‘People Are More Worried About Your Age’ : Tabu on Ageism

Actor Tabu has spoken candidly about the pressure women face over ageing in the film industry, saying society often focuses more on a woman’s age than the person herself does. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, the actor reflected on the scrutiny women in cinema continue to experience and why she never believed in giving “safe” answers while turning down film offers.

“People are more worried about your age than you are yourself. They want to show you the mirror, as though you don’t have one at home,” Tabu said during the conversation.

The actor added that ageing is not a sudden transformation but a gradual process people experience every day. “The person answering that question hasn’t aged overnight. We experience it every single day. It’s not like one day someone wakes up at 20 and the next day they turn 45,” she said.

Tabu on rejecting films honestly

During the interview, Tabu also spoke about the advice she received early in her career about rejecting projects diplomatically instead of being direct about her opinions on scripts.

According to the actor, she was often told to avoid giving real reasons for declining a film and instead blame scheduling conflicts or “date issues.”

“You should not give a real reason for not doing a film. Give the excuse of dates and walk away. I didn’t understand that. If I don’t like the script, I don’t like it. And I said so,” she said.

Her remarks offered a glimpse into the industry culture surrounding professional relationships and the expectations placed on actors, particularly women, to remain cautious in their public and professional responses.

Focus shifts beyond age in cinema conversations

Tabu’s comments arrive amid wider discussions in the entertainment industry about representation, ageing and the limited opportunities often available to women actors as they grow older. Over the years, the actor has built a career known for unconventional roles and performances across Hindi and regional cinema, often choosing projects based on the strength of the character rather than commercial trends.

Upcoming projects

On the work front, Tabu was seen in Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, alongside Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi. The horror-comedy released in April 2026.

She is also part of King100, actor Nagarjuna Akkineni’s 100th film. The project marks their reunion after nearly three decades following films including Ninne Pelladata and Aavida Maa Aavide.