In its 21 years, the show had everyone from Amitabh Bachchan, Shammi Kapoor and Mehmood to Rajendra Kumar featuring in it. Says Tabassum, “The only actor who didn’t do an interview was Raj Kapoor.” Among the interviews, Tabassum picks the ones she had done with Sanjeev Kumar, Vinod Khanna, Shammi Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar as the best. Recalls the charming host, “I remember showing a scene from Zameer to Shammi Kapoor, who had played Saira Banu’s father in the film. It was interesting because he was her first hero in Junglee. Then there was this interview with Jubilee star Rajendra Kumar. I called him the original copy of Dilip Kumar. Initially, he was shocked but later he said that Yusufsaab (Dilip Kumar) was his idol and there was no harm in following him.” These kind of interesting nuggets were brought out by Tabassum in her candid chats. She also relates an incident about a yesteryear villain Parshuram who was a big star in his hey- days. Tabassum found him begging at a Bandra signal when she was on her way to the TV Centre. She took him along and interviewed him. The next day Shankarrao Chavan, the then- CM gave him Rs 10000 from the CM’s fund and many viewers too sent in their donations. “That gave DD the idea of starting a show for the poor and needy called Parikrama,” she says.

Tabassum recently was roped in as a judge for a laughter show Hasne Hasane Ka Tonic Ladies Special on Zee, which had women performing stand-up comedy. Apart from that, the actress is busy doing live shows called Tabassum Bhajan Sandhya, which is about spiritualism and entertainment. Looking back on her journey as an actress and host, Tabassum lets on that there was a time when she felt disappointed that despite looks and talent, she couldn’t make it as a top heroine. “Today I am thankful that I didn’t become a top heroine because my career would have been over in a short span as the shelf-life of a heroine is short. On the other hand, today even at 68 I am busy and a recognised face in films and television,” she says grateful to her audience and the film industry for supporting her.