From Mercedes Gifts to Separate Wills: How Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi Redefined Celebrity Marriages?

Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, affectionately known as Tiger, were one of the most iconic couples of their time. Their union in 1968 set a high bar for many others to follow, blending the worlds of cricket and cinema in a way that was both glamorous and groundbreaking. The couple was blessed with three children: Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Pataudi, and Soha Ali Khan. Following Tiger's passing in 2011, Sharmila has embraced her second innings with joy, surrounded by her family and grandchildren.

Independent Finances and Mutual Respect

In a recent interview, Sharmila Tagore revealed that she and her late husband maintained separate financial portfolios. “Everything that I bought, my assets as in houses, cars, or anything material, jewelry… has always been in my name. It’s not been shared, not in my husband’s name,” Sharmila explained. She noted that Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi had his own assets and made a will for them. This financial independence was a reflection of their mutual respect and understanding.

A Love Before Marriage: The Mercedes Gift

Sharmila fondly recalled an anecdote from their courtship days during an interaction with Kapil Sibal. Before their marriage, she gifted Tiger a luxurious Mercedes car worth Rs. 1 lakh, a significant amount at the time. “In those days, a Mercedes would cost Rs 1 lakh. You couldn’t buy a car directly; you had to get approval,” she reminisced.

Managing Finances and Adhering to Islamic Laws

In an appearance on the YouTube show "Paisa Vaisa" with Anupam Gupta, Sharmila discussed her approach to managing finances and assets. After converting to Islam upon marriage, she adhered to Islamic laws concerning wills. She clarified that, under Islamic law, one cannot make a will for their heirs but can allocate assets to non-heirs. This required careful planning to ensure her and Tiger’s properties were properly distributed among their children. “We have a lot of land so that needs to be looked at and controlled... I have 3 children. Just make sure that everything is in order,” she stated.

Tiger's Support During Controversies

Sharmila also shared insights into Tiger's reaction to her iconic bikini photoshoot, which was ahead of its time and sparked significant controversy. “My husband was very different. He was very little perturbed and extremely supportive. He was calm and non-judgemental,” she recalled. Despite the uproar, including questions raised in parliament, Tiger's unwavering support was a testament to their strong bond.

A Legacy of Unconventional Choices

Sharmila Tagore remains a celebrated figure for her bold and unconventional choices that defied societal norms. Her fearless approach to life and career, coupled with Tiger’s steadfast support, has left an indelible mark on both the film and sports worlds. Their story continues to inspire generations, symbolizing a perfect blend of love, respect, and individuality.