PANAJI: Tabu was aware that people will question her decision to work in Life of Pi, but the actress says she opted for the film despite a short role because it gave her a chance to team up with Oscar-winning filmmaker Ang Lee.

“I am always defined as a character actor or people say in some movies my role is short and still I did it. I knew it that after Life of Pi people will again question my short length of role but it does not concern me.

“For me it was an incredible experience personally and professionally. I only thought that I am getting a chance to work with Ang, whose work I hugely admire,” Tabu said at a press conference on the sidelines of 43rd International Film Festival of India.

The film opened the 11-day long festival on Tuesday night.

Tabu, 41, plays the role of Pi’s mother in the film, which is based on Yann Martel’s novel.

It hits the theatres on Nov.23.

The actress, who has give hits like Maachis, Chandni Bar,Maqbool, Cheeni Kum in her two-decade long career, also said for her it is the story which is bigger than characters in movies.

“I feel story is bigger than characters, with each of my film I try to give weight to the content first and then my role.

“With Ang it is the same so that’s where we connected. I am honoured to be a part of this movie,” she added.

Tabu has been very selective about her movies and the actress says it is not a conscious decision but nothing interesting comes her way.

“Its not like I don’t want to do movies but nothing interesting comes my way so I take my time to select a project.”