Tabu Birthday Special: 5 best performances of the versatile actress

Today marks the 45th birthday of Bollywood actress Tabu, who is one of the most versatile actresses in the industry. Tabu, an epitome of talent, is quite known for her off-beat performances on the silver screen. The actress started off her career with commercial cinema, however, she proved her acting prowess in off-beat roles. Unlike others, Tabu has always been seen doing meaningful cinema and has impressed the audience with powerful performances. In the past few years, there has been a gradual shift in her positioning from leading lady to 'character' actress. However, Tabu, with her exceptional talent, has time and again proved that she is a class apart. The magnificent actress over the years of her illustrious career in the industry, has won the National Film Award twice. As the graceful actress turns a year older today, we bring you some of memorable performances of Tabu

Haider - Tabu was seen playing the role of a mother to actor Shahid Kapoor in ‘Haider’. Though it was touted as Shahid’s movie, we can’t deny the fact that Tabu did leave a mark with her influential performance. Helmed by Vishal Bhardhwaj, ‘Haider’ is said to be an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Tabu plays the role of Ghazala Meer, who is torn between her love for her son and her desire to live a happy life. Despite having actors like Irrfan Khan and Kay Kay Menon, Tabu successfully stole the show.

Chandni Bar - The movie revolved around the life of a bar dancer who gets trapped into prostitution with Tabu in the lead role. The actress played the role magnificently and carried away the movie on her shoulders alone. A Madhur Bhandarkar directorial, ‘Chandni Bar’ was critically acclaimed and Tabu won National Award for the movie. In fact, Bhandarkar also rose to fame post the release of the movie.

Maqbool - Before working with Vishal Bhardwaj in ‘Haider’, Tabu had collaborated with the director for his 2003 release ‘Maqbool’, which was an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The actress played the role of a mistress to a don, who secretly falls in love with his aide. Tabu played the role with such flamboyance that she turned out to be a tough competitor for actors like Pankaj Kapur and Irrfan Khan.

Virasat - Tabu’s role in Virasat is considered to be one of the most memorable role of her career. The actress played a village girl Gehna which such innocence that it melted everyone’s heart. The movie was not just appreciated by the critics, but it also did wonders at the box office. Tabu even won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for her performance in Virasat.

Maachis - In 1996, when Tabu was still trying to carve a niche for herself, Gulzar’s directorial ‘Maachis’ came hr way. It was quite a brave decision for the actress to try her hand on off-beat cinema just at the start of her career and that too with a movie which dealt with the serious subject of the aftermath of 1984 Operation Blue-Star. However, the actress followed her heat and gave an enthralling performance in Macchis. Tabu’s work was not just critically acclaimed, but the actress also went on to win her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance.