Entertainment

Sharmila Tagore turns 79: 7 lesser-known facts about the actress

Celebrating Sharmila Tagore's birthday, let's explore lesser-known facets of the acclaimed Indian actress, known for her significant contributions to the film industry.

Image credits: Instagram

The accidental actress

Despite excelling in acting, her true passion lay in dancing. In interviews, she revealed a persistent desire to quit acting.

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Debut at Young Age

Sharmila Tagore made her Bollywood debut at the age of 13 in the film "Apur Sansar" (The World of Apu) directed by Satyajit Ray. 

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First actress to wear swimsuit

Sharmila Tagore made Bollywood history by being the pioneer actress to don a swimsuit in the song 'Aasman Se Aaya Farishta' from the film 'An Evening In Paris.'

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Connect with Rabindranath Tagore

Sharmila Tagore's maternal grandmother, Latika Barua, was the granddaughter of Dwijendranath Tagore, the brother of Rabindranath Tagore.

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Name Change after Marriage

The actress opted for the Nawab of Pataudi, Tiger Pataudi, as her life partner, prompting her conversion to Islam and a name change to Begum Ayesha Sultana from Sharmila Tagore.

Image credits: IMDb

Family Heritage

Her mother, Ira Baruah, was Assamese, and her father, Gitindernath Tagore, Bengali. Hailing from Hyderabad, her father had ties with the East India Company.

Image credits: Instagram

National Film Award

After a substantial 16 years in the industry, Sharmila Tagore earned the National Film Award for Best Actress in 1975 for Gulzar's 'Mausam.'

Image credits: IMDb
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