Sharmila Tagore birthday 2023: Her cinematic journey, from societal challenges to trailblasing success
Sharmila Tagore birthday 2023: In a retrospective reflection, Sharmila Tagore, the veteran actor who married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in 1968, recounted the challenges she faced due to societal perceptions surrounding her career in films post-marriage. With a career spanning over six decades, Tagore highlighted how some cautioned her against continuing her work, foreseeing potential strain on her marriage.
During the 19th Justice Sunanda Bhandare Memorial Lecture, Tagore candidly discussed the impact of marriage and motherhood on a woman's societal standing. Recalling an incident following the immense success of "Aradhana," she found herself stranded at a railway station late at night with her three-month-old son.
Despite previous encounters with overwhelming crowds, this instance was distinct; she realised that her role as a mother had altered perceptions. Tagore expressed how marriage and motherhood had seemingly conferred her with societal substance, garnering her newfound respect and recognition beyond her identity as an actress.
She shared, "I have seen firsthand how marriage and motherhood change a woman’s status. On one particular occasion, just after the huge success of Aradhana, I found myself stranded at a railway station late at night with my three-month-old son. A crowd gathered almost instantly. I had been mobbed before and I was terrified. But this time things were different because now I was a mother. I realised then that to my audience marriage and motherhood had given me substance; now I was worthy of respect. All because now I had a husband and was therefore a bona-fide member of society, not just an actress."
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Tagore's recollection sheds light on the societal lens through which women's roles were perceived during her career and how marriage and motherhood significantly impacted their societal status and recognition.
Sharmila Tagore, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, reflected on the unsolicited advice she received post-marriage, cautioning against pursuing her career. She revealed the prevalent belief that her marriage might not sustain if she continued her professional endeavors. The media and public, influenced by the narrative often depicted in films, perceived a conflict between marriage and a career. However, Tagore's personal experience contradicted this notion, seamlessly blending marriage, motherhood, and a flourishing film career without encountering significant conflict or friction.
On December 27, 1968, Sharmila Tagore entered into matrimony with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the esteemed former captain of the Indian cricket team. Their union blessed them with three children—Saif Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, and Soha Ali Khan. Sadly, Mansoor Ali Khan passed away at the age of 70 in September 2011, marking the end of an era for the family.
Sharmila Tagore commenced her acting journey at a tender age of 14 with Satyajit Ray's acclaimed Bengali epic drama, "Apur Sansar" (1959). Her illustrious career spanned numerous iconic films such as "Devi," "Nayak," "Aranyer Din Ratri," "Kashmir Ki Kali," "Waqt," "Anupama," "An Evening in Paris," "Satyakam," and "Aradhana." She captivated audiences with her performances in films like "Amar Prem," "Chupke Chupke," "Namkeen," "Mausam," "Mann," "Eklavya: The Royal Guard," and "Break Ke Baad."
After a hiatus of 13 years, Tagore marked her return to cinema with "Gulmohar," released this year. Starring alongside Manoj Bajpayee, Simran, and Suraj Sharma, the film, helmed by Rahul Chittella, debuted on Disney Hotstar in March. Tagore's comeback echoed her enduring talent and marked a significant milestone in her enduring career trajectory.
Kareena Kapoor shared intriguing insights into the Kapoor family's historical trends regarding women's involvement in the film industry, highlighting how the scenario altered with her and her sister Karisma's career choices. Speaking to a media organisation, Kareena delved into the reasons why the women of the Kapoor lineage refrained from pursuing careers in films until Karisma's era.
Kareena acknowledged her father, Randhir Kapoor's progressive mindset, stating that he adopted a cosmopolitan approach. When questioned about any potential objections from her father regarding her and her sister's entry into films, Kareena revealed his supportive stance. Randhir Kapoor maintained an open perspective, encouraging his daughters to pave their own paths in the industry, allowing them to navigate their debut and career independently.
She contrasted this with the prevalent trend among women in the Kapoor family during the '60s and '70s, suggesting that many chose not to pursue film careers after marriage. Kareena speculated on potential societal influences or advice prevalent at that time that might have deterred these women from working in the film industry post-marriage. However, she highlighted the exceptional case of her mother-in-law, Sharmila Tagore, who defied this trend and continued her successful acting career even after marriage and motherhood.
Kareena lauded Sharmila Tagore as an inspiration and a trailblazer, describing her as a "tigress" who reshaped the landscape for actresses in the '60s. Tagore's career stood as a testament to breaking barriers and challenging norms, ultimately influencing the trajectory of women in the industry. Kareena speculated that the decision for women in her family, including her mother's choice, might have been personal, indicating that Tagore's exceptional journey may have contributed to shaping individual decisions within the family.
- With inputs from agencies
