The relationship between Shakespeare’s tragic hero Hamlet and his mother Gertrude is central to the story, in which Hamlet displays a rivalry towards Claudius for his mother’s attentions, demonstrating behavioural characteristics of the Oedipal complex.
The Life of Pi actress told an Indian news channel: “Yes, Vishal [Bhardwaj] had to convince me for the longest time for this role.
“I just wasn’t sure how people would react to seeing me in that role on the big screen.
“I wasn’t sure I’d look like his mother, or rather step-mother, you know?”
She added that Bhardwaj explained he didn’t want Tabu to look like a mother; rather he wanted her to look like his lover.
“I finally came around then, and I’m glad I decided to be a part of the film,” Tabu insisted.
The film is being touted as the seminal performance of Shahid’s career to date.
At the London press conference for the film, Bhardwaj explained that he cast Shahid in the lead role because he is the best actor of his generation.
Haider also stars Shraddha Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan in key roles.
The film is scheduled to release on October 2.
