:Sharmila Tagore

Sharmila Tagore was born on 8 December 1944 in Cawnpore (now Kanpur), United Provinces to Gitindranath Tagore, a general manager in the British India Corporation, and his wife Ira Tagore (née Barua).{{Cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore, Elegant and Graceful at 70 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/sharmila-tagore-elegant-and-graceful-at-70-18937 |access-date=21 July 2021 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721145202/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/sharmila-tagore-elegant-and-graceful-at-70-18937 |url-status=live }} Tagore's father belonged to the aristocratic Bengali Hindu Tagore family, and was related to the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Her mother was of Assamese descent and hailed from the Barua family.{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/assam-ulfa-opposes-award-to-sharmila-tagore/20130514.htm |title=Assam: ULFA opposes award to Sharmila Tagore |access-date=22 November 2021 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122155837/https://www.rediff.com/news/report/assam-ulfa-opposes-award-to-sharmila-tagore/20130514.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/The-Tagore-connection/articleshow/9681840.cms |title=The Tagore connection! |work=The Times of India |last1=Dasgupta |first1=Priyanka |access-date=18 October 2014 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308172420/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/The-Tagore-connection/articleshow/9681840.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/09/movies/at-the-movies.html?pagewanted=all |work=The New York Times |first=Lawrence |last=Van Gelder |title=At the Movies |date=9 November 1990 |access-date=18 February 2017 |archive-date=6 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306161025/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/09/movies/at-the-movies.html?pagewanted=all |url-status=live }} Gitindranath was the grandson of the noted painter Gaganendranath Tagore, whose own father Gunendranath had been a first cousin of the laureate.{{cite web |title=TAGORE |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/families/tagore.html |work=iinet.net.au |access-date=18 October 2014 |archive-date=13 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513104618/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/ips/families/tagore.html |url-status=live }} In fact, Tagore is more closely related to Rabindranath Tagore through her mother: her maternal grandmother, Latika Barua (née Tagore), was the granddaughter of Rabindranath Tagore's brother, Dwijendranath Tagore. Her parents were fourth-cousins. Tagore's maternal grandfather (husband of Latika Barua née Tagore) was Jnanadabhiram Barua, an Assamese Freedom Fighter and Writer who was the First Principal of Earl Law College in Guwahati (now known as Government Law College), himself the son of the noted social worker Gunabhiram Barua.{{cite web |title=President confers top honours Pranab urges people to reset moral compass. |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130514/jsp/frontpage/story_16895531.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222145933/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130514/jsp/frontpage/story_16895531.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2014 |work=The Telegraph (India)}}{{cite web |last=Anurag |first=K |title=Assam: ULFA opposes award to Sharmila Tagore |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/assam-ulfa-opposes-award-to-sharmila-tagore/20130514.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=17 January 2014 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221142229/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/assam-ulfa-opposes-award-to-sharmila-tagore/20130514.htm |url-status=live }} As a member of the Tagore family, she is also a distant relative of the actress Devika Rani and the painter Abanindranath Tagore (her great-granduncle, brother of great-grandfather Gaganendranath Tagore).

Tagore was the eldest of three daughters and had two younger sisters, the late Oindrila Kunda [Tinku Tagore] and Romila Sen [Chinky]. Oindrila was the first in the family to act in a film, and the only role she ever played was that of Mini, the child character (but a central character) in Tapan Sinha's film Kabuliwala (1957).{{cite web |url=http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/10689/11647/22/Chapter22_1-30p.pdf |title=The telegraph |date=1 December 1991 |website=wbpublibnet.gov |access-date=18 October 2014 |archive-date=22 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022150214/http://dspace.wbpublibnet.gov.in:8080/jspui/bitstream/10689/11647/22/Chapter22_1-30p.pdf |url-status=live }} In adulthood, she became an international bridge player. Her other sister, Romila Sen, married to Nikhil Sen, a businessman who served as chief operating officer of Britannia Industries for several years, died as the founder and managing director of Unibic Foods in November 2019.{{Cite web |title=Nikhil Sen, Founder & MD of Unibic Foods, passes away – Exchange4media |url=https://www.exchange4media.com/announcements-news/nikhil-sen-founder-md-of-unibic-foods-has-passed-away-100950.html |access-date=7 April 2021 |website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media |date=20 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=17 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617061237/https://www.exchange4media.com/announcements-news/nikhil-sen-founder-md-of-unibic-foods-has-passed-away-100950.html |url-status=live }}

Tagore attended St. John's Diocesan Girls' Higher Secondary School and Loreto Convent, Asansol.{{Cite news |last=Zaman |first=Rana Siddiqui |title=My First Break – Sharmila Tagore |department=Friday Review Delhi |date=7 August 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/08/07/stories/2009080750020100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224175503/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/08/07/stories/2009080750020100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 December 2010 |access-date=4 November 2010 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}} She made her film debut when she was a 13-year-old schoolgirl, after which her studies lost priority. Within a short while, her attendance and performance at school suffered, she came to be regarded as a bad influence on her classmates, and was faced with a choice of either doing films or studying further.{{Cite news |title=Was considered a bad influence on girls: Sharmila Tagore |work=The Indian Express |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/was-considered-a-bad-influence-on-girls-sharmila-tagore/786814/ |access-date=19 October 2014 |archive-date=15 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115030119/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/was-considered-a-bad-influence-on-girls-sharmila-tagore/786814 |url-status=live }} At that point, her father advised her to move ahead in life, commit herself to a film career and 'give it her all' in order to become successful.

