Marking Sharmila Tagore’s birthday, here’s a look at anecdotes and facts that rarely make it into the spotlight - stories that add texture well beyond her iconic roles.

Before Bollywood, Sharmila Tagore stepped into cinema as a teenager - her debut was in Satyajit Ray’s celebrated Apur Sansar (1959) where she played the young bride (Aparna), a far cry from future glam avatars. Though connected to the Tagore literary family, her decision to join films was unconventional; her father initially disapproved, hoping she’d focus on academics instead.

A Bikini, and a Backlash That Didn’t Stop Her

Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor in An Evening in Paris.

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Long before body positivity hashtags trended, Sharmila made headlines as the first major Indian film star to appear in a bikini - both in An Evening in Paris (1967) and a much talked-about Filmfare shoot. The uproar was swift; some filmmakers threatened to boycott her. She didn’t back down - instead, she proved she could star in wholesome hits (Aradhana, Chupke Chupke) and edgier fare. Even now, she has joked in interviews that she “caused a commotion” - but only because she refused to play safe.

Sharmila Tagore in Aradhana

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Her Off-Beat Love Story

Tiger Pataudi, renowned cricketer, met Sharmila at a party in the 1960s. He barely knew Hindi films, but was taken with her poise. According to family tales, Tiger once sent her seven refrigerators - deliberately odd - just to get a reaction. Sharmila, far from amused, called to question him. Their romance was full of such quirks - impromptu meetings, last-minute airport runs, and a proposal that happened in Paris only after Tiger told his mother he’d propose, but not Sharmila herself.

Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi’s Love Story

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Awards Came Slowly, But She Didn’t Stop

Sharmila Tagore in Mausam (1975) with co-star Sanjeev Kumar

Many don’t realize that, despite box-office fame, she waited 16 years for her first National Award, for Gulzar’s Mausam (1975). She also won a National Award as Best Supporting Actress decades later for the Bengali film Abar Aranye (2002). She once shared in interviews that she kept thinking each film might be her last because of self-doubt - but the work kept coming and audiences kept watching.

Sharmila Tagore in Abar Aranye (2002)

Family, Books & New Beginnings

Sharmila Tagore in Gulmohar (2023)

Rarely content to slow down, Sharmila’s return to screen in Gulmohar (2023) after a long break earned critical praise. Off camera, she’s a devoted reader - often gifting books to friends, and quips she prefers afternoons in Pataudi’s gardens over travel now. Birthday parties see the family gather, with Saif, Soha, and Kareena making sure she feels celebrated.

Whether taking flak for onscreen choices or speaking out about trolling, Sharmila rarely minces words. She admits to being impulsive - an instinct that led to some of her best films and most interesting life decisions.

Today, she’s candid about shifting priorities, proud of her journey, and still quietly defying expectations. Wishing a very Happy Birthday to you, Sharmila Tagore!