SHARMILA TAGORE PATAUDI

Sharmila Tagore Pataudi’s heydays reveal a story of sheer guts and glory. Who else could have emerged unscathed, after shocking staid mindsets, with her bikini clad posters for An Evening in Paris? She confidently strutted about in a gravity defying bouffant, in Aradhana and dared to begin her career with exaggerated kohl eyes, in Anupama. Pataudi’s unabashed flouting of Bollywood norms created a national sensation.

A shift came about with marriage to Indian cricket captain, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. The Bengal tigress became a Mughal begum, trading knotted blouses and tightly draped saris for a wedding sharara. Now, she is a mature woman of today and still amazes us with her flair for all that’s fashionable. During the Marrakech Film Festival, Pataudi headed to the gym in charcoal tights, a shawl flung over a loose white T-shirt and Chanel shades. Even the treadmill calls for careful attention to style!

She adores her French chiffon saris and you can catch her in printed or shaded versions for an evening do. She adorns them with one-of-a-kind jadau jewels, or novel modern pieces. She doesn’t hesitate to don shirts, capris or trousers during the day or for holidays abroad and is particularly fond of her Armani jacket. A glowing complexion, gorgeous dimples and infectious smile, the classy thespian commands attention with unforced panache. We especially remember her in an eye-catching mirror-work and sequinned kurti teamed with black trousers. She has an admirable knack for choosing outfits that suit her to a T.

Rather particular about being well garbed, this doyenne of Hindi cinema prefers to work around one great outfit instead of exhaustively shopping for variety and numbers. “Classic couturiers like Ritu Kumar and Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla appeal to her,” says daughter and budding actress, Soha Ali Khan. Versatile bags and shoes are a weakness – Russell & Bromley has a regular customer in her, along with other upmarket London and Paris stores.

Pataudi manages to switch from the sari to the scarf without missing a beat. Her tasteful threads have made waves for decades and continue to be a grand success.

Memorable Moment - At a wedding this year, she stood out in a hot pink (very à la mode!) shawl, with a traditional border, draped casually around her shoulders and Indian jhumkas. Tradition and trendiness – Pataudi’s found her niche.