Saba is the elder daughter of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore. She is Saif’s younger sister and Soha’s elder sister.
Actress Sharmila Tagore and former Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s daughter, Saba Ali Pataudi, recently spoke about her parents’ interfaith marriage and the religious environment at home.
In a conversation with the YouTube channel Big Bollywood Buffs, Saba said that her mother embraced Islam after marriage and also introduced her children to the faith. However, she clarified that Sharmila and Mansoor never pressured her, Saif Ali Khan or Soha Ali Khan to follow any particular religion.
‘I am spiritual, but my connection is with Islam’
When Saba was asked whether she considers herself religious, she said she is religious but sees herself as more spiritual. She explained that her spiritual beliefs are closely connected to Islam.
Saba said that she considers Islam her religion and that when she thinks of God, she refers to Him as Allah.
Saba Ali Khan Pataudi is a famous jewelry designer and the chief manager (Mutawalli) of the royal charitable trust ‘Auqaf-e-Shahi’ of the Bhopal princely state.
Saba says her mother taught them about Islam
Saba clarified that following Islam did not mean she had no respect for other faiths. She said she also feels connected to the teachings of Buddhism and believes that all religions ultimately lead to the same source of spiritual energy.
She explained that people may give this higher power different names, such as Allah or Ram, but she personally refers to it as Allah. For her, the name may be different, but the underlying belief remains the same.
Sharmila embraced Islam after marriage
Speaking about her parents, Saba said that Sharmila Tagore converted to Islam after marrying Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. She also recalled that her mother made sure the children understood the faith and did not grow up confused about their religious background.
Saba said there was no temple at their home and that they did not follow Hindu religious practices. Instead, Sharmila taught her children about Islam, including its traditions and the significance of Ramadan.
Sharmila Tagore married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi on December 27, 1968. She changed her name to Begum Ayesha Sultana after converting to Islam.
She further said, “After that, it was our choice what we wanted to adopt. Among us three siblings, I was the most connected to my faith. That’s why I follow it. It’s something I do.”
Saba also clarified, “But it’s not like my father, my mother, or anyone else imposed anything on any of us.”
