Sharmila Tagore

Born: December 8, 1946

Biography: A well known Bollywood actress of yesteryears, Sharmila Tagore has won many accolades in both Hindi and Bengali cinema. She is the great granddaughter of Rabindranath Tagore and the daughter of Gitindranath Tagore. She got married to the Royal Nawab of Pataudi and Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan and has three children - Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Saba Ali Khan. Out of the 3 children, the first two are Bollywood actors.

Tagore made her debut in films with Satyajit Ray’s film Apur Sansaar at the tender age of 14. Later she went on to do many films with Satyajit Ray in Bengali cinema. She also worked in several Hindi films. Tagore got catapulted to fame with the film Kashmir Ki Kali, where she was cast opposite Shammi Kapoor. This film got her immense recognition in Hindi cinema. Later she was again paired with Shammi Kapoor in the film, An Evening in Paris.

Her next film Aaradhana, where she appeared opposite Rajesh Khanna, made her a favourite with the Indian audiences. She went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for this film. The duo again paired with each other in films such as Amar Prem, Daag and Safar. She also appeared in Gulzar’s film, Mausam. This film won her a National Award and earned her some rave reviews. She was also seen acting in Mira Nair’s film, Mississippi Masala.

Tagore now heads the Indian Censor Board and she has also been chosen as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 1997, she won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. She will always remain in the minds of Indian audiences as a sensual actress with a dimpled smile!