Soha Ali Khan opened up about her mother, legendary actress Sharmila Tagore, revealing rare details about her personal life and marriage.

The 46-year-old  actress shared in a conversation with Hauterrfly that her parents, Sharmila and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, “never had any hurdles” in their marriage. 

She also disclosed that her mother converted to Islam before tying the knot with her father and her original name is Ayesha.

“She converted, and her name is Ayesha. It used to be confusing because sometimes she would sign ‘Ayesha’ and sometimes ‘Sharmila’. Professionally, she’s always been Sharmila Tagore, but she’s also Ayesha,” Soha explained.

Meanwhile, the veteran actress had previously shared on Simi Garewal’s talk show that her husband Pataudi had suggested her the name Ayesha. 

Reflecting on the change, she said, “It wasn’t easy, nor was it very difficult. You couldn’t be flippant about it. Before that, I wasn’t terribly religious. Now, I think I know more about Hinduism and Islam.”

In another interview, speaking about societal reactions to her marriage, she told Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story that while their families were supportive, people were judgmental. 

“In Kolkata, when I was getting married, my parents were receiving telegrams saying that bullets shall speak. Tiger’s family was also worried,” she recalled.

For the unversed, Sharmila and Pataudi married on December 27, 1968, during that time which was perceived as a bold inter-religious nuptial.