Soha Ali Khan Revealed Why She Was Confused Because Of Mom, Sharmila Tagore's Conversion To Ayesha

Sharmila Tagore's interfaith marriage in 1968 to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was considered groundbreaking, as it blended the worlds of Bollywood and Indian royalty. It was a notable affair during a time when such unions were uncommon in the nation. Their marriage, built on mutual respect and affection, spanned four decades until Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's passing in 2011. Recently, their youngest child, Soha Ali Khan, shared some interesting insights into their marriage.

Sharmila Tagore changed her real name to marry Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (nicknamed Tiger Pataudi) followed Islam, while Sharmila Tagore was a Hindu by birth. However, for love, she was ready to change her religious allegiance and even her identity, as shared by Soha Ali Khan during a recent interview with Hauterrfly. As per Soha's account, her mother converted to Islam before marriage. The veteran actress also adopted the name Ayesha Sultana and occasionally used it.

Soha Ali Khan was puzzled by her mother's use of both names, Sharmila and Ayesha, for signing. She also noted that Sharmila's changed name is not known to many people because the Kashmir Ki Kali star was referred to as Sharmila throughout her stint as a Bollywood actress, even to date. However, as much as she is Sharmila, 'she is also Ayesha', the loving wife and caring mother of the Pataudi family. Regarding Sharmila's second identity, Soha Ali Khan said:

"She converted [to Islam], and her name is Ayesha. It used to be confusing, because sometimes she would sign 'Ayesha' and sometimes she would write 'Sharmila'. But because she has always been Sharmila Tagore throughout her professional career, people still know her as Sharmila Tagore. But she is also Ayesha."

Who suggested the name Ayesha to Sharmila Tagore?

In a previous interview with Simi Garewal, Sharmila Tagore shared that it was her deceased husband and former Indian cricket team captain, Mansoor Ali Khan, who suggested the name Ayesha to her. Talking about the conversion from Hindu to Muslim, she shared that she was not very religious before making the decision. The conversion never bothered her much, but when she spoke about it with others, she gained a deeper understanding of the two religions.

Hence, it can be inferred that their interfaith relationship never caused them any trouble. Even Soha Ali Khan mentioned in the recent Hauterrfly interview that her parents 'never had any hurdles' in their path of love and marriage. During an earlier chat with Radio Nasha Official, Soha shared the same thing and lauded her parents' resolve in making a long, 'monogamous' marriage work. According to her, a lot of work needs to be put in making a marriage last for 43 years, which Sharmila and Mansoor successfully did. She said:

"She [Sharmila] managed to stay in a marriage till my father passed away, and I think being in a monogamous, long-term relationship is very challenging, especially today."

In the same interview, Soha Ali Khan recalled her mother's advice on how to make a marriage last long. The direction might have proved helpful for her so far, as she, her husband, Kunal Khemu, and their daughter, Inaya Naumi Khemu, appear to be a sweet family. The advice that her mother gave her back then was:

"Don't offend a man's ego and don't offend a woman's emotions."

What are your thoughts on Sharmila Tagore converting to Islam and changing her name to Ayesha Sultana for marrying Tiger Pataudi? Let us know.

Also Read: Sunjay Kapur Case: Karisma's Lawyer Dares Priya To Disclose The Rs. 30K Cr Will, 'If It's Genuine..'

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)