Sharmila Tagore Biography Age Net Worth Wiki Indian Actress

Sharmila Tagore Indian actress Pataudi Family

Sharmila Tagore is a legendary Indian actress whose career has spanned over five decades in both mainstream Bollywood and art cinema. Known for her beauty, grace, and versatile acting, she has worked with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in India and has been part of iconic films that shaped the Indian cinematic landscape. Sharmila is also remembered as the first Indian actress to appear in a bikini onscreen, breaking traditional boundaries and setting a trend in the 1960s.

Born into the illustrious Tagore family, which includes the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Sharmila balanced her royal lineage and artistic upbringing with a bold presence in commercial cinema. She later became the wife of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Nawab of Pataudi and former captain of the Indian cricket team, and the mother of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.

Sharmila Tagore Early Life and Education

Full Name: Sharmila Tagore
Date of Birth: December 8, 1944
Place of Birth: Kanpur, British India
Family Background: Belongs to the Tagore family, related to Rabindranath Tagore.

Sharmila Tagore was born into an aristocratic Bengali family. Her father, Gitindranath Tagore, was a general manager in the British India Company, and her mother, Ira Baruah, hailed from Assam. She is the great-grandniece of Rabindranath Tagore, and this heritage influenced her early exposure to the arts, music, and literature.

She did her early schooling at Loreto Convent, Asansol, and later moved to St. John’s Diocesan Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Kolkata. However, due to her early start in films, she discontinued her formal education to pursue an acting career full-time.

Sharmila Tagore Bollywood Career

Debut in Bengali Cinema

Sharmila Tagore made her acting debut at the age of 14 in Satyajit Ray’s iconic Bengali film “Apur Sansar” (1959), the final part of the Apu Trilogy. Playing the role of Aparna, she immediately captured attention for her expressive eyes and natural acting style. The film’s international acclaim brought her into the spotlight.

Transition to Hindi Cinema

Her Bollywood debut came with the film “Kashmir Ki Kali” (1964) opposite Shammi Kapoor. Directed by Shakti Samanta, the film was a massive success, and her striking looks and charming presence made her an instant star in the Hindi film industry.

Iconic Roles and Career Highlights

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Sharmila Tagore featured in numerous blockbuster films, many of which are now considered classics:

• “An Evening in Paris” (1967): She became the first Indian actress to wear a bikini onscreen, sparking national debate and redefining fashion in Indian cinema.
• “Aradhana” (1969): One of her most loved films, co-starring Rajesh Khanna. Her role as a single mother earned critical acclaim and the film became a golden jubilee hit.
• “Amar Prem” (1972): Her performance as a courtesan with a golden heart remains unforgettable.
• “Chupke Chupke” (1975): A cult comedy directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, co-starring Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan.
• “Mausam” (1975): Directed by Gulzar, the film won her the National Film Award for Best Actress.

Her work in Bengali cinema continued with films like “Nayak” (1966) opposite Uttam Kumar and directed by Satyajit Ray, reaffirming her roots in parallel cinema.

Later Career and Comebacks

In the 1980s and 1990s, she took a step back from mainstream cinema to focus on her family but made selective appearances in notable films. She transitioned into more mature roles:

• “New Delhi Times” (1986)
• “Mann” (1999) – Played Aamir Khan’s mother.
• “Viruddh” (2005) – With Amitabh Bachchan, critically appreciated.
• “Break Ke Baad” (2010) – Played a charming, supportive grandmother.

After a long hiatus, Sharmila made a grand return with the film “Gulmohar” (2023), co-starring Manoj Bajpayee. The film streamed on OTT and was praised for her nuanced portrayal of a family matriarch.

Awards and Achievements

Sharmila Tagore’s stellar performances have earned her multiple awards and honors over the decades:

• National Film Award for Best Actress – Mausam (1975)
• Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Aradhana (1970)
• Padma Bhushan – Awarded by the Government of India in 2013 for her contribution to Indian cinema.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Many film festivals and award shows, including IIFA and Filmfare.

She also served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2004 to 2011, where she brought a more progressive lens to Indian film censorship.

Sharmila Tagore Personal Life

Sharmila Tagore’s personal life has been equally illustrious. In 1969, she married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, one of India’s greatest cricket captains and the Nawab of Pataudi. Their interfaith marriage made headlines and was seen as a symbol of modern secular India.

Children:

1. Saif Ali Khan – Prominent Bollywood actor.
2. Saba Ali Khan – A jewelry designer and trustee of the Auqaf-e-Shahi.
3. Soha Ali Khan – Actress and author, married to actor Kunal Khemu.

Sharmila converted to Islam upon her marriage and adopted the name Begum Ayesha Sultana, though she continued to be known as Sharmila Tagore professionally.

Social Media Handles

Despite her age and classic stature, Sharmila Tagore has a limited but respectful online presence. She does not actively maintain personal accounts, but here are some official or affiliated social media handles where her appearances and news are often shared:

• Instagram (via family):
  • @sabapataudi – Daughter Saba Ali Khan posts family pictures.
  • @sakpataudi – Daughter Soha Ali Khan frequently posts with her mother.
• Fan Pages:
  • Instagram and Facebook fan pages exist under tags like @sharmilatagorefans.

Business Ventures and Other Work

Although not directly involved in mainstream business ventures like her son Saif, Sharmila has been active in cultural, philanthropic, and diplomatic roles:

• UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Advocated for children’s rights and education.
• Film Festival Juries: Member of jury panels at prestigious international festivals, including Cannes.
• Pataudi Trust: Involved in heritage and charity work through the Pataudi family estate and foundation.

She has often participated in literary and cultural festivals, reflecting her aristocratic upbringing and intellectual depth.

Sharmila Tagore Net Worth and Assets

As of 2025, Sharmila Tagore’s estimated net worth is around ₹100 crore (approx. $12 million). Her income sources include:

• Royal inheritance: From the Pataudi estate.
• Film remuneration: From both past cinema and recent projects.
• Property: She owns ancestral homes in Bhopal and Pataudi, as well as residences in Delhi and Mumbai.
• Investments: She reportedly holds family investments and partakes in family trusts and wealth management.

While she leads a low-profile life, she is known for her classic style, elegant jewelry collection, and refined taste in art and décor.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Sharmila Tagore is one of the few Indian actresses who seamlessly bridged the world of art-house cinema and commercial Bollywood. She redefined glamour in the 60s, stood for women’s choices in cinema, and chose roles that had both mass appeal and depth.

She broke the mold of the “traditional heroine” by:

• Wearing a bikini in An Evening in Paris.
• Playing a single mother in Aradhana.
• Choosing socially sensitive roles like in Mausam and Viruddh.

Her influence continues through her children, especially Saif and Soha, both successful actors. New-age actresses often cite Sharmila as a symbol of timeless beauty and dignified strength.

Conclusion

Sharmila Tagore remains an enduring icon of Indian cinema — a rare blend of intellect, boldness, and elegance. From the corridors of Bengali literary aristocracy to the glamour of Bombay cinema, she charted a path few could emulate. Her fearless choices on-screen and her graceful personal life make her a role model across generations. In an age of fleeting stardom, Sharmila Tagore stands tall as a symbol of lasting excellence, relevance, and grace.