File:Ms. Sharmila Tagore, actress and Shri Saumitra Chatterjee, actor at the presentation of the film ‘Apur Sansar’, during the 40th International Film Festival (IFFI-2009), at Panaji, Goa on November 30, 2009 (1).jpg at Apur Sansar presentation in 2009]]

Tagore began her career as an actress in Satyajit Ray's Bengali epic drama Apur Sansar (1959), as an ill-fated bride.Stuff Reporter, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20090213202309/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/04/03/stories/2006040301320100.htm Being Sharmila, all through life]", The Hindu, Retrieved 23 August 2006 In 1960, Ray cast her again in Devi, a film set in 1860 on Hindu orthodoxy and rational reforms, which she considers her favourite film and performance.{{Cite web |url=https://scroll.in/reel/983869/satyajit-ray-at-100-why-sharmila-tagore-considers-devi-her-best-collaboration-with-the-master |title=Satyajit Ray at 100: Why Sharmila Tagore considers 'Devi' her best collaboration with the master |work=Scroll.in |date=27 January 2021 |access-date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=12 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312185050/https://scroll.in/reel/983869/satyajit-ray-at-100-why-sharmila-tagore-considers-devi-her-best-collaboration-with-the-master |url-status=live }} She went onto appear in Bengali films Shes Anko and Nirjan Saikate, winning the IFFI Best Actor Award (Female) for the latter, alongside Chhaya Devi, Ruma Guha Thakurta, Renuka Devi and Bharati Devi.{{Cite web|date=23 April 2018|title=Tamil cinema's bong connection|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/tamil-cinemas-bong-connection/|access-date=17 February 2021|website=Times of India Blog|archive-date=13 February 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220213/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/tamil-cinemas-bong-connection/|url-status=live}}

Tagore made her Hindi film debut with Shakti Samanta's musical romance Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) alongside Shammi Kapoor. She and Samanta collaborated on several of his later films, including the romantic thriller An Evening in Paris (1967) again opposite Kapoor. With the film, she became the first Indian actress to appear in a swimsuit,{{cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2013/nov/191113-soha-ali-khan-wears-bikini-mr-joe-b-carvalho.htm |title=Soha Ali Khan wears a bikini for 'Mr Joe B Carvalho' |work=Mid-Day |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-date=22 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122025434/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2013/nov/191113-soha-ali-khan-wears-bikini-mr-joe-b-carvalho.htm |url-status=live }}Lalit Mohan Joshi & Gulzar, Derek Malcolm, Bollywood, page 20, Lucky Dissanayake, 2002, {{ISBN|0-9537032-2-3}}Various writers, Rashtriya Sahara, page 28, Sahara India Mass Communication, 2002Manjima Bhattacharjya, "[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Why_the_bikini_is_badnaam/articleshow/2568307.cms Why the bikini is badnaam] ", The Times of India, 25 November 2007Avijit Ghosh, "[https://web.archive.org/web/20121023061620/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-07-02/special-report/27816701_1_bikini-heroine-zeenat-aman Bollywood's unfinished revolution]", The Times of India, 2 July 2006 which established Tagore as a sex symbol in Hindi films.Subhash K Jha, "[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=34899626 Bollywood's 10 hottest actresses of all time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112154545/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=34899626 |date=12 January 2009 }}, The Times of India, 2003-01-19B. K. Karanjia, Blundering in Wonderland, page 18, Vikas Publishing House, 1990, {{ISBN|0-7069-4961-7}} While the scene in the film is often referred to as 'the bikini scene', Tagore's swimwear is actually a one piece. However, she did pose in a bikini for the cover of Filmfare magazine in 1966.{{Cite web |title=The first bikini cover |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/the-first-bikini-cover-10760.html |website=filmfare.com |language=en |access-date=2020-05-16 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807052327/https://www.filmfare.com/features/the-first-bikini-cover-10760.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/like-mom-sharmila-tagore-soha-ali-khan-dons-a-bikini-in-mr-joe-b-carvalho/1/325447.html |title=Like mom Sharmila Tagore, Soha Ali Khan dons a bikini in Mr Joe B Carvalho |work=India Today |date=19 November 2013 |access-date=19 November 2013 |archive-date=19 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119131531/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/like-mom-sharmila-tagore-soha-ali-khan-dons-a-bikini-in-mr-joe-b-carvalho/1/325447.html |url-status=live }}B. K. Karanjia, Blundering in Wonderland, page 18, Vikas Publishing House, 1990, {{ISBN|0-7069-4961-7}}Sumita S. Chakravarty, National Identity in Indian Popular Cinema, 1947–1987, page 321, University of Texas Press, 1993, {{ISBN|0-292-75551-1}} But, when she was the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification 36 years later, she expressed concerns about the increased use of bikinis in Indian films.Preeti Mudliar, "[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=124512 Without Cuts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113152430/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=124512|date=13 January 2009}}", Pune Newsline, 11 April 2005

Tagore went on to appear in films such as the Hindi films Waqt (1965), Anupama (1966), Devar (1966), Sawan Ki Ghata (1966), Aamne Saamne (1967), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968), and the Bengali film Nayak (1966).{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindigeetmala.net/movie/waqt.htm |title=Waqt (1965) |website=Hindi Geetmala |access-date=13 July 2023 |archive-date=4 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204131259/https://www.hindigeetmala.net/movie/waqt.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=21 January 2018 |title=Nayak: Easily one of Satyajit Ray's most incisive and detailed studies of human nature |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nayak-easily-one-of-satyajit-rays-most-incisive-and-detailed-studies-of-human-nature-4308857.html |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202024314/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nayak-easily-one-of-satyajit-rays-most-incisive-and-detailed-studies-of-human-nature-4308857.html |url-status=live }} Her performance in Anupama, opposite Dharmendra, proved to be her breakthrough.[https://m.rediff.com/movies/2002/apr/11dinesh.htm Classic Revisited: Anupama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421230634/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2002/apr/11dinesh.htm |date=21 April 2023 }} by Dinesh Raheja, Rediff.com.

