Amma did convert: Saba Pataudi on mother Sharmila Tagore, Islamic upbringing

Saba Pataudi, the sister of actor Saif Ali Khan, has spoken openly about her early life and the influence of her mother, Sharmila Tagore, on her religious beliefs. According to Saba, her mother converted to Islam after marrying Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a prominent figure in Indian cricket. This conversion, which took place before Saba was born, shaped the family's religious environment during her childhood. In a conversation with the YouTube channel Big Bollywood Buffs, Saba described how her mother guided her and her siblings in the practice of Islam, ensuring they had a solid foundation in the faith. She emphasized that there was no Hindu religious practice within the household, and no temples were part of their daily lives. Saba explained that while her mother played a central role in introducing her to Islam, the decision to embrace the faith was ultimately hers and her siblings' own. She noted that neither her parents ever imposed any specific religion on them. Instead, they encouraged a more flexible and inclusive approach to spirituality. Saba mentioned that the family celebrated multiple festivals, including Christmas, Diwali, and Holi, reflecting a diverse cultural backdrop influenced by both her parents' backgrounds. She stated that this openness allowed each child to explore their own path without pressure. The discussion came in the wake of Saif Ali Khan's recent reflections on religion and parenting. At an event for We The Women in London, Saif shared how he discussed faith with his children, Taimur and Jehangir. He described his own upbringing, which included exposure to Christian institutions and practices, such as attending church and participating in school chapels. He recounted an amusing incident where he attempted to avoid chapel by claiming to belong to another religion, only for a maulvi to be called in to address the group. Saif noted that this experience underscored the importance of understanding and respecting different faith traditions. Saif also highlighted how his children engage with questions about religion. When he asked his nine-year-old son, Taimur, to explain the difference between religion and methodology, the boy responded, "In religion, we pray, and in methodology, we don't." Saif found the response thoughtful and remarked that such conversations are ongoing in his household. He credited his mother, Sharmila Tagore, for fostering an open-minded attitude toward religion, which he believes is reflected in his wife’s perspective as well. Sharmila Tagore's interfaith marriage with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi set the stage for a legacy of mixed religious influences in the family. Their union, which occurred decades ago, led to the birth of Saif and his sister, Soha Ali Khan. Both Saif and Soha later pursued interfaith relationships themselves, Saif first with actress Amrita Singh and later with Kareena Kapoor. Soha recently expressed similar views on the fluidity of religious identity, aligning with Saba's perspective on the subject. The Pataudi family's history reflects a broader trend in India of interfaith unions and the blending of cultural and religious identities. As Saba and Saif continue to navigate their personal and public roles, their discussions on faith remain rooted in the values instilled by their parents. Their experiences highlight the evolving nature of religious identity in modern families, particularly those with complex heritage and diverse backgrounds.