Why Did Tabu Reject the Role Opposite Amitabh Bachchan in Baghban? The Truth Revealed

Bollywood has seen many iconic on-screen pairings, but one casting decision that could have changed the course of a film was Tabu’s rejection of the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s wife in the 2003 blockbuster Baghban. While Hema Malini eventually played the role and received immense appreciation, not many people know that Tabu was the first choice for this character. A recent revelation by the film’s producer has shed light on why the talented actress turned down the role, leaving fans surprised.

Tabu Was the First Choice for the Lead Role in Baghban

Directed by Ravi Chopra, Baghban was an emotional family drama that revolved around the struggles of aging parents who sacrifice everything for their children, only to be neglected in their old age. The film was a major success and is still remembered as one of Amitabh Bachchan’s most powerful performances. However, it was recently revealed that Tabu was initially approached to play the role of his wife.

Renu Chopra, the wife of late filmmaker Ravi Chopra, disclosed in an interview that Tabu was their first preference for the role that eventually went to Hema Malini. At the time, Tabu was 36 years old, while Amitabh Bachchan was 65. Despite the age gap, the filmmakers believed she could bring depth to the character.

Why Did Tabu Reject the Role?

According to Renu Chopra, Tabu was deeply moved when she first heard the film’s script. In fact, she was so emotional that she cried after listening to the narration. This gave the filmmakers hope that she would accept the offer. However, much to their surprise, Tabu eventually declined the role.

“When Tabu heard the script, she was visibly emotional. She cried and seemed genuinely touched by the story,” Renu Chopra said. “I was sure she would say yes. But someone sitting next to me warned, ‘When Tabu cries after listening to a script, she never does the film.’”

When asked about her decision, Tabu politely declined the offer, saying, “I loved the story, but I do not want to play the role of a mother to four grown-up children at this stage in my career.” She reportedly told Ravi Chopra, “My entire career is ahead of me. Please forgive me, but I cannot do this role.”

Tabu’s Aunt Was Furious Over Her Decision

Years later, Tabu would come to regret her decision—at least in the eyes of her family. When Baghban was released in 2003, Tabu watched the film in Hyderabad with her uncle and aunt. During the screening, she casually mentioned that she had been offered the lead role but had turned it down.

Her aunt was shocked and scolded her on the spot. “She turned to me and said, ‘I should take off my slipper and hit you on the head! Why did you reject this film?’” Tabu recalled in an interview. Her family felt she had let go of a golden opportunity to be part of a film that went on to become a timeless classic.

Would Tabu Have Been a Better Choice?

While Hema Malini delivered a phenomenal performance as Amitabh Bachchan’s wife in Baghban, one cannot help but wonder how Tabu would have portrayed the character. Given her exceptional acting skills and ability to bring depth to emotional roles, she might have brought a different perspective to the film. However, at the time, Tabu was still in the prime of her career and possibly did not want to take on motherly roles so early.

Over the years, Tabu has played a variety of complex and powerful characters, proving her versatility as an actress. From Maqbool to Haider to Andhadhun, she has consistently impressed audiences with her choices. Perhaps rejecting Baghban was the right decision for her career at that time, even if her family didn’t agree.

Final Thoughts

The revelation about Tabu’s rejection of Baghban adds an interesting “what-if” to Bollywood history. While the film was a massive success with Hema Malini in the lead role, imagining Tabu in that part brings an intriguing perspective.

Would Baghban have been different with Tabu? Would it have changed the trajectory of her career? These are questions that fans can only speculate on. However, one thing is clear—Tabu remains one of Bollywood’s finest actresses, and even though she turned down Baghban, she has continued to win hearts with her powerful performances.