Saif Ali Khan ropes in Tabu for a pivotal role in Jawaani Jaaneman, marking their third collaboration
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 7, 2019)

Though most may associate her with deeply nuanced roles, Tabu - with her outings in Biwi No 1 (1999) and Golmaal Again (2017) - has displayed her flair for comedy. Now, the actor will tap into her comic side again as she joins Saif Ali Khan in Jawaani Jaaneman, his first home production under the banner of Black Knight Films. She has been roped in for a pivotal role in the Nitin Kakkar-directed family comedy that sees debutante Alaia F playing Khan's teenage daughter.

Essaying a 40-something father who refuses to act his age, Khan is glad to reunite with Tabu after Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) and Biwi No 1 (1999). "Tabu is a brilliant actor. This part is funny on paper, and I'm pleased that she has agreed to play it as now it will be hysterical," says the actor-producer. While their previous offerings did not see them opposite each other, he refuses to reveal if they are romantically paired in their latest collaboration.

The addition to the cast comes only weeks before the unit heads off to London for a 45-day schedule. Producer Jay Shewakramani reveals that Kakkar had, in fact, written the part with Tabu in mind. A quick meeting with the actor was all it took to earn her nod. "Tabu is a close friend, so it wasn't difficult approaching her. She was always the first choice for Saif, Nitin and me. Fortunately, she heard the narration and instantly said yes. It's too early at this stage to reveal her character; all I can say is that she has an extremely special role," adds the producer.
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DNA (May 7, 2019)

Looks like it's the season of reunions. Given that a number of stars are working together after years, Tabu and Saif Ali Khan are the latest in this list. We hear the De De Pyaar De actress has committed to act in Jawaani Jaaneman, which the Sacred Games actor is also co-producing. Helmed by Nitin Kakkar (Filmistan, Notebook), the father-daughter subject also marks the debut of Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F.

While some indicate that the role is an extended cameo, our source states that it’s an interesting role and the producers felt that Tabu fit the bill. Though they have never been paired together romantically, Saif and Tabu have shared credits in three films — Tu Chor Main Sipahi (1996), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1998) and Biwi No 1.

Jay Shewakramani, who is producing the film with Saif and Jackky Bhagnani, says, “It’s too early at this stage to reveal Tabu’s character in the movie. All I can say at this point is that she has an extremely special role. She was always the first choice for Saif, Nitin and me and we are glad she agreed.” The coming-of-age film, which is a comic take on how a man confronts the harsh realities of his life, goes on floors next month.