Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, better known as Tabu, has won millions of hearts with her acting not only in Hindi, but also in English, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi and Bengali films. Experimenting with her roles in several films, Tabu has grown as an actor from Vijaypath (1994) to recently released Fitoor. Her performances in Maachis (1996), Virasat (1997), Hu Tu Tu (1999), Astitva (2000), Chandni Bar (2001) and Maqbool (2003) were critically acclaimed. Cheeni Kum (2007), Life of Pi (2012), Haider (2014), Talvar and Drishyam (both in 2015) further revealed a new side of her acting brilliance. She has won two national awards and six Filmfare awards. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011.

How do you de-stress yourself?
Being an actor is a tough job. We deal with many people every day. When I am stressed, I talk to friends, listen to music, go for a walk and sometimes work out.

Fitness for you is: I wish to be active throughout my life. I want to live happily and fitness has an important role to play in this.

If not an actor, you would have been?
A teacher or an airhostess.

Want to be remembered as: A fearless person.

Your weaknesses: I am sure there are many.

Your strengths: My emotions.

Your favourite co-actor: Many. All my co-actors have worked nicely with me.

What do you read while travelling?
I don’t usually carry a book while I am travelling. I read airlines magazines thoroughly. Many a time I request them and carry the magazine along. I also like to read a lot about the place I am visiting.

On what basis do you select a film?
I have to have trust on the project. I don’t just go by my role. The whole project has to be good. The director also has to be wonderful because his work can transform the entire film.

Why did you choose the role of a mother in your latest movie Fitoor?
For me the role or the character has to be good. It is sheer foolishness to leave a strong role just because it is of a mother.

Do you wish to perform in a comedy film again?
I would love to. They [filmmakers] don’t give me comedy films because it has become easier for the filmmakers to cast me in serious cinema.

Your favourite comedians:
Govinda is incomparable. There are many  brilliant comedy stars but Mehmood and Johnny Lever are among the best.