‘Sharmila Tagore converted to Islam before marrying Tiger Pataudi, her name is Ayesha’: Daughter Soha Ali Khan recalls parents’ interfaith marriage

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Sharmila and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi spoke about their marriage and her conversion in an appearance on Simi Garewal’s talk show. “It wasn’t easy nor was it very difficult. It had to be faced and understood. You couldn’t be very flippant about it. Before that, I wasn’t terribly religious. Now, I think I know more about Hinduism and Islam,” she had said, as Mansoor revealed that he was the one who suggested the name Ayesha.

Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Pataudi got married in 1968. (Photo: Saba Pataudi/Instagram)

But society wasn’t as tolerant about the relationship as Sharmila and Mansoor’s own families. She told Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story in an earlier interview, “In Kolkata, when I was getting married, my parents were getting telegrams saying that bullets shall speak. And Tiger’s family was also getting… they were getting a little worried.” Sharmila shared that the wedding and the reception was managed and “nothing untoward happened.”

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi died in 2011. Besides Soha, they are also parents to actor Saif Ali Khan, and Saba Pataudi. Saif is now the custodian of the princely family’s fortune and legacy. Soha and Saif themselves married outside their faith; she’s married to actor Kunal Kemmu, and he’s married to Kareena Kapoor.