Sharmila Tagore, also known as Begum Ayesha Sultana, is a legendary Indian actress, former beauty queen, and socialite who dominated Bollywood and Bengali cinema for over six decades.
With her graceful beauty, refined acting, and fearless choice of unconventional roles, she became one of the most respected and influential actresses of Indian cinema, inspiring generations of women to pursue acting with dignity and independence while balancing family and public life.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Sharmila Tagore
- Stage Name: Sharmila Tagore
- Born: December 8, 1944
- Age: 81 years old
- Birthplace: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Ethnicity: Bengali
- Occupation: Actress, Former Beauty Queen
- Height: 5’3” (160 cm)
- Religion: Islam / Hinduism (birth)
- Parents: Gitindranath Tagore and Ira Baruah
- Siblings: Oindrila “Tinku” Tagore and Romila Tagore
- Spouse: Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
- Children: Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan
- Relationship: Widowed
- Net Worth: $12 million USD
Early Life And Education
Sharmila Tagore was born on December 8, 1944, in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. She was raised by her parents, Gitindranath Tagore, a general manager at the Bengal Nagpur Railway, and Ira Baruah, in a culturally rich Bengali family with direct descent from the poet Rabindranath Tagore.
She has one younger sister, Oindrila “Tinku” Tagore and Romila Tagore. Sharmila grew up in a progressive household and was sent to Loreto Convent School in Asansol and later to St. John’s Diocesan Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Kolkata.
Her royal connection through marriage later linked her to the Pataudi family. Her ethnicity is Bengali. Her religion is Islam (converted after marriage) / Hinduism (birth).
Career
Sharmila Tagore began her acting career at just 13 years old with Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sansar, delivering a remarkably mature performance as Aparna. Her debut immediately set her apart as a natural talent and marked the beginning of a celebrated career in Indian cinema.
She quickly rose to prominence as a leading lady in both Bengali and Hindi films, starring in classics such as Kashmir Ki Kali, An Evening in Paris, and Aradhana.
Over the years, she delivered memorable performances in films like Amar Prem, Mausam, and Namkeen. She became admired for her elegance and her willingness to take on bold, unconventional roles that challenged societal norms.
She worked alongside legendary actors including Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, and Uttam Kumar, further cementing her place among the greats of Indian cinema.
Her presence also extended beyond films, with appearances in beauty pageants and international publications during the 1960s.
After taking a break following her marriage, she made a successful return in later decades, continuing to evolve as an actress. She eventually transitioned into selective roles, focusing on meaningful projects that aligned with her artistic sensibilities.
In recent years, she made a widely praised comeback with the family drama Gulmohar, which earned critical acclaim and major awards recognition. She followed this with the Marathi film Outhouse (2024) and returned to Bengali cinema with Puratawn (2025), marking her first Bengali film in over a decade.
She continues to take on thoughtful, character-driven roles, maintaining her legacy as a respected and enduring figure in Indian cinema.
Awards and Nominations
- National Film Award for Best Actress (Mausam, 1975)
- Padma Bhushan (2013)
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
- Multiple Filmfare nominations and wins
Social Media
Sharmila Tagore does not have a social media account.
Personal Life
Sharmila Tagore, 81, is widowed. She was married to Indian cricketer and Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, from 1969 until his death in 2011. They had three children: son Saif Ali Khan (actor), daughter Saba Ali Khan (fashion designer), and daughter Soha Ali Khan (actress).
Before marriage, she was in a relationship with actor Shammi Kapoor. She converted to Islam upon marriage and adopted the name Begum Ayesha Sultana.
She has always maintained a dignified and private personal life while being a devoted mother and grandmother. Her height is 5’3” (160 cm).
Net Worth
Sharmila Tagore’s net worth is estimated at $12 million USD. Her income primarily comes from her long and illustrious acting career in films, endorsements and brand associations; real estate and family properties linked to the Pataudi royal lineage; and residual earnings from classic films that continue to be aired and streamed.
Filmography
- Apur Sansar (1959) – Aparna
- Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)
- Aradhana (1969)
- Amar Prem (1972)
- Mausam (1975)
- Namkeen (1982)
- Viruddh (2005)
- Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007)
- Morning Walks (2009)
- Outhouse (2024)
- Puratawn (2025)
- Over 60 Hindi and Bengali films across six decades