Actress Tabu’s prophecy is “empowered” by women who take the initiative

One of Bollywood’s biggest stars says women are increasingly taking leading roles in global film and television production.

Tabu appears in the latest episode of Dune: Prophecy, a series inspired by Frank Herbert’s classic novels and recent films.

Originally titled Dune: Sisterhood, Taboo says women, including director Anna Ferster, have played an important role in the show both in front of and behind the camera.

“To be surrounded, to feel empowered and to feel like you’re running the show… it’s really, really nice to see that happen,” she tells BBC Asian Network News.

Tabu, a household name in Hindi cinema, feels that this trend is not only limited to international projects, but something she has noticed in her home industry.

“There’s been a big change around the world where women are taking center stage in a lot of places.”

Tabu points to her role in the commercially successful Hindi film Crew, which starred herself, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon.

“It’s part of a big change and also because the woman I worked with has achieved so much in her fields,” says Tabu, 53.

“They have a grip, they are in control of their craft.

“They have a sense of how to handle people because I feel like it’s all about managing people.

“It comes with experience, maturity and a lot of work over so many years of career. So it was comfortable, safe, and you felt understood.”

Dune: There is a prophecy described by critics as “a distinctly different female-dominated sci-fi on every level,” with fans in India is delighted Taboo’s appearance on the show.

Although she says the schedules lined up for her to play 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 people from Serbia, Spain, Great Britain, Ukraine and Germany participated, which helped her understand different peoples and cultures.

“It was really exciting, adding a lot more fun and drama on screen, of course, but off screen,” she says.

“I have to communicate with people from all over the world.”

Tabu’s career in the industry spans several decades, including acting roles in other Western productions such as Life of Pi and Good Boy.

But despite all that she has achieved, the actress says she tries not to look back.

“Because I feel like I stuttered (if that).

“(Sometimes I feel like) I’m still a beginner and I’m still learning a lot.

“The one thing I’m most grateful and overwhelmed by is that I’ve received a tremendous amount of love and respect from people or from my audience.”

And she says she’s still motivated by the types of roles she plays, like Francesca.

“So that I could experience this character in a whole new way.

“So that I can present this character in a completely new way (for the audience).

“Film is over 100 years old, they see what’s going on, the actors and the characters.”

Taboo also says she saw the role as an opportunity to learn more about herself.

“Because acting is a living experience, you’re lucky not to have the luxury of being stuck in one place.

“You still have to put yourself in front of the camera, explore yourself and express yourself every day you shoot.

“It’s the only tool you have. I look at it personally.”

Listen to Ankur Desai’s show on BBC Asian Network to live from 15:00-18:00 Monday to Thursday – or listen here.