Renowned actress Tabu portrays Sister Francesca in the highly anticipated series Dune: Prophecy. With an impressive background spanning various languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali, her filmography speaks volumes about her talent. Recently, I had the pleasure of discussing her captivating role in the series.
While audiences around the world may recognize her from the visually stunning adaptation of Life of Pi (2012), for which she won acclaim, Tabu’s performance as Gita Patel showcased her extraordinary skill. I connected with her over Zoom, from my base in Toronto to her in Mumbai, to delve into the fascinating universe of Dune, which has garnered global attention.
In Dune: Prophecy, Sister Francesca’s character emerges prominently in the later episodes, revealing a vital aspect of Reverend Mother Valya’s (Emily Watson) intricate strategies for the empire. Unlike the other sisters, Francesca distinguishes herself amidst the iconically dark-clad Bene Gesserit.
“She stands apart,” Tabu explains. “Alison [Shapker], the showrunner, envisioned her as unique since she is the emperor’s lover, being the mother of Constantine. This distinction grants her a significant role within the Imperium, especially upon her return, which reshuffles the existing dynamics.”
“Alison was adamant that Francesca had to appear different. She paid meticulous attention to details, like my hair jewelry and veils. Each scene called for a distinct look. Alison clearly outlined how she wanted my hair styled for each scene, emphasizing Francesca’s intimate connection with the emperor and the role she plays as his son’s mother.”
Reviving a Sister’s Tale
Portrayed as a more compassionate character, Tabu’s Francesca exudes a warmth that sets her apart from the other sisters. Her character’s softness is mirrored in the younger Francesca, performed by Charithra Chandran, known for her role in Bridgerton.
“We held an extensive meeting with Alison, Anna [Foerster], Charithra, and I, where we exchanged ideas and connected with one another,” Tabu noted. “Charithra likely emulated some of my mannerisms, and she must have had her own approach as well. Given our differing accents, I’m sure she worked on her British accent. Regardless, she excelled and has become quite recognized, especially as the series has resonated well here in Mumbai.”
Tabu has relished the anticipation leading to her character’s introduction in episode 5. The initial episodes allowed her to enjoy the narrative, as she observed Charithra Chandran add depth to her character’s storyline while simultaneously absorbing the unfolding events from an observer’s vantage point.
“My nephew, alongside his friends, organized preview screenings for all the episodes. We’ve booked a small theater for our group of around 25 or 30 avid Dune viewers. Each week, we send invitations for screenings, enjoying the show together. The screenings for my episodes will commence on the 23rd, following discussions over episodes 1 through 4. It’s wonderful to immerse myself in the experience, especially by viewing it as a fan, which enhances my connection to the story.”
A Memorable Experience on Set
Tabu reflected fondly on her time spent on set during the filming of Dune: Prophecy. Despite the series’ serious themes evident in weekly episodes on Max, she emphasized that the production environment was filled with laughter and professionalism.
“The set atmosphere was refreshingly light,” Tabu shared. “The cast and crew are highly accomplished individuals who maintain a professional balance between on-screen tension and off-screen camaraderie. The gravitas of the Dune universe doesn’t weigh us down, especially with such stunning costumes and captivating cinematography filling the set. Humor abounds, with Mark [Strong] being particularly amusing.”
Moreover, the Dune saga, crafted by Frank Herbert and his family, cleverly mirrors contemporary societal issues. The narratives echo many socio-political allegories that remain relevant from the 1960s to today’s cultural discussions. “Literature has always reflected our times,” Tabu articulated. “Whether it’s mythology, philosophy, or human ambition, our desire for power has persisted through history. The human experience remains fundamentally unchanged, making these stories applicable across eras.”
Catch Tabu as Sister Francesca in the concluding episodes of Dune: Prophecy, available on Max.
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