Attila Szvacsek/HBO
Tabu plays the role of Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy
One of Bollywood's biggest stars says women are playing an increasingly important role in global film and television productions.
Tabu appears in the latest episode of Dune: Prophecy – the series inspired by Frank Herbert's classic novels and recent films.
Originally titled Dune: Sisterhood, Tabu says women, including director Anna Foerster, played prominent roles in the series in front of and behind the camera.
“Being supported, feeling empowered and feeling like you're running the show… it's really, really nice to see that happening,” she told BBC Asian Network News.
It's a trend that Tabu, a well-known name in Hindi cinema, believes is not limited to international projects, but has noticed in her home industry.
“There has been a big shift all over the world where women are taking center stage in many places.”
“I’m still learning so much.”
Tabu highlights her role in the commercially successful Hindi film Crew, with an all-female cast including herself, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon.
“It’s part of the big change and it’s also because the woman I worked with has accomplished so much in her field,” says Tabu, 53.
“They have influence, they control their profession.
“They know how to deal with people because I think it’s all about people management.
“It comes with experience, maturity and a lot of work over so many years of their respective careers. So it was comforting, safe and you felt like you were understood.”
Attila Szvacsek/HBO
Tabu wants to play more action roles in the future
Dune: Prophecy is described by critics as “a decidedly different sci-fi dominated by women at every level”, with Indian fans excited about Tabu's appearance in the series.
Although she said schedules aligned to allow her to play the role of Sister Francesca, the chance to work in a different environment with an international cast was appealing.
“I always love those experiences. Because I don't live in that world.”
She says there were people from Serbia, Spain, the UK, Ukraine and Germany involved, which helped her understand different people and cultures.
“It was very exciting, adding a lot more fun and drama on screen, of course, but off screen,” she says.
“I got to interact with people from so many different parts of the world.”
BBC/Observation Point
The Bollywood star previously appeared in BBC drama A Suitable Boy
Tabu's career in the industry spans several decades, with acting credits including other Western productions such as Life of Pi and A Suitable Boy.
But despite all she's accomplished, the actress says she's determined not to look back.
“Because I feel like I stuttered (if I did).
“(Sometimes I feel) like I’m still new and I’m still learning a lot.
“The one thing that I feel extremely grateful for and overwhelmed by is that I have received a tremendous amount of love and respect from people or my audience.”
And she says she stays motivated by the type of roles she plays, like Francesca.
“That I should be able to experience this character in a completely new way.
“That I should be able to present this character in a completely new way (to the audience).
“Cinema is over 100 years old, they’ve seen things happen, actors and characters.”
Tabu also says she saw this role as an opportunity to discover more about herself.
“Because acting is such a vivid experience, you’re lucky you don’t have the luxury of having your work stuck in one place.
“You always have to show up in front of the camera, explore yourself and express yourself every day when you’re on film.
“It's the only tool you have. I see it in a personal way.”
Listen to Ankur Desai's show on the BBC Asian Network live from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday – or listen again here.
