Soha Ali Khan cherishes dad Mansoor Ali Khan's legacy with a trip to Eden Gardens
Mumbai, Jan 5
On her father and former cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's birthday, actress Soha Ali Khan decided to honor his legacy by paying a visit to the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.
Soha dropped a video of herself soaking in the memories of her late father at Eden, compiled with some throwback glimpses of the memorable 1974 Test against West Indies.
Remembering the former Indian cricket captain on his birth anniversary, the 'Rang De Basanti' actress wrote on her Instagram handle, "On your birthday, Abba, I wanted to stand where the game remembers you. Eden Gardens may be empty today, but it is never silent for you. (sic)"
Recalling the iconic Test when her father ended up playing for the country despite a fractured cheekbone, leading India to a victory, she went on to write, "A ground you loved to play on, and one where you captained India many times - perhaps most memorable being the December 1974 Test against the indomitable West Indies. A ball from Andy Roberts struck you on the face, fracturing your cheekbone. You retired bleeding and hurt but returned to lead the side to an unbelievable victory by 85 runs. That Test at Eden went down as one of Indian cricket's most iconic victories - a timeless example of grit and lion-hearted (or perhaps tiger-hearted) captaincy."
Wishing her father on his birthday, Soha signed off on a nostalgic note saying, "The stands still remember you, the cricketer. I remember my Abba. Both belong here. Happy birthday, Abba".
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi got married to the celebrated actress Sharmila Tagore on 27 December 1968.
The couple has been blessed with three children- son Saif Ali Khan and daughters Soha and Saba.
While both Saif and Soha decided to follow their mother's footsteps and join the entertainment industry, Saba is a jewellery designer.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is so touching. Soha's words, "The stands still remember you, the cricketer. I remember my Abba," really got me. It's a lovely reminder of the human side behind our sporting heroes. The Pataudi-Tagore family is truly iconic.
That 1974 victory is legendary! My grandfather still talks about it. Mansoor Ali Khan was a different breed of captain. Today's players could learn a thing or two about that kind of grit and passion for the nation. Great to see it remembered.
While the tribute is lovely, I do wish there was a bit more focus on his cricketing achievements themselves rather than just the family's celebrity. His legacy as a captain who transformed Indian cricket is immense and deserves deep analysis.
Eden Gardens is a temple for cricket lovers. Fitting place to remember Tiger Pataudi. His story is what makes cricket more than just a game—it's about character and sacrifice. Jai Hind!
Such a classy and emotional post. It's nice to see a Bollywood star using her platform to highlight our sporting history and a father's legacy, not just glamour. More power to Soha! ❤️
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