Nawab Mohammad Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, affectionately known as Tiger Pataudi, holds the distinction of being the youngest captain of the Indian cricket team. Hailing from a royal lineage, as the son of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the last ruling Nawab of the princely state of Pataudi, Mansoor captured the hearts of cricket enthusiasts with his remarkable talent on the field. His charisma wasn’t just confined to the cricket pitch; it extended into his personal life, especially when he fell deeply in love with the stunning Bengali actress Sharmila Tagore.
Sharmila, a celebrated actress in Bollywood, crossed paths with Tiger Pataudi through mutual friends. Though she was initially hesitant, it took Sharmila four years to accept Mansoor’s proposal. Their marriage on December 27, 1969, was a significant event, marking the union of two popular figures from different worlds. The couple was blessed with three children: Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan.
The Love Story of Tiger Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore
During a chat with Diya Jaiswal on her show, “Safar: The Journey,” Sharmila Tagore shared an anecdote reflecting the pressures faced by cricket spouses. She recounted an occasion when her father scolded her for Tiger Pataudi’s missed catch during a game. “You shouldn’t have kept him up all night,” her father exclaimed, illustrating the intense scrutiny they faced.
The 60s and 70s bore witness to a prevailing skepticism about marriages within the film and cricket industries, particularly those crossing religious boundaries. Sharmila, coming from a Bengali background, and Mansoor, a Muslim, faced such skepticism. To marry Mansoor, Sharmila converted to Islam, adopting the name Ayesha Sultana. Despite societal doubts, their marriage stood the test of time.
Life with and after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
An interesting fact about their wedding was Sharmila’s unique condition for marriage. She reportedly challenged Mansoor to score a hat-trick of sixes in a match, a challenge he gladly accepted, paving the way for their historic union.
Reflecting on life post Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s passing in a Filmfare interview, Sharmila reminisced about their first meeting and the profound impact his demise had on her life. “Life has completely changed after Tiger’s demise. We were together for 47 years, married for 43,” she shared. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi passed away on September 22, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of love, cricket, and resilience.
