In Indian cinema, it’s not uncommon for actors to portray romantic leads on screen, regardless of their personal lives. However, one particular on-screen pairing stands out for its sheer range and peculiarity.
We’re talking about acclaimed actress Tabu, who has left her mark not only in Bollywood but also across South Indian cinema, including Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam films. Among her many co-stars, one collaboration in particular has drawn attention: her work with Telugu film star Nandamuri Balakrishna.
Tabu has played three dramatically different roles opposite Balakrishna—his wife, mother, and girlfriend.
In the 2002 film Chennakesava Reddy, Tabu took on a double role, portraying both the wife of Balakrishna’s elder character and the mother of his younger self.
The following year, in Pandurangadu, directed by veteran filmmaker K. Raghavendra Rao, she appeared as Balakrishna’s romantic interest.
While such role reversals may not be unheard of in Indian cinema, audiences found these particular pairings rather difficult to digest. Neither the mother-son dynamic nor the romantic angles managed to strike a chord, and both films fared poorly at the box office.
Despite the mismatch, Tabu’s talent has never been in question. The actress continues to be a sought-after name in the industry. She was last seen in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) alongside Allu Arjun and Pooja Hegde, and she is set to appear in the upcoming ensemble comedy Housefull 5.