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Sharmila Tagore: Royal Tigress
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Any advice you have offered to them?
No. I don't think they would listen. Plus I think Saif has to find his own way (mildly referring to his broken marriage with actress Amrita Singh and his recent break-up with long-time girlfriend Rosa).
Women have always been revered in the Pataudi family. My husband's father died when he was a young adult. Thus, my mother-in-law had to raise four children single-handedly. Also my husband's family hails from Bhopal where traditionally Begum's ruled (she laughs).
Have the expectations been different being married in royalty?
No. My husband would rather like that we spend quality time with each other rather than having me make dinner or pack for him. He believes that is not necessary.
How have women changed in India?
Women are changing like our country. They are travelling more. There is a sense of freedom in their achievements. Women are more economically independent. And Indian women are better off than their counterparts in this part of the world if you compare to countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran and Lebanon.
Also you have to remember we come from a traditional patriarchal background. A woman still needs her father, her husband, her brother and son. Moreover, although we have moved forward many stereotypical biases remain.
You just have to watch television and you see the Sahas-Bahu spectacles and dramas where the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law play a game where both lead imperfect lives. Although we wish for women to support one and other, in reality we harm each other too. And most times as they show in television and the movies it is to gain a man's favour by playing a man's game.
Men may relegate women to the back yet there is no denying they are still the glue that holds a family together and are the backbone of a man's life especially in India.
Rapid Round
Favourite travel destination: My husband and I recently travelled to South Africa on the Ravos Rail steam engine. It was a luxury cruise on wheels literally.
Secrets of marriage: There are no secrets. You cannot force anyone to stay in a relationship. And you don't get brownie points for staying. You have to simply respect the ideals of mutual respect, compassion and tolerance.
Saas- Bahu relationships: No comment. After Saif's break-up with Amrita we got disconnected. She blamed us for certain things, but like any parent what could we have done. She moved away. Of late when Saif was in the hospital things seem to be better.
Favourite movie acted in: Safar 1975.
Favourite co-star: All of them. Sanjeev Kumar in Mausam was dear to me. He never found the perfect woman, but he wasn't sad. He might have been lonely.
I loved working with Kaka (Rajesh Khanna), Dharm-ji, Shashi and Amit-ji.
Favourite female actress: I've always respected Waheeda Rehman and Nutan.
Today's favourite actresses: I love Konkona Sen, Vidya Balan and Tabu. Among the older actresses I love Kirron Kher.
Real women icons: Padmanaidu - Indira Gandhi's sister-in-law. She was Sarojini Naidu's daughter. She was beautiful in the model sense, but she was fascinating, intelligent and beautiful... almost lyrical to listen.
I also enjoyed meeting Mother Teresa. She was very strong, courageous and very focused. Other women luminaries that I respect include: the social worker - Leela Bhatt.
Favourite things: Travelling, nature, gardening, flowers, music and books. Most of all I like my freedom.
What do you want in life? To be wanted.
On the cards: My autobiography.
Favourite garment: Sari.
Favourite country: France.
Favourite food: Bengali.
Favourite restaurant: Bukhara, Delhi.
Favourite music: Western Classic, Old Indian Film Songs.
Favourite singer: Begum Akhtar.
Favourite actor: Saif, Kishore Kumar.
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Rohini Bhatia-Singh
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| | John Players Signature Line T-Shirt for Men | Wills Lifestyle Casual Denim For Men | Pink Printed Tunic | | | | | | Rs.1,095 ($22.75) | Rs.1,695 ($35.21) | Rs.2,135 ($44.35) | |
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