The 1970s marked the most successful period of Tagore's career with a string of critical and commercial successes, with her pairing with Rajesh Khanna being particularly praised and noted. The Tagore-Khanna pair yielded several successful films, most notably the romantic dramas Aradhana (1969), Safar (1970), Chhoti Bahu (1971), Amar Prem (1971), Raja Rani (1973), Daag (1973) and Avishkaar (1974), and the spiritual drama Maalik (1972).{{cite web |date=9 May 2003 |title=Safar: A memorable journey |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/09safar.htm |access-date=29 September 2009 |work=Rediff.com - Rediff Movies |archive-date=10 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091110123204/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/09safar.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=A string of hits on their cards |url=http://www.punemirror.in/article/19/2012072320120723084754281b4d6c4dc/A-string-of-hits-on-their-cards.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222135409/http://www.punemirror.in/article/19/2012072320120723084754281b4d6c4dc/A-string-of-hits-on-their-cards.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=23 July 2012}}{{cite news |last=Malhotra |first=A. P. S. |date=8 August 2013 |title=Raja Rani (1973) |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/raja-rani-1973/article5003591.ece |access-date=6 July 2016 |archive-date=11 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811035544/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/raja-rani-1973/article5003591.ece |url-status=live }} All these films established her as a Superstar, in addition to establishing the Tagore-Khanna pair as one of the greatest best on-screen pairs of Indian cinema.{{cite news |author=Dinesh Raheja |author-link=Dinesh Raheja |date=3 May 2013 |title=Bollywood turns 100: love that lasted |work=Hindustan Times |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Bollywood-turns-100-love-that-lasted/Article1-1054098.aspx |url-status=dead |access-date=4 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503195211/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Bollywood-turns-100-love-that-lasted/Article1-1054098.aspx |archive-date=3 May 2013}}{{cite news |date=7 May 2013 |title=Top 10 most romantic on-screen couples of all time |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/Top-10-most-romantic-on-screen-couples-of-all-time/videols/19911395.cms |access-date=7 May 2013 |archive-date=7 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507005156/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/top-lists/Top-10-most-romantic-on-screen-couples-of-all-time/videols/19911395.cms |url-status=live }} Aradhana, Safar, Amar Prem and Daag earned Tagore nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, winning the award for the former.{{cite web |title=Aradhana (1969) & To Each His Own (1946) |url=http://bobbytalkscinema.com/recentpost.php?postid=postid070409095932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809012355/http://bobbytalkscinema.com/recentpost.php?postid=postid070409095932 |archive-date=9 August 2016 |access-date=14 February 2016 |website=bobbytalkscinema.com}}{{Cite news |title='Your Call' with Sharmila Tagore: full transcript |work=NDTV.com |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/your-call-with-sharmila-tagore-full-transcript-510271 |url-status=live |access-date=12 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527204753/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/your-call-with-sharmila-tagore-full-transcript-510271 |archive-date=27 May 2017}}

In addition to Rajesh Khanna, her pairing was also successful with Dharmendra and Shashi Kapoor, two of her favorite co-stars. In Benagli Cinema, she was repeatedly paired opposite Soumitra Chatterjee and Uttam Kumar.

She starred opposite Dharmendra in eight critical and commercial successes – Devar, Anupama, Mere Hamdam Mere Dost, Satyakam (1969), Yakeen (1969), Chupke Chupke (1975), Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka (1975) and Sunny (1984). {{cite book|author=Rachel Dwyer|title=Filming the Gods: Religion and Indian Cinema|date=27 September 2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZsKR1RKoJKUC&pg=PA30|access-date=29 October 2012|isbn=978-1-134-38070-1|pages=30–|publisher=Routledge }}

She collaborated with Shashi Kapoor for Waqt (1965), Aamne Samne (1967),

Suhana Safar (1970),Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973)Paap Aur Punya (1974),Swati (1986) and national award winner movie New Delhi Times (1986). However, their other films did not receive much recognition.{{Cite web |title=Top 20 Actresses in Indian Cinema |url=https://www.imdb.com/list/ls006095333/ |website=IMDb |access-date=13 May 2025}}

She also worked alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Chupke Chupke, Faraar (1975) and Besharam (1978), Desh Premee (1982) and Virruddh... Family Comes First (2005).

She headlined Gulzar's critically acclaimed Mausam (1975) alongside Sanjeev Kumar, which earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, and her fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.{{Cite news | title = Sharmila Tagore - Mausam (1975) | url = http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/mausam-1975/article4766190.ece | work = The Hindu | date = 30 May 2013 | access-date = 13 June 2013 | last1 = Salam | first1 = Ziya Us | archive-date = 14 June 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130614051336/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/mausam-1975/article4766190.ece | url-status = live }}

During this period, Tagore also worked with Uttam Kumar in several films such as Amanush (1975), Anand Ashram (1977) and Dooriyaan (1979).

She also received praise for her performances in Mere Humsafar, Charitraheen, and Griha Pravesh.

