follow the “rules” of a typical Bollywood debut and was instead drawn to depth and sincerity in her characters. Her early films, which leaned heavily into layered storytelling, helped her carve out a niche distinct from contemporaries who were focused on glamour-driven launches.
She also mentioned that she does not see herself thriving in an age where actors must maintain a curated presence online. Tabu pointed out that the culture of instant reactions, comparisons and viral trends puts additional pressure on performers—something she is glad she did not face at the start of her journey.
Not playing younger roles for the sake of it
Over the years, Tabu has spoken openly about embracing her age on screen. She has previously stated that she would not take up roles that require her to portray a much younger character simply to fit industry stereotypes. This approach, she believes, is part of what keeps her grounded and allows her to perform with honesty.
Her stance stands out at a time when many actors feel compelled to portray significantly younger roles due to commercial expectations. Tabu has consistently maintained that authenticity matters more than conforming to age-related norms.
Industry evolution and changing expectations
Talking about how the profession has transformed, Tabu acknowledged that today’s actors face an entirely new set of expectations—ranging from constant online visibility to maintaining trend-oriented aesthetics. She said that while the current generation is incredibly talented, the pressures they endure are far more intense.
The actor observed that opportunities have undoubtedly expanded, with global platforms and diverse storytelling on the rise. However, she believes the trade-off is a loss of creative privacy, as every move is now dissected on public platforms.
For Tabu, the era in which she debuted offered space to experiment, fail quietly and learn without the glare of social media. She said this freedom allowed her to evolve as an artiste without the fear of immediate judgement.
A reminder of her enduring philosophy
Tabu’s comments align with her well-documented philosophy toward filmmaking: prioritising depth, realism and emotional truth over formula-driven scripts. Her choices over the decades reflect a commitment to portraying complex characters, and she continues to be celebrated for her range and resilience.
Her latest remarks serve as both a reflection and a subtle commentary on how much the industry has shifted—especially in terms of how young actors navigate fame, visibility and expectations.
Conclusion
Tabu’s reflections highlight the contrast between her debut era and the modern-day entertainment landscape. While she admires the talent and energy of Gen Z actors, she remains grateful for having launched her career at a time when the journey felt more organic and less digitally driven. Her perspective adds to the ongoing conversation about how the film industry continues to evolve and the pressures that young artistes face today.