Gunjan Chaudhary
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, fondly known as Tiger Pataudi, share one of the most talked-about love stories in Indian celebrity history. Their marriage was not just a union of two celebrated personalities, but also a bold decision taken in the face of social pressure, religious differences, and even threats. Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi fell in love during a time when interfaith marriages were far less accepted than they are today.
Sharmila Tagore
Sharmila Tagore And Tiger Pataudi Relationship
Their relationship faced severe opposition, including reported death threats and strong resistance from people unhappy with them marrying outside their religions. Despite the challenges, love prevailed, and the couple tied the knot on December 27, 1968. Before their marriage, Sharmila Tagore converted to Islam and adopted the name Ayesha Sultana. Their decision marked a significant moment in the cultural landscape of that era, making headlines across the country.
Sharmila Tagore
Interestingly, before meeting Sharmila Tagore, Tiger Pataudi was in a relationship with actress and talk-show icon Simi Garewal. According to reports, when Tiger realized he had fallen for Sharmila, he chose to be honest with Simi. It is said that Tiger personally went to Simi Garewal’s apartment to inform her that he had found someone else and that their relationship had come to an end.
Simi Garewal
In a gesture that reflected grace and maturity, Simi reportedly accepted the situation calmly and even walked him to the elevator when he left. Years after Sharmila and Tiger’s marriage, the couple appeared together on Simi Garewal’s popular talk show. While the past relationship was not discussed on air, Simi later shared her thoughts in a post, reflecting on her long-standing association with the Pataudi family.
Sharmila Tagore And Tiger Pataudi
She wrote that her relationship with the Pataudis went back a long way and mentioned that she and Mansoor dated when he was the Indian cricket captain. She described him as easygoing and recalled how he would visit her film shoots, delighting the entire unit. Simi also clarified that she and Sharmila Tagore were social friends and colleagues, and when Tiger met Sharmila, “the rest is history.” She added that she felt Mansoor had not changed as a person over the years.