Tagore's other films during this period included Ek Se Badhkar Ek (1976), Tyaag (1977), which she also co-produced, and the Malayalam film Chuvanna Chirakukal (1978) among others.{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat%3D179%26catName%3DMTk3Mw%3D%3D |title=Box office 1973 |work=Box Office India |access-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020131818/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=179&catName=MTk3Mw%3D%3D |archive-date=20 October 2013 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/blast-from-the-past-anand-ashram-1977/article7637424.ece|title=Blast from the past: Anand Ashram|website=The Hindu|author=Vijay Lokapally|date=10 September 2015 |access-date=10 September 2015|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713125154/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/blast-from-the-past-anand-ashram-1977/article7637424.ece|url-status=live}}

In the 1980s, Tagore appeared in films such as Kalankini Kankabati (1981), Namkeen (1982), New Delhi Times (1986) and Swati (1986).{{Cite web|title=Kalankini Kankabati (1981) Movie: Watch Full Movie Online on JioCinema|url=https://www.jiocinema.com/movies/kalankini-kankabati?type=0&id=b7e45b0000a511e8ba4283afdd11d221|access-date=29 December 2021|website=Jiocinema|language=en|archive-date=12 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812054521/https://www.jiocinema.com/movies/kalankini-kankabati?type=0&id=b7e45b0000a511e8ba4283afdd11d221|url-status=live}}Two Tales of My Times: New Delhi Times, Maachis, by Gulzar. Rupa. 2008. {{ISBN|81-291-1355-4}} She reunited with frequent co-star Dharmendra in the action film Sunny (1984), which starred Dharmendra's son Sunny Deol in the lead role. Her performance in the film earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Tagore played pivotal roles in the Bengali action film Protidan (1983) opposite Naseeruddin Shah, and Mira Nair's interracial romantic drama Mississippi Masala (1991).{{Cite web |title=Mississippi Masala (1991) |url=https://www.criterion.com/films/32237-mississippi-masala |access-date=27 November 2022 |website=The Criterion Collection |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007202249/https://www.criterion.com/films/32237-mississippi-masala |url-status=live }} She also appeared in supporting roles in Ghar Bazar (1998) and Mann (1999).

During this period, she also appeared in two television shows, Katha Sagar (1986) for DD National and Zindagi (1999) for Star Plus.Awaasthi, Kavita (16 May 2016) [https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/a-touch-of-class-shyam-benegal-remembers-the-stories-of-katha-sagar/story-uMeczv9uvQd7oZSgcioHLP.html A touch of class: Shyam Benegal remembers the stories of Katha Sagar ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724212258/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/a-touch-of-class-shyam-benegal-remembers-the-stories-of-katha-sagar/story-uMeczv9uvQd7oZSgcioHLP.html |date=24 July 2022 }} Hindustan Times. Retrieved 26 July 2020{{cite web |title=All myriad hues of Zindagi |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99oct17/sunday/filmtv.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308151729/https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99oct17/sunday/filmtv.htm |archive-date=8 March 2023 |access-date=25 December 2019 |work=The Tribune}}

Tagore starred alongside her son Saif Ali Khan in his debut film Aashik Awara (1993) and the action drama Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007), receiving critical praise for the latter.{{cite web |title=Eklavya: The Royal Guard Movie Review by Taran Adarsh |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/eklavya-the-royal-guard/critic-review/eklavya-the-royal-guard-movie-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713141010/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/movie/eklavya-the-royal-guard/critic-review/eklavya-the-royal-guard-movie-review/ |archive-date=13 July 2023 |access-date=17 February 2010 |work=Bollywood Hungama|date=16 February 2007 }}

She also appeared in supporting roles in the musical romantic drama Dhadkan (2000) and the drama Abar Aranye (2003), the latter of which earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{cite web|title=eklavya-movie.com |work=because of the 800 Indian camels used for action sequence, which would then have had to be exported. |url=http://eklavya-movie.com/movie/camel-kicked-me-in-the-head-says-amitabh-bachchan/ |access-date=27 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212023414/http://eklavya-movie.com/movie/camel-kicked-me-in-the-head-says-amitabh-bachchan/ |archive-date=12 February 2007 }} She also received critical acclaim for her subtle acting in Shubho Mahurat (2003).

Tagore received high critical acclaim for her performance in the family drama Virruddh... Family Comes First (2005) alongside frequent co-star Bachchan, earning her sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

File:Sharmila Tagor.jpg

From 2007 to 2009, Tagore appeared in films such as Fool & Final (2007), Tasveer 8*10 (2009), Antaheen (2009) and the Marathi film Samaantar (2009).{{cite news|title=Marathi film Samaantar - A challenging role|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article10109.ece|work=The Hindu|date=27 August 2009|access-date=23 February 2011|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023081344/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article10109.ece|url-status=live}} In 2009, Tagore became the jury member at the main competition of the 62nd Cannes Film Festival.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Sharmila-Tagore-Indias-emblem-at-Cannes/articleshow/4513271.cms |title=Sharmila Tagore, India's emblem at Cannes |website=The Times of India |access-date=17 December 2021 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719090513/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Sharmila-Tagore-Indias-emblem-at-Cannes/articleshow/4513271.cms |url-status=live }} In 2010, she played a supporting role in the romantic comedy-drama Break Ke Baad,{{Cite news |title=Break Ke Baad recovers production cost before release |work=Hindustan Times |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Break-Ke-Baad-recovers-production-cost-before-release/Article1-631314.aspx |url-status=dead |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130163638/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Break-Ke-Baad-recovers-production-cost-before-release/Article1-631314.aspx |archive-date=30 November 2010}} which earned her critical acclaim, for which DNA India noting that, "Tagore pitches in with a strong performance."{{Cite web |title=Movie Review: 'Break Ke Baad', a 'rom-com' that gets it right |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-break-ke-baad-a-rom-com-that-gets-it-right-1472539/amp |website=DNA India |access-date=28 November 2012 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426134752/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-break-ke-baad-a-rom-com-that-gets-it-right-1472539/amp |url-status=live }} This was followed by a hiatus from acting.

