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Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's death brought to an end an enduring romance. When Sharmila Tagore tied the knot with the erstwhile royal 42 years ago, it was not only a marriage of cricket and cinema, but also one that broke many stereotypes.
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He was a Nawab from a well-known Muslim family and she was a Hindu who belonged to the illustrious Tagore family.
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As she was to admit many times in later years, Pataudi, popularly known as Tiger, proved to be an exceptionally liberal companion.
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Be it her wearing a bikini in "An Evening In Paris" in 1967, when they were courting, or taking up glamorous roles after marriage in 1969 and later motherhood - he always stood by her, always the ideal partner.
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She once said in an interview, "I haven't given up anything (after marrying Tiger). He is very liberal in his views. I've gained a lot of experience and gained another culture, cuisine, and way of dressing. I've benefited a lot."
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Their marriage was not expected to last - she converted, becoming Ayesha Sultana - but they proved naysayers wrong.
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The couple had three children - Saif, Saba and Soha.
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Tiger never stopped her from carrying on in showbiz. In fact, she gave most of her hits after marriage and motherhood.
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Many years down the line, when he was arrested for poaching, the actress stood by her husband like a rock.
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Death may have snatched away the man from the woman, but like an advertisement they did together, in popular imagination - Pataudi and Sharmila will live on together.
