This was a filmi marriage like no other at the time. When Sharmila Tagore married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in 1969, it was a cross-religion, cross-career marriage. He was India's finest cricket captain, she was the established actress, handpicked by the legendary Satyajit Ray. He was also the Nawab of Pataudi, she was the first Indian actress to ever appear in a bikini on screen, just two years ago.
This was a filmi marriage like no other at the time. When Sharmila Tagore married Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in 1969, it was a cross-religion, cross-career marriage. He was India's finest cricket captain, she was the established actress, handpicked by the legendary Satyajit Ray. He was also the Nawab of Pataudi, she was the first Indian actress to ever appear in a bikini on screen, just two years ago.
"Nawab Pataudi later said he had to bat on for four long years" to finally marry the Kashmir Ki Kali heroine.
Sharmila, on her part, revealed she "was attracted to Tiger for his sense of humour" and said "for us, the world ended and began with each other".
With some opposition from family, many at the time also said it was a marriage that would not last too long. But despite marriages, celebrity and otherwise crumbling over time, this one remained steadfast for 42 years.
Sharmila converted to Islam and even changed her name to Begum Ayesha Sultana, which also turned into a huge controversy as nobody expected a Bengali Hindu girl to take such a step.
Sharmila, synonymous with enduring hits such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Amar Prem, Mausam and Aradhana to name a few, was at the peak of her career when she decided to take a sabbatical and concentrate on her husband and family.
The couple have one son and two daughters, Saif Ali Khan (actor), Saba Ali Khan (jewellery designer) and Soha Ali Khan (actor).
Their eldest child Saif, who was earlier married to actress Amrita Singh has two kids (son Ibrahim Ali Khan and daughter Sara Ali Khan) is a successful Bollywood actor. Chhote nawab, who is currently dating Kareena Kapoor has introduced Bebo to his family and apparently Sharmila is very fond of the Kapoor girl. The two plan to get married in 2012.
Saba is a jewellery designer and as she put it has no plans to enter Bollywood.
The youngest one Soha, who is dating fellow actor Kunal Khemu, is also a Bollywood actor.