Tagore made her comeback after a 13-year hiatus with the drama Gulmohar (2023), which released on Disney+ Hotstar.{{Cite web |title=Gulmohar trailer: Manoj Bajpayee, Sharmila Tagore keep breaking family together |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gulmohar-trailer-manoj-bajpayee-sharmila-tagore-keep-breaking-family-together-101676099481058.html |access-date=17 February 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |date=11 February 2023 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409030433/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gulmohar-trailer-manoj-bajpayee-sharmila-tagore-keep-breaking-family-together-101676099481058.html |url-status=live }} The film earned her critical acclaim, with the Hindustan Times noting that, "The elegance and poise Tagore exudes are remarkable. Her dialogue delivery, gestures, body language, emotions, everything looks just so effortless even after a long hiatus." India Today also opined that, "Tagore is always a joy to watch on screen. And, what a comeback!"{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gulmohar-movie-review-this-intriguing-family-saga-is-convincing-and-convoluted-at-the-same-time-101677813775222.html|title=Gulmohar movie review: This intriguing family saga is convincing and convoluted at the same time|access-date=10 March 2023|work=Hindustan Times|archive-date=9 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309210930/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/gulmohar-movie-review-this-intriguing-family-saga-is-convincing-and-convoluted-at-the-same-time-101677813775222.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Gulmohar Movie Review: Sharmila Tagore's comeback film is a win, Manoj Bajpayee nails it again |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/reviews/story/gulmohar-movie-review-sharmila-tagores-comeback-film-is-a-win-manoj-bajpayee-nails-it-again-2341910-2023-03-03 |website=India Today |date=3 March 2023 |access-date=11 March 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310085044/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/binge-watch/reviews/story/gulmohar-movie-review-sharmila-tagores-comeback-film-is-a-win-manoj-bajpayee-nails-it-again-2341910-2023-03-03 |url-status=live }} Her performance earned her the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress Critics – Web Original Film, in addition to a nomination for Best Actress – Web Original Film.{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-filmfare-ott-awards-2023-full-list-out-62777.html|title=Winners Of The Filmfare OTT Awards 2023: Full List Out

|date=27 November 2023|access-date=29 November 2023|language=en-In |work=Filmfare}}

In 2024, Tagore returned to Marathi films with Outhouse alongside Mohan Agashe, where she played a loving grandmother.{{Cite web |title=Mohan Agashe's new project: film on elderly singles, started by friend who passed away |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/mohan-agashe-new-project-film-elderly-singles-sharmila-tagore-8568063/ |access-date=28 September 2024 |website=The Indian Express |date=21 April 2023}} Devesh Sharma of Filmfare noted, "Tagore brings warmth, wisdom, and a spark of curiosity to Aadima, portraying her as a nuanced blend of strength and vulnerability."{{Cite web |title=Outhouse Movie Review: Warm and heartening |url=https://www.filmfare.com/reviews/bollywood-movies/outhouse-movie-review-70357.html |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=Filmfare |date=19 December 2024}} Tagore made her comeback to Bengali films after 14 years with Suman Ghosh's Puratawn (2025).

File:Soha Ali Khan Sharmila Tagore still1.jpg at the premiere of Khoya Khoya Chand]]

Tagore converted to Islam, changed her name to Begum Ayesha Sultana,{{cite web |title=Celebrities who converted to Islam |website=The Times of India |date=13 August 2014 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/celebrities-who-converted-to-islam/photostory/40180874.cms |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929212506/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/celebrities-who-converted-to-islam/photostory/40180874.cms |url-status=live }} and married Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the titular Nawab of Pataudi and Bhopal and former captain of the Indian cricket team, on 27 December 1968.{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/rendezvous-simi-garewal-mansoor-ali-khan-pataudi-sharmila-tagore-142497-2011-10-03 |title=Tiger Pataudi's romance with Sharmila to air on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal in his memory |work=India Today |date=3 October 2011 |access-date=13 October 2011 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227052533/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/rendezvous-simi-garewal-mansoor-ali-khan-pataudi-sharmila-tagore-142497-2011-10-03 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Begums of Bhopal: 107 Years of Golden Reign |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/stories/begums-bhopal-107-years-golden-reign |website=INDIAN CULTURE |access-date=29 December 2022 |language=en}} They had three children: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan (b. 1970); Saba Ali Khan (b. 1976),{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/28saif.htm |title=To Saif with love: Soha & Saba |work=Rediff.com |access-date=14 May 2011 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026020925/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/aug/28saif.htm |url-status=live }} a jewellery designer; and Soha Ali Khan (b. 1978), a Bollywood actress and TV personality. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi died at age 70 on 22 September 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_legendary-cricketer-tiger-pataudi-passes-away-at-70_1590301 |title=India's legendary cricketer Tiger Pataudi passes away at 70 |access-date=22 September 2011 |archive-date=28 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228024733/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_legendary-cricketer-tiger-pataudi-passes-away-at-70_1590301 |url-status=live }}

From 1991 to 2004, Saif was married to actress Amrita Singh. They have two children, daughter Sara Ali Khan (b. 1995) and son Ibrahim Ali Khan (b. 2001), both actors.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Ali-Khan-Amrita-Singh-Kajol-Rahul-Rawail-Kareena-Kapoor-Khan/articleshow/24590195.cms|title=Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh's first date|date=27 October 2013|work=The Times of India|access-date=29 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123233429/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Ali-Khan-Amrita-Singh-Kajol-Rahul-Rawail-Kareena-Kapoor-Khan/articleshow/24590195.cms|archive-date=23 January 2016}} His second marriage is to actress Kareena Kapoor in 2012 with whom he has two sons, Taimur Ali Khan (b. 2016) and Jeh Ali Khan (b. 2021).{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121017/jsp/frontpage/story_16099644.jsp |title=Sajid beats Saif to the altar – After civil marriage, a suspense at play |access-date=2 February 2014 |date=16 October 2012 |work=The Telegraph |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219182545/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121017/jsp/frontpage/story_16099644.jsp |archive-date=19 February 2014}} Soha married actor Kunal Khemu in 2015, and has a daughter Inaaya Naumi Khemmu (b. 2017).{{cite news |last=Roy Chowdhury |first=Rishita |title=Soha Ali Khan poses with mom Sharmila Tagore and daughter Inaaya in beautiful family pic |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/soha-ali-khan-poses-with-mom-sharmila-and-daughter-inaaya-in-beautiful-family-pic-1854938-2021-09-20 |access-date=29 December 2022 |work=India Today |language=en |archive-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229121342/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/soha-ali-khan-poses-with-mom-sharmila-and-daughter-inaaya-in-beautiful-family-pic-1854938-2021-09-20 |url-status=live }}

