Some actors make their own set of rules to live by. More importantly, they get away with it too. Apni Tabu is one such star who does not let "the norms of the industry dictate my life." And what makes her stand out from the rest of her contemporaries? Going by her track record one would think off beat cinema. But the lady is as spirited about "any film that catches my fancy."

As a result she has an M F Husain`s innovative Meenaxi on one hand, on the other she also has signed a hardcore mainstream film - Madhur Bhandarkar`s Police Force, along with a light-hearted black comedy by Mahesh Manjrekar titled, Pran Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye.What has surprised many is her unstinted support to director Guddu Dhanoa, whose next film she has signed. Titled Hawa, the story revolves around her and two kids in eerie surroundings. Currently being shot in Kulu Manali, Tabu is as charged up as she is for any Gulzar movie. "It`s the scariest movie you`ve ever seen," she coos gritting her teeth in the chilling weather that has gripped her at the hill station.

"I wanted to do Hawa before I leave for Gautam Ghosh`s serious Bengali film, Abar Aranya in Kolkata," she informs.Firmly ensconced between both the worlds, Tabu seems to be having the time of her life. More power to independent thought.