Veteran Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Along with her illustrious film career, Sharmila has been in the news for her personal life and especially the story of her marriage to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Their love story was one of the most talked about and controversial incidents of that era, when a Hindu actress married a Muslim cricketer.
Sharmila and Mansoor’s first meeting
The story begins in 1965, when Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi met for the first time.
- Sharmila Tagore: She was the top actress of Bollywood at that time.
- Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi: was the famous captain of the Indian cricket team and an excellent player.
There was a friendship between the two, which soon turned into love. After dating for a few years, they decided to get married.
wall of religion in love
The decision of marriage of Sharmila and Mansoor was shocking for the society of that time.
- Response of families:
- Mansoor Ali Khan’s family did not approve of this relationship.
- Sharmila’s family also had objections to this marriage.
- Society’s reaction:
- Due to the different religions of both, there was a lot of uproar in the society.
- Sharmila and her family even started receiving death threats.
1969: Nikah and religious conversion
Despite opposition and many challenges, Sharmila and Mansoor got married in 1969.
- Before marriage, Sharmila converted to Islam and changed her name to Ayesha Sultana.
- Even after marriage she had to face social opposition.
Controversy and a historical event
A large number of people had gathered outside Fort William on the day of the wedding.
- The protest increased so much that it became difficult to take Sharmila and Mansoor out safely.
- Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army’s Eastern Command, Sam Manekshaw sent his car.
- Manekshaw’s car helped Sharmila and Mansoor to escape safely.
- This incident became a topic of much discussion in the media and society at that time.
love story becomes example
Sharmila and Mansoor’s relationship remained strong despite all the difficulties.
- This marriage became a symbol of inter-religious marriage in that era, which shows the power of love.
- They had three children:
- Saif Ali Khan (Bollywood actor).
- Soha Ali Khan (Actress).
- Saba Ali Khan (jewellery designer).