File:Sharmila T Lux-Award 2016.jpg

Tagore is regarded as one of the greatest actresses of Indian cinema.{{Cite news |title=Top heroines of Bollywood |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/3 |url-status=live |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/top-actresses-of-bollywood-ever-367543-2012-05-01/3 |archive-date=28 November 2020}} {{Cite news |title=Bollywood's evergreen divas |work=India TV |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/photos/bollywood-039-s-evergreen-divas-2254.2240 |url-status=live |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatvnews.com/amp/photos/bollywood-039-s-evergreen-divas-2254.2240 |archive-date=28 November 2020}} One of the highest paid Indian actresses of 1960s and 1970s,{{Cite web |title=Throwback Thursday: The Legacy of Sharmila Tagore |url=https://www.thetalentedindian.com/throwback-thursday-the-legacy-of-sharmila-tagore/ |website=The Talented Indian |date=8 December 2022 |access-date=24 May 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore - Trivia |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0846616/trivia/ |website=IMDb |access-date=24 May 2025}} She appeared in Box Office India{{'}}s "Top Actresses" list in 1969 and 1973.{{cite web |work=Box Office India |title=Top Actresses |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227120846/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-date=27 December 2012 |access-date=25 March 2016}} In 2022, she was placed in Outlook India{{'}}s 75 Best Bollywood Actresses list.{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actresses Who Ruled The Silver Screen With Grace, Beauty And Talent |work=Outlook India |date=16 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-bollywood-actresses-who-ruled-the-silver-screen-with-grace-beauty-and-talent-news-216694/amp |url-status=live }} Tagore was placed 2nd in Rediff.com{{'}}s "Best Bollywood Debut Ever" list, for her films Apur Sansar and Kashmir Ki Kali.{{Cite news |title=Best Bollywood Debutants Ever |work=Rediff.com |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2008/nov/24sd9-best-actresses-ever.htm |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://m.rediff.com/movies/2008/nov/24sd9-best-actresses-ever.htm |archive-date=28 November 2020}}

Tagore was widely known as the "style icon of the 60s and 70s" and was known as a sex symbol.{{Cite news |title=Sharmila Tagore has been a style icon for more than half a century; 20 pics of her best looks |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/sharmila-tagore-has-been-a-style-icon-for-more-than-half-a-century-on-her-birthday-20-pics-of-her-best-looks/story-piDDbaV20IK2BtLs8wEJ6H.html |access-date=10 December 2018 |author=Sanya Panwar |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712123628/https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/sharmila-tagore-has-been-a-style-icon-for-more-than-half-a-century-on-her-birthday-20-pics-of-her-best-looks/story-piDDbaV20IK2BtLs8wEJ6H_amp.html |url-status=live }} Beehive hairdos and winged eyeliner were among Sharmila Tagore’s signature style statements, earning her the moniker “the queen of dramatic eye make-up.” Regarded as a style icon, she was known for seamlessly blending traditional elegance with modern glamour—appearing in exquisite sarees and also making bold fashion choices, such as wearing a swimsuit on screen. Her oufits, both in films and public appearances, set enduring trends and helped redefine feminine grace in Indian cinema.Tagore’s public image extended beyond her work in cinema, as she was often regarded as a representation of the changing role of women in Indian society during the 1960s and 1970s.{{Cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore has been a style icon for more than half a century |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/sharmila-tagore-has-been-a-style-icon-for-more-than-half-a-century-on-her-birthday-20-pics-of-her-best-looks/story-piDDbaV20IK2BtLs8wEJ6H.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=8 December 2017 |access-date=24 May 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Throwback: When Filmfare and Sharmila Tagore took India by storm with a bikini cover |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/throwback-sharmila-tagores-iconic-bikini-look-for-a-magazine-cover-on-filmfares-70th-anniversary-52540.html |website=Filmfare |date=6 October 2021 |access-date=24 May 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore on Women, Cinema and Society |url=https://www.lassiwithlavina.com/thebuzz/sharmila-tagore-on-women-cinema-and-society/html |website=Lassi with Lavina |date=15 March 2019 |access-date=24 May 2025}} Her public persona is often described as graceful, confident, and forward-thinking.{{Cite news |title=Sadhana to Sharmila Tagore: Style trends from the 1960s' actresses you can take inspiration from |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/lifestyle-gallery/sadhana-to-sharmila-tagore-style-trends-from-the-1960s-actresses-you-can-take-inspiration-from-3079421/lite/ |access-date=13 February 2017 |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712123626/https://indianexpress.com/photos/lifestyle-gallery/sadhana-to-sharmila-tagore-style-trends-from-the-1960s-actresses-you-can-take-inspiration-from-3079421/lite/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Illuminating Bollywood's influence on major fashion trends |work=Filmfare |url=https://m.filmfare.com/features/illuminating-bollywoods-influence-on-major-fashion-trends-54097.amp |access-date=29 September 2022 |author=Rupsha Sen |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713053835/https://m.filmfare.com/features/illuminating-bollywoods-influence-on-major-fashion-trends-54097.amp |url-status=live }} She was placed in Times of India{{'}}s "50 Beautiful Faces" list.{{cite web |title=Photos - 50 Beautiful Faces: 100 years of Indian Cinema |work=Times of India |access-date=21 December 2020 |url=https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/movies/100-yrs-of-indian-cinema/50-beautiful-faces-100-years-of-indian-cinema/morphshow/19693294.cms?from=mdr}} Numerous actresses including Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have been inspired by her style.{{Cite news |title=Fashion Friday: How Sharmila Tagore's looks from An Evening In Paris inspired today's Bollywood divas |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/fashion/story/fashion-friday-how-sharmila-tagore-s-looks-from-an-evening-in-paris-inspired-today-s-bollywood-divas-1655130-2020-03-13 |access-date=20 October 2021 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330182754/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/lifestyle/fashion/story/fashion-friday-how-sharmila-tagore-s-looks-from-an-evening-in-paris-inspired-today-s-bollywood-divas-1655130-2020-03-13 |url-status=live }} Her daughter-in-law actress Kareena Kapoor said, "I like my mother-in-law Sharmilaji's dressing sense, both on and off-screen."{{Cite news |title=Kareena Kapoor's style icon: sister Karisma Kapoor or mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore? |work=NDTV India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kareena-kapoors-style-icon-sister-karisma-or-mom-in-law-sharmila-tagore-610706 |access-date=12 February 2017 |author=Mid Day}} Tagore was also inducted into the Bollywood Walk of Fame at Bandra Bandstand, Mumbai, where her hand print was preserved.{{Cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/walking-with-the-stars-112040100022_1.html |title=Walking with the stars |last=Saraswathy |first=M. |date=1 April 2012 |work=Business Standard India |access-date=24 November 2019}}

