Mansoor Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore - Love Story of Lifetime

An Old Expression: "Opposites Attract"

An old expression “opposites attract” has been circulating for times unknown. This saying seems particularly true when it comes to Bollywood’s favorite couple, Mansoor Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore. Mansoor was a Muslim and a cricketer, whereas Sharmila was a Bengali and a film actress. Despite their differences, they did not let these dissimilarities overshadow their love for each other. Even today, their enchanting love story provides us with relationship goals.

Mansoor Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore - Love Story of a Lifetime

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as Tiger Pataudi, was a Nawab. This Oxford graduate was unlike many men of his era. He had a westernized style and was more pleased with the company of books than social engagements. His driving passion for cricket made him an early achiever. He was the youngest captain of the Indian Cricket Team. Despite losing his right eye in an unfortunate accident, he became one of the finest skippers.

On the other side, Sharmila Tagore hailed from the prestigious Tagore family of Bengal. At an early age of eight, she made her debut in the film industry with Satyajit Ray’s film "Apur Sansar". She even discontinued her studies to follow her passion for the glamorous field. The industry soon recognized her talent, and she effortlessly captured the limelight. Individually, both were flourishing in their respective careers.

Tiger Pataudi met Sharmila for the first time in 1965. After watching a cricket match in Delhi, Sharmila encountered him at an after-match party. Coming from different walks of life, they knew very little about each other’s professions. Tiger hadn’t watched much of her movies, and she did not know much about the game. But as we all know, one can never tell when love begins. Two famous personalities, captivated by the charm of their respective fields, started dating.

Before the couple started dating, Tiger, with his ardent pursuit to woo the Bengali beauty who had just stolen his heart, gifted her a refrigerator and frequently sent roses to please her. It wasn't long before Sharmila fell under his spell. After dating for four years, Tiger Pataudi proposed to her in Paris, and she heartily said yes! Soon they made headlines.

Overcoming Societal Barriers

Without a doubt, this worried both their parents, and even the media speculated that their relationship would dwindle in no time. Sharmila belonged to a Bengali family and was the first-ever Indian actress to pose in a bikini. This caused a major hurdle for the Nawabi family to accept the actress's bravery during the not-so-progressive times. Tiger was a Muslim, which was enough for her traditional Bengali family to disapprove.

Yet, nothing could deter them from bonding forever in wedlock. They were ready to fight anything that came their way; she even converted to Islam and changed her name to Ayesha Sultana. By ensuring their families’ approval, they got married in 1969 and became one of the first modern couples in India.

Breaking Stereotypes

Even after marriage, they broke many stereotypes. At a time when the industry expected female actors to end their careers after marriage, Sharmila acted in films again after her first child, Saif Ali Khan, was born. Both were independent and made their own choices in their careers. Tiger never interfered in her career, nor did she in his. They were blessed with three children: Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan.

Enduring Love

Overall, with vast differences in their cultures and customs, many never expected their union to last. However, their love and respect for each other bound them in love for 42 years, until death did them part. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi passed away in 2011. They showed us how love can bring two people from different walks of life together, allowing them to live happily as equals on one path. The Prince of Pataudi and the Bengali beauty stand as an epitome of love for generations to come.