Published By: Sayan Paul

Tabu Turns 53: From 'Vijaypath' To ' De De Pyaar De'; The Tabu-Ajay Devgn Films That You Can't Miss

Over the past three decades, Tabu and Ajay Devgn have worked in 10 films together. 

Among all the iconic on-screen pairs of Hindi cinema, only a few have managed to stand the test of time. Ajay Devgn and Tabu have been termed ‘dynamic’ consistently for the past three decades - from 1994 when they collaborated for the first time to 2024 when they had their 10th film together. Both are powerhouse performers, undoubtedly; however, it's their off-screen camaraderie that contributes a lot to their on-screen chemistry. And both have evolved gracefully with the times, making each of their collaborations stand out - and how! 

Tabu, one of the most accomplished actresses in Hindi cinema today, turns 53 today. On this occasion, let's have a look at some of her best works with Devgn. 

Vijaypath (1994) 

'Vijaypath', directed by Farouq Siddique, marked Tabu and Ajay Devgn's first film together. The action drama stars Devgn as a police officer who goes on to avenge the murder of his father. Tabu appears as Devgn's love interest here and leaves a mark despite her lesser screen time. Besides them, it also stars Danny Denzongpa as the antagonist. 

Tabu and Ajay Devgn from the sets of ‘Vijaypath’

Upon its theatrical release, 'Vijaypath' emerged as the 10th highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1994. Several of its songs, especially "Ruk Ruk Ruk" and "Aaye Aapka Intezaar Tha", are still popular today. 

Haqeeqat (1995) 

After the grand success of 'Vijaypath', Tabu and Devgn joined forces yet again in 1995, and the result turned out to be a milestone in both their careers. Directed by Kuku Kohli, the action-drama film follows a similar plot to 'Vijaypath', but presents it in a different way. It talks about the flaws that persist in the system, and how they affect commoners. Both the lead actors' performances here keep you hooked throughout. 

'Haqeeqat' was a massive commercial success, becoming the 11th highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. 

Drishyam I & II (2015 & 2022) 

While Tabu and Devgn are mostly presented as a romantic duo on the screen, the 'Drishyam' franchise (probably their biggest hit together) follows a face-off between them. Here, Devgn appears as a simple villager, Vijay Salgaonkar, while Tabu essays the role of Inspector General Meera Deshmukh. However, what's common between them (and what makes their battle so interesting) is both can go to any extent to protect their children. And man, every time the duo comes together in a frame, it becomes a treat for us! 

(Credit: taran adarsh)

Based on the Malayalam films of the same names, both 'Drishyam' and 'Drishyam 2' were critically as well as commercially successful. 

De De Pyaar De (2019) 

Written by Luv Ranjan and directed by Akiv Ali in his directorial debut, 'De De Pyaar De' is a romantic comedy film that follows an unusual love triangle. The 2019 film stars Devgn as a middle-aged NRI and would-be divorcé, and Tabu as his wife. However, chaos starts when he falls in love with a woman (Rakul Preet Singh) almost half his age.

 

Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Rakul Preet Singh in 'De De Pyaar De'

The film is a rollercoaster ride and proves the duo's comedic prowess. And Rakul Preet Singh as the second female lead also hits the bull's eye here. Renowned critic Raja Sen wrote in his review that Devgn delivered his "sincerest performance" in this film. 

Besides the above-mentioned films, the list also includes 'Thakshak', 'Fitoor', 'Golmaal Again', 'Bholaa', and 'Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha'.