Sharmila Tagore’s Love Story: How Pataudi Asked Her Out

In a candid interview with Twinkle Khanna, the legendary actress Sharmila Tagore shares the heartwarming tale of how her late husband, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, first asked her out on a date. This glimpse into their love story sheds light on the beginnings of a beautiful relationship.

A Glimpse into Sharmila Tagore’s Storied Career

Sharmila Tagore, an icon in the world of Indian cinema, made her mark at a young age. Born into the illustrious Tagore family, she possessed charisma, talent, intellect, and grace. Her journey began at the age of 14 when she faced the camera for the first time, and she later made her debut in Satyajit Ray’s Bengali drama, “The World of Apu,” in 1959. Amidst her rise to stardom, she crossed paths with the renowned Indian cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who would eventually become her husband.

The Genesis of Their Love Story

In a recent interview with Twinkle Khanna on her YouTube channel Tweak India, Sharmila Tagore fondly recounted how she and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi first crossed paths. It was a delightful encounter that set the stage for a lifelong journey of love and companionship.

From Cricket Parties to Nainital: A Fateful Meeting

During their conversation, Twinkle Khanna asked Sharmila Tagore about the initial encounter with her husband. Sharmila revealed, “Bengal loves sports, and I was no exception. I was a Jaisimha fan (referring to Indian Test cricketer M. L. Jaisimha), and then I think I met him (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi) at one of the cricket parties, just after he returned from England. That was the first time we met. I was going to Nainital for work when he scored his double century. We had exchanged telephone numbers in Kolkata. So, I called his house, because there were no mobile phones back then, and left a message saying well-done, congratulations and forgot all about it.”

A Budding Attraction

When questioned if she had a crush on him at that point, Sharmila Tagore replied, “I liked him. Like I said, I was a Jaisimha fan and not so much of a Pataudi fan, but yes, we did like each other.”

The Phone Call That Sparked It All

Sharmila then shared an amusing anecdote, stating, “When I came back to Mumbai, I was staying with a friend, Dhira. She said there was somebody who sent me a very peculiar message, ‘You’ve got five fridges. So, did you order five fridges?’ I got so nervous because, in those days, no foreign stuff could come without permission. I said that someone was trying to get me into trouble, I didn’t order any fridge. So, I said I better return this call and find out what’s happening. I called that number, and of course, it was Tiger (Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi), and he thought it was funny. So, then he said, ‘Can we go out for a cup of coffee?’ and I said yes, why not. So, we did. And then we chatted, and I found out that he’s very gentle and he won’t hurt me intentionally ever.”

A Timely Decision

Sharmila Tagore emphasized the importance of timing in her life. As an actress, she was attuned to the ticking of her biological clock, and her decisions, including marriage and starting a family, were carefully calculated. She explained, “As actors, we believe in timings, and there is a body clock that’s continuously telling you this is the right time. I just felt that I had to get married after two years of engagement, and then another two years later, I said now I must start my family.”

This heartwarming story of love and destiny reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful relationships begin with chance encounters and unexpected phone calls. Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s love story is a testament to the magic of serendipity in matters of the heart.

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