Dune: Prophecy actress 'empowered' by women taking centre stage

Amber Sandhu and Manish Pandey from BBC Asian Network News report on the talented Indian actress Tabu, who plays Sister Francesca in the new series Dune: Prophecy. This series is inspired by Frank Herbert's classic novels and recent films. Tabu, who is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, is thrilled to see that women are taking on more leading roles in film and television productions around the world. She emphasizes that this trend is not just limited to international projects but is also evident in her own industry in India. 'There's been a big change all over the world where women are taking centre stage in many places,' she states. In Dune: Prophecy, Tabu highlights the significant contributions of women, including the director Anna Foerster, both in front of and behind the camera. She expresses her feelings of empowerment, saying, 'Being surrounded, feeling empowered and a feeling that you're the ones running the show. it's really, really nice to see that happening. ' Tabu also reflects on her recent work in the Hindi film Crew, where she stars alongside other accomplished actresses like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon. She believes that this shift towards female-led projects is part of a larger change in the film industry. 'It's part of the big change and it was also because the women that I was working with have accomplished so much in their fields,' she explains. Tabu admires her co-stars for their expertise and control over their craft, stating, 'They have a grip, they have control over their craft. ' She emphasizes the importance of people management in acting, which comes with experience and maturity. This supportive environment makes her feel comfortable and understood while working. In Dune: Prophecy, Tabu's character Francesca is dressed in all black, complete with a netted face veil. The show is described as 'a bracingly different sci-fi dominated by women at every level,' and fans are excited about Tabu's appearance. She shares that her schedule aligned perfectly, allowing her to take on this role, and she was eager to work in a different environment with an international cast. 'I always love these experiences. Because I don't live in that world,' she says. The production involved people from various countries, including Serbia, Spain, the UK, Ukraine, and Germany, which enriched her understanding of different cultures. 'It was very exciting, adding much more fun and drama on screen, of course, but off screen,' she adds. Tabu enjoys interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, which enhances the overall experience of the show. With a career spanning several decades, Tabu has appeared in various productions, including the BBC drama A Suitable Boy and the film Life of Pi. Despite her numerous achievements, she remains focused on the future rather than dwelling on the past. 'Because I feel like I've stuttered [if I do],' she admits. Tabu feels that she is still learning and growing as an actress, expressing her gratitude for the love and respect she receives from her audience. She is motivated by the roles she takes on, like Francesca, and aims to present her characters in fresh and innovative ways. 'That I should be able to experience this character in a completely new way,' she states. Tabu views acting as a live experience that allows her to explore and express herself daily. 'You still have to put yourself out there in front of the camera, and explore yourself and express yourself every day when you're on a film,' she explains. This personal journey is what drives her passion for acting, and she looks forward to continuing her exploration of self through her work.