Tagore is considered among the most accomplished actresses of Indian cinema. She was among the earliest Indian actors to receive international acclaim for her performances particularly through Ray's films. She is highly regarded for her versatility as an actor, her beauty, and her fashion sense and style.{{Cite news |title=Happy Birthday Sharmila Tagore: Timeless, ethereal, incandescent forever |work=Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/happy-birthday-sharmila-tagore-timeless-ethereal-incandescent-forever-11770891.html/amp |access-date=18 December 2022 |author=Subhash K. Jha |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214092610/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/happy-birthday-sharmila-tagore-timeless-ethereal-incandescent-forever-11770891.html/amp |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |archive-date=16 August 2022 |title=Thinking man's sex symbol |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/entertainment/thinking-man-s-sex-symbol/photo-ktBtYJCdPomR11VoG7UCFO.html |access-date=27 November 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |date=15 September 2011 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/entertainment/thinking-man-s-sex-symbol/photo-ktBtYJCdPomR11VoG7UCFO.html}} Throughout her career, she portrayed a wide range of complex female characters. Whether it was a young women mistaken for a goddess trapped between divinity and delusion in Devi, a thoughtful and an independent journalist in Nayak - the hero, a daughter rendered mute by emotional trauma and her father's neglect in Anupama, Twin sisters with contrasting personalities in An Evening in Paris, A women defying social norms for her son's better future in Aradhana, A surgeon caught between love, loss and duty in Safar, A women grappling with a quiet unraveling of her monotonous marriage life in Aavishkar, A dual role of a vulnerable and an innocent village belle and her foulmouthed prostitute daughter in Mausam, A courtesan with a heart of a gold in Amar Prem or a matriarch of a troubled family going through generational shifts in Gulmohar, Tagore has been substantial in changing the image of a typical Indian Film heroine and also advocated for women's agency through her author-backed performances.{{Cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore: Celebrating the acclaimed actor's quiet feminism |url=https://scroll.in/reel/980518/her-own-knight-and-her-own-saviour-celebrating-sharmila-tagores-quiet-feminism |website=Scroll.in |date=8 December 2020 |access-date=24 May 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore: Shattering Stereotypes for Over 60 Years |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/interviews/sharmila-tagore-shattering-stereotypes-for-over-60-years |website=RogerEbert.com |date=8 December 2022 |access-date=24 May 2025}}{{Cite news |title=Sharmila Tagore: Sex symbol, acclaimed actress |work=Rediff.com |url=https://in.rediff.com/entertai/2002/apr/22dinesh.htm |url-status=live |access-date=16 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://in.rediff.com/entertai/2002/apr/22dinesh.htm |archive-date=28 November 2020}} Filmfare added her performances in Mausam in its list of Bollywood's "80 Iconic Performances", placing it at the 59th place.{{cite journal |url=https://tanqeed.com/filmfare-top-80-iconic-performances-old-article-2010/ |title=80 Iconic Performances |journal=Filmfare Via Tanqeed.com |date=4 June 2010 |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-date=15 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415064729/http://tanqeed.com/filmfare-top-80-iconic-performances-old-article-2010/ |url-status=live }}

{{Blockquote|"Sharmila Tagore is every inch the prostitue Kajri, and very convincing at that. Her language is foul, and her body language is fluid. But that´s not all, in the movie, Sharmila is also the mum, Chanda, who falls in love with a visiting doctor. Chanda is carefree and in the first flush of love. She also goes through abandonment and is shamed into marrying an old man, only to lose her touch with sanity, waiting for her doctor to come and save her.|source=Filmfare on Tagore's performance in Mausam (1975)}}

