Soha Ali Khan recently commemorated her father, the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, on what would have been his 85th birthday. To honor his legacy, she visited the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, a venue closely associated with her father’s cricketing career.
In a poignant Instagram video, Soha walked through the stadium as clips from the legendary 1974 Test match between India and the West Indies played in the background. This match is celebrated as one of India’s historic cricket victories. The video featured scenes of Soha sitting in the stands, smiling as she took in the expansive venue, and standing thoughtfully before a portrait of her father.
Alongside the video, Soha shared a heartfelt message reflecting her feelings for her father. She wrote, “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.” She reminisced about the many times he captained the Indian cricket team, highlighting the December 1974 Test match as a particularly memorable encounter.
In her tribute, Soha recounted an incident during that notable match where her father’s resilience shone through. She recalled that a ball hit him in the face, fracturing his cheekbone. Despite the injury, he returned to lead his team to a remarkable 85-run victory, a match now etched in the annals of Indian cricket history as a testament to his grit and leadership.
Soha concluded her emotional post with a touching reminder, stating, “The stands still remember you, the cricketer. I remember my Abba. Both belong here. Happy birthday, Abba.” Her heartfelt words were acknowledged by her sister-in-law, actress Kareena Kapoor, who responded with a series of emojis to express her support.
Soha’s sister, Saba Ali Khan, also paid tribute to their father on social media. Sharing several cherished photos, she honored him with a heartfelt message, describing him as “the hero of my universe.” She expressed her daily longing for him and recognized his influential presence both in the family and the cricketing world.
Saba reflected on his multifaceted roles, acknowledging the legacy he left behind. She also mentioned her annual tribute to him, performing Quran khwani and sadqa in memory of their father in both Bhopal and Pataudi.
Soha Ali Khan, daughter of cricket legend Mansoor and actress Sharmila Tagore, has built her own distinguished career in the film industry. Since marrying Kunal Kemmu in 2015, she has become a mother to their daughter, Inaaya. Known for her performances in acclaimed films like Mumbai Meri Jaan and Rang De Basanti, Soha has also ventured into web series, further establishing her presence in contemporary Indian entertainment.