Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan recently shared fascinating insights about her mother, Sharmila Tagore’s remarkable life, highlighting how she has always lived on her own terms. Speaking to one of the media houses, Soha described Sharmila as a trailblazer who entered Bollywood at a time when acting was not considered respectable for women from well-known families. Defying social norms of the 1960s, Sharmila made headlines by wearing a bikini on-screen, something almost unheard of in that era, and later married for love despite family reservations.
Sharmila Tagore
Let us tell you that Sharmila fell in love with legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who came from a different religion. Before their marriage in 1968, she converted to Islam and adopted the name Ayesha. Soha revealed, “She converted, and her name is Ayesha. It was confusing at times because sometimes she would write Ayesha and sometimes Sharmila. But professionally she remained Sharmila Tagore, and that’s how the world knows her, though she is also Ayesha.”
Soha Ali Khan
Talking about her interfaith marriage on Simi Garewal’s talk show, Sharmila explained, “It was neither easy nor very difficult. It was important to face and understand it. You couldn’t be too casual. Earlier, I wasn’t very religious. Now, I feel I know more about both Hinduism and Islam.” Mansoor, fondly known as Tiger Pataudi, revealed that he was the one who suggested the name Ayesha. Despite their families eventually supporting the union, society at the time was less accepting.
Sharmila Tagore
In an old interview with Barkha Dutt, Sharmila recalled receiving threatening telegrams before the wedding, warning that “bullets would be fired.” Both families were anxious, but the wedding and reception went ahead peacefully. Let us tell you that Sharmila and Mansoor’s marriage became one of India’s most iconic love stories. They had three children, Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan, and Saba Pataudi. Mansoor passed away in 2011, leaving behind a rich royal legacy now inherited by Saif. Like their parents, both Saif and Soha also chose partners from different faiths.