In pursuit of perfection

Tabu is a star `basically' from the South who made it big in Hindi first. Recently in the city for a screening of her film ``Kandukonden Kandukonden,'' she talks to S. R. Ashok Kumar about the perfection of film making in the South, and how will directors do their own homework to put the stars on firm ground, right from the start.

WHY IS the star with a dozen Hindi films in the pipeline, and the ability to balance commercial-parallel cinema, not taking on more roles in ``Southie'' productions? Tabu says she has her priorities well ordered, when it comes to choosing films here. Right at the top comes a good role, followed by the director and then the banner.

``A good role and an able director excite me,'' she says. If the first two priorities are met, the third becomes less important.

Multi-starrer films do not faze Tabu, who says her own roles are put on the road to perfection by the directors, who ``do the homework.''

``I have been able to work with a few good directors, such as Gulzar, Priyadarshan, Maniratnam, J. P. Datta, Govind Nihalani and the latest is Rajeev Menon,'' she says.

In particular, she looks at the five films done with Priyadarshan as invaluable. ``He has helped me a lot so far as acting is concerned,'' she says, summing up her work.

The film industry in the south, largely coming under the ``Kollywood'' umbrella, is good to work with, says Tabu. What are its strengths? The star of ``Kandukonden Kandukonden'' says the planning is better and the execution is perfect.

What is more, Tabu says she has no language barrier. It was one big party at the screening of ``Kandukonden Kandukonden'' with her co- stars. ``I was happy about the experience, and was really delighted to work for Rajeev Menon''.

Despite the taste of success, Tabu is clear that she is only in the learning process even now. ``I feel that I have just started now. I have not yet done one per cent of what I could do,'' is her forthright reply, when asked whether she has any tips and tricks to offer aspiring and younger actresses.

To a diligent actor or actress, every film is a learning experience, as Tabu sees it. Starting with ``Prem'', she has been looking at each film to learn more. Working with such artiste as Mammooty, Ajit and Aishwarya Rai, she said it was a good experience. ``Films attract a good artist based on story line and depth of character. I am always concerned about my acting. It does not affect me that it is a multi- starrer, with two or three heroines,'' she says. The quest is to be a directors' artistes.

So how did she enjoy ``Kandukonden Kandukonden''? The question was posed as she stood in the foyer of a cinema in Chennai. ``I have not yet seen it,'' was the reply. The conversation over and a couple of hours later, she emerged from the hall. ``I am happy about the film and my own performance,'' is her reaction.

Tabu lists ``Prem'', ``Machis'', ``Kaalapani'', ``Viraasat'', ``Hututu'', ``Iruvar'', ``Border'' and the latest venture as among her ``good films''. ``I can proudly show some of these films even to my grandchildren,'' she says with a laugh.

What does the future hold for her, in front of the camera? Mesmerising roles, depth of character is what would captivate her. ``If a film has a good director, then all other things become secondary,'' she adds. In Tamil when a good script comes her way, she will not let go of it.

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