In a poignant and personal gesture, actress Soha Ali Khan marked the birth anniversary of her late father, the legendary former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, with a visit to Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens stadium. She chose this historic ground, which held a special place in her father's illustrious career, to honour his memory and celebrate his life.
A Quiet Walk Through an Empty Stadium
Soha visited the empty stadium and captured her solitary walk in a video shared on her Instagram. The emotional clip was interspersed with archival footage from the famous December 1974 Test match against the West Indies, a landmark victory for India under Pataudi's captaincy. The visual juxtaposition of the silent present and the roaring past created a powerful tribute.
Accompanying the video was a deeply moving note written by Soha. She expressed, "On your birthday, Abba, I wanted to stand where the game remembers you. Eden Gardens may be empty today, but it is never silent for you." She highlighted that it was a ground he loved and where he led India on numerous occasions.
Recalling a Historic Victory and Unbreakable Spirit
In her note, Soha vividly recalled one of the most dramatic moments from that 1974 Test. She wrote about her father's incredible resilience after a fierce delivery from West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts struck him on the face, fracturing his cheekbone. Despite being injured and bleeding, Pataudi retired only to return later and captain the side to a stunning victory.
Soha described the 85-run win as one of Indian cricket's most celebrated triumphs. She called it a timeless example of grit and "lion-hearted (or perhaps tiger-hearted) captaincy," a nod to her father's nickname, 'Tiger' Pataudi.
A Daughter's Personal Memory and a Nation's Legacy
Concluding her heartfelt homage, Soha beautifully separated the public icon from the private father while uniting them in the space he loved. She wrote, "The stands still remember you, the cricketer. I remember my Abba. Both belong here. Happy birthday, Abba."
Soha Ali Khan is the daughter of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and veteran actor Sharmila Tagore. She married actor Kunal Kemmu on January 25, 2015, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, on September 29, 2017. On the professional front, Soha is known for her work in films like Rang De Basanti, Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Chhorii 2, as well as web series such as Kaun Banegi Shikharwati.
