The legendary love story of Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, fondly known as Tiger Pataudi, is etched in Bollywood and cricketing history. Their interfaith wedding in 1968 triumphed over immense societal opposition and even death threats, becoming a symbol of enduring love. However, a lesser-known chapter precedes this iconic union, involving actress and talk show host Simi Garewal.
The Graceful End of a Royal Romance
Before Tiger Pataudi met his future wife, he was in a relationship with actress Simi Garewal. Reports from the time indicate that the Nawab of Pataudi, then the captain of the Indian cricket team, was a frequent and welcome visitor on Simi's film sets. Their romance was a subject of much interest in social circles. However, fate had other plans when Pataudi met Sharmila Tagore.
In a display of raw honesty, Tiger Pataudi personally visited Simi Garewal's apartment to convey that he had met someone else and that their relationship was over. Simi, demonstrating remarkable poise, accepted the news gracefully. She even saw him to the elevator as he left, closing that chapter of their lives with dignity.
From Past Lovers to Lifelong Friends
Years after Sharmila and Tiger's celebrated marriage, the couple appeared together on Simi Garewal's popular chat show, 'Rendezvous With Simi Garewal'. While their past relationship was not discussed on air, Simi later shared a nostalgic photo with the pair on social media, confirming their history. She penned a heartfelt note reflecting on their bond.
"The Pataudis and I go back a long way," Simi wrote. "Mansoor and I dated each other when he was the India Captain. He was always easy going and would come to my shoots - much to the delight of the film unit! Sharmila Tagore and I were social friends and colleagues. And then of course they met -and you know the rest!"
She added warmly, "I found Mansoor hadn't changed at all! He had grown into a wise, rational person. Very honest and still retaining the Sharmila Tagore charm." This testament highlights the mature and respectful friendship that endured beyond the romance.
Life After the Pataudi Chapter
In 1970, Simi Garewal moved on and married Ravi Mohan. Unfortunately, this union was not destined to last, and the couple parted ways after nine years. Meanwhile, Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi built a legendary life together, raising a family and remaining one of India's most admired couples until Pataudi's passing in 2011.
The story of Tiger Pataudi's relationships with Simi Garewal and Sharmila Tagore is more than just Bollywood gossip. It is a narrative of love, honesty, and graceful acceptance. It showcases a time when personal decisions, especially interfaith marriages like that of Sharmila and Tiger, were acts of great courage. The enduring civility and friendship between all three personalities stand as a rare and commendable footnote in the annals of celebrity history.
