Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu, Aayi Rut Mastaani Kab Aayegi Tu, Beeti Jaaye Zindagaani Kab Aayegi Tu, Chali Aa, Tu Chali Aa… The most versatile Bollywood diva, Sharmila Tagore, who always believed in breaking the stereotypes through her choice of roles in the films, became Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s sapno ki rani. The ninth Nawab of the state of Pataudi in Haryana and the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi lost his heart to the Bengali beauty of Hindi cinema in 1965, when they had first met. (Also Read: Ibrahim Ali Khan's Cricket Shots Will Remind You Of His Late Grandfather, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi)
Neither Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was a crazy Bollywood fan, nor Sharmila Tagore was an avid cricket lover. Not only their faiths were different, but everything from their profession to their personalities were poles apart. Proving everyone wrong, who doubted their marriage and relationship, Mansoor Ali Khan ji and Sharmila ji were in truest sense, #RelationshipGoals. Both Mansoor Ali Khan ji and Sharmila ji had reached the zenith in their respective fields, and in their spellbinding unconventional love journey, December 27, 1969, marked to be the beginning of their ‘happily ever after’.
Here’s a treat for you from the hidden archive of the Pataudis’ family album, wherein you'll get to see some beautiful moments of the senior Pataudis, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore with their children, Saif Ali Khan (1970), Saba Ali Khan (1976) and Soha Ali Khan (1978). Also, check out the rare, rather ‘only’ picture of the Pataudi family with Kareena Kapoor Khan in the frame. Soha shared their ‘only’ family picture in her book, The Perils of Being Moderately Famous. Check out the throwback pictures of the Pataudi clan:
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Aren’t these pictures a treat to eyes? On November 30, 2019, Soha Ali Khan along with her husband, Kunal Kemmu and daughter, Inaaya Naumi Kemmu had headed off to her ancestral home, Pataudi palace. Soha had paid a visit to her father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s grave and sharing a picture from the same with her daughter, Inaaya, had written, “Wish you were here.” The inscription of the gravestone could be read as “Mohammad Mansoor Ali Khan, The Nawab of Pataudi 1941-2011 Love me when I am dead and do not let me die.” Soha had also posted an Insta story of a cherishable moment of her daughter, Inaaya with the little one’s grandmother, Sharmila Tagore. Her short and crisp caption spoke a million words, which could be read as “Joy”!
In a throwback interview with the DNA, Soha Ali Khan had thrown some light on the parts of her book, The Perils of Being Moderately Famous that focused on her father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Soha had elaborated, “I shared a good relationship with him and had a huge amount of respect for him. I’m happy that I put it down because after he passed away, these were the things that I was thinking about. We enjoyed each other’s company immensely. We went on holidays together. He would help me with my school debates, speeches (especially since he was a good orator), homework, and my visa application. I always thought he was the coolest person in the world and I was so lucky to be loved by someone who himself was loved by so many people.” (Also Read: Sara, Ibrahim, Taimur Ali Khan And Inaaya Naumi Kemmu's Throwback Pics Prove The Uncanny Resemblance)
In 2018, Soha Ali Khan during the launch of her book, The Perils of Being Moderately Famous, had stated, "I've always thought Abba's story should be told. Even when he was alive I would often ask him if he was going to write an autobiography. 'The truth can never be told,' he liked to say mysteriously, 'and I will not lie.' I soon gave up trying to figure out what he meant - he liked to speak in code - I suspect in order to deter conversation as much as possible, except for the very persistent. I did not persist then but after he passed away I have learnt so much more about him-from obituaries, personal stories, letters written to my mother from friends, colleagues and admirers. I have wallowed in those words of tribute and praise and felt privileged to be loved so dearly by one loved dearly by so many."
At the book launch of The Perils of Being Moderately Famous, the entire Pataudi clan including Sharmila Tagore, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saba Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu had gathered together for Soha Ali Khan and show their immense love and support for her. And it was Kareena’s feelings for her sister-in-law, which had made not only Soha teary-eyed but us too. Bebo had said, “If there is one person I am in awe of in this family, it is Soha... she is the torch-bearer of this family. I have rarely been intimidated by anyone and media knows. But if there's one person in the family I am completely in awe of, it is Soha. I'm always a little nervous when I am having dinner with Saif and Soha, I'm like 'Oh my God, I am never going to understand this conversation'.”
Sharing how Soha Ali Khan is a torchbearer for the family, Kareena Kapoor Khan had remarked, "If Kunal can't, there's no way I can! Soha has always been so polite, like 'Hi, what's up, did you buy anything, so what's the gossip?' I'm like, 'Oh God, I feel so small and lame! But it's okay. I think we have found our way. If there's anyone in the family who we all can turn to, when Amma (Sharmila) is all worked up, if there's one person that can control the situation, that's Soha. I truly believe that she is the torch-bearer of the family and this title doesn't do justice (to her) because famous or no famous, she is the grounding on which all of us stand." Recalling the time when their father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was sick, Kareena had shared, "I've never seen any other daughter, I am a daughter myself, I don't know if I could've done the way she looked after him. And that to me, is a solid woman. So, here's to you Soha. I'm sure Abba is listening to all of this." (Also Read: Sharmila Tagore's Reply On Choosing Between Sara, Ibrahim, Taimur And Inaaya Is Every Grandma Ever)
Much love to the Pataudi clan!
