Tabu, born Tabassum Fatima Hashmi on November 4, 1971, in Hyderabad, India, is a critically acclaimed Indian actress known for her remarkable versatility and depth in acting. Coming from a family with a cinematic background—her aunt is the iconic actress Shabana Azmi—Tabu developed an early interest in acting. She made her first on-screen appearance as a child artist in the film Bazaar (1982) and later in Hum Naujawan (1985). Her first leading role came in the Telugu film Coolie No. 1 (1991), but her breakthrough in Bollywood was with Vijaypath (1994) alongside Ajay Devgn, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Tabu's career is marked by her selection of challenging and unconventional roles. Her performances in Maachis (1996), Virasat (1997), and Astitva (2000) garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Her portrayal of intense, layered characters in films like Chandni Bar (2001), Maqbool (2003), and Haider (2014) further solidified her reputation as an actress of extraordinary caliber.

Beyond Hindi cinema, Tabu has also made significant contributions to Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and even international cinema, including a role in Ang Lee's Life of Pi (2012). Her ability to effortlessly switch between commercial and parallel cinema showcases her wide-ranging talent.

Tabu has won numerous awards, including two National Film Awards for Best Actress and several Filmfare Awards. Known for her enigmatic screen presence and subtle yet powerful performances, Tabu remains a unique figure in Indian cinema, respected for her artistic integrity and commitment to her craft. Her enduring appeal lies in her ability to breathe life into complex characters, making her one of the most respected and admired actresses in the industry.