In Maqbool , Tabu plays Nimmi (the Lady Macbeth figure) and Irfan plays the titular Maqbool. Their chemistry is fueled by ambition, forbidden lust, and eventual psychological ruin.
The monologue: “Main acchi hoon. Bahut acchi. Itni acchi ki tumhe pata bhi nahi chalega main kitni acchi hoon. (I am good. Very good. So good that you won’t even realize how good I am.)” She smiles sweetly, then her expression freezes into pure menace – all while her voice remains a lover’s murmur.
Directed by Mira Nair, The Namesake adapted Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel into a critically acclaimed global drama. Irfan Khan and Tabu played Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli, first-generation Indian immigrants moving from Calcutta to New York City.
Their joint work spans intense crime dramas to acclaimed international adaptations: Life of Pi
Throughout her career, Tabu has worked with some of the most prominent directors in Indian cinema, including Mahesh Bhatt, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Vishal Bhardwaj. She has also won numerous awards for her performances, including two Filmfare Awards for Best Actress.
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Early in their marriage, Ashima steps into Ashoke’s oversized shoes left in the hallway. This quiet, unscripted moment captures the vulnerability of an immigrant bride trying to fit into her husband's foreign world.
While both have vast individual filmographies, they officially appeared in the same projects six times. In three of these, they were prominently paired as partners or key leads.
Irrfan Khan himself provided the most direct account of filming the scene. He described it in an interview, noting that the love-making scene was "a little more explicit and longer than love-making scenes generally are." He admitted to being "startled" when they began and was worried about how Tabu would react.
The final, unspoken understanding between them before Ashoke's sudden passing remains a masterclass in understated grief and affection. 3. Haider (2014)
The sex scene between Tabu and Irrfan Khan in The Namesake is more than a fleeting moment of physical intimacy; it is a narrative cornerstone. It symbolizes the quiet, unspoken love that grows between two strangers in an arranged marriage, a theme central to the film. The awkwardness and vulnerability in the scene are intentional, reflecting the characters’ own journey from formality to affection. That this moment was achieved by two actors who reportedly shared a strained off-screen relationship makes it all the more remarkable. It remains a testament to their immense talent and their ability to conjure cinematic magic out of professional distance.
For brevity, a chronological list of all 70+ films can be provided in an extended appendix.
Some other notable films in Tabu's filmography include:
