Saif Ali Khan's father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was madly in love with a Bollywood actress before marrying Bengali beauty Sharmila Tagore

We all know Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore are the most inspirational couple in Bollywood. In the 60s and 70s, marrying someone outside religion was taboo; Sharmila also faced it as she was from a popular Hindu Bengali family. But she got married to the handsome Nawab. Sharmila had converted to Islam and had become Ayesha Sultana. 

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was the youngest captain of the Indian cricket team, and Sharmila was a true cricket fan. According to reports, they both met each other through a familiar friend. It was said that they liked each other, but the actress took four years to say ‘yes’ to the cricket. And on December 27, 1969, both had gotten married, and it was a royal affair.

But did you know, before Sharmila, he was already dating the beautiful Bollywood actress? Yes, she was Simi Garewal. According to many reports, both Simi and Pataudi were inseparable. They were spotted at many events and parties together. And later, he met the Bengali Beauty.

As per a report in The Times Of India, Mansoor went to Simi’s residence to tell her about Sharmila. He said, “I’m sorry but I want to make it clear it is over between us, I’ve met someone else.” 

Simi offered lemonade to him to avoid the topic, but he had refused and had told her that he had to go. Simi didn't make a scene and guided him to the elevator. Mansoor had requested that she not come, but she went out with him and saw Sharmila standing near the elevator. The two actresses kept looking at each other in silence. 

After, years in the 90s, Simi invited the couple Sharmila and Mansoor in her chat show Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. During the show, they didn't mention anything from their past and talked about their present.

Simi had once written on her website about the meeting with the Pataudis, “The Pataudis and I go back a long way. 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 film unit's delight! Sharmila Tagore and I were social friends and colleagues. And then of course they met -and you know the rest!”

She added, “So, this Rendezvous was a meeting of old friends - catching up on the years between -and enjoying the moments of our reunion. 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.”