File:Sharmila Tagore.jpg

Subhash K. Jha of Firstpost termed her the only actress with "a wide spectrum of directorial leaps" and said, "No other Bollywood actress apart from Sharmila Tagore has had such spectacular innings after marriage." American critic Pauline Kael stated, "She is exquisite, perfect - a word I don't use casually." Hemachhaya De of Femina noted, "Sharmila Tagore successfully straddled diverse film genres: arthouse, crossover and mainstream."{{Cite news |title=The life and times of Sharmila Tagore |work=Femina India |url=https://m.femina.in/celebs/indian/the-life-and-times-of-sharmila-tagore-116757.amp |url-status=live |access-date=22 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://m.femina.in/celebs/indian/the-life-and-times-of-sharmila-tagore-116757.amp |archive-date=28 November 2020}} Tagore was known as an actress who was always ahead of her time. She became the first Indian actress to wear a bikini on-screen, for her film An Evening In Paris (1967). Tagore is considered among the hottest Bollywood actresses of all time.{{Cite news |title=Exclusive - 10 hottest Bollywood actresses of all time |work=Bollywood Hungama |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/10-hottest-bollywood-actresses-time/ |access-date=26 February 2020 |author=Subhash K. Jha |archive-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221122319/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/amp/news/features/10-hottest-bollywood-actresses-time/ |url-status=live }} Surendra Kumar of The Sunday Guardian noted, "She beautifully balanced her two avatars — the serious persona of realist Bengali films, and the Bollywood persona of films with song-and-dance sequences focused on success at the box office."{{Cite news |title=Sharmila Tagore - An actor always ahead of her time! |work=The Sunday Guardian |url=https://sundayguardianlive.com/culture/sharmila-tagore-actor-always-ahead-time |access-date=26 September 2019 |author=Surendra Kumar |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926084215/https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/culture/sharmila-tagore-actor-always-ahead-time |url-status=live }} Film historian Sanjay Mukhopadhyay said, "Tagore's most significant contribution to Indian cinema is a sense of dignity and grace — after Waheeda Rehman, she was the only actress of her time who exuded this.”

{{cite web |title=Sharmila Tagore on Saif, Kareena, Soha |url=https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/bollywood/1570438/sharmila-tagore-on-saif-kareena-soha |website=India Forums |access-date=May 15, 2025}} Martin Scorsese is known to be an admirer of Sharmila Tagore's acting particularly her performances in Satyajit Ray's films.

{{Pending films key}}

File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Bhushan Award to Smt. Sharmila Tagore, at an Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 05, 2013.jpg from President, Pranab Mukherjee]]

• 1999 - Honoured by the French government with the Insignes de Commandeur de Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.{{Cite news |title=France to honour Sharmila Tagore and Saumitra Chatterjee |work=Rediff.com |url=https://m.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/25nantes.htm |url-status=live |access-date=18 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020221211720/https://m.rediff.com/entertai/1999/nov/25nantes.htm |archive-date=21 February 2002}}
• 2012 - Honoured by the Edinburgh University with a Honorary Doctorate of Arts, for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sharmila-tagore-gets-honorary-doctorate/story-mwICD2bAfSW1POSpqwMJGO.html |date=27 October 2012 |title=Sharmila Tagore gets honorary doctorate |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=27 January 2018 |archive-date=13 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713064506/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sharmila-tagore-gets-honorary-doctorate/story-mwICD2bAfSW1POSpqwMJGO_amp.html |url-status=live }}

• In Aditya Chopra's 2008 film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi{{'}}s song "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte", actress Preity Zinta dressed herself as Tagore with her famous beehive hairdo, as a tribute to her look in Aradhana.{{cite news|title=Beauty and the bouffant|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/beauty-and-the-bouffant/article3402315.ece|access-date=11 January 2015|work=The Hindu|date=10 May 2012|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407045828/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/beauty-and-the-bouffant/article3402315.ece|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008) |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/56215 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906012215/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/56215 |archive-date=6 September 2015 |access-date=27 February 2014 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}
• In 2022, actress Paoli Dam dressed herself as Tagore and recreated her look from An Evening in Paris (1967), on the occasion of 75 years of Independence.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/style/fashion-through-the-decades-brings-to-life-a-bunch-of-defining-looks-spanning-the-40s-to-the-present-day/cid/1879850 |title=Fashion through the decades |work=Telegraph India |access-date=13 August 2022 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926074422/https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/style/fashion-through-the-decades-brings-to-life-a-bunch-of-defining-looks-spanning-the-40s-to-the-present-day/cid/1879850 |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=Khan |first=Soha Ali |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WilADwAAQBAJ |title=The Perils of Being Moderately Famous |date=12 December 2017 |publisher=Penguin Random House India Private Limited |isbn=978-93-87326-47-7 |language=en}}
• {{cite book |last1=Bose |first1=Mihir |author-link1=Mihir Bose |title=Bollywood: A History |publisher=Roli Books |isbn=9789351940456 |date=2008 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hN6mBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT267 |language=en}}
• {{cite book |last=Kidwai |first=Rashid |title=Neta–Abhineta: Bollywood Star Power in Indian Politics |publisher=Hachette UK |year=2018 |isbn=978-9350098035 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3v5sDwAAQBAJ}}
• {{cite book |last=Wani |first=Aarti |title=Fantasy of Modernity |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2016 |isbn=9781107117211 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A6kwCwAAQBAJ}}

{{Commons category|Sharmila Tagore}}

• {{IMDb name|0846616|name=Sharmila Tagore}}

{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2010–19}}

{{Tagore family}}

{{IFFI Award for Best Actress|state=collapsed}}

{{National Film Award for Best Actress}}

{{NationalFilmAwardBestSupportingActress}}

{{FilmfareBestActressAward}}

{{FilmfareLifetimeAchievementAward}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tagore, Sharmila}}

Category:1944 births

Category:Living people

Category:Indian film actresses

Category:Actresses in Bengali cinema

Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema

Category:Actresses in Marathi cinema

Category:Actresses in Malayalam cinema

Category:Bengali actresses

Category:Best Actress National Film Award winners

Category:Best Supporting Actress National Film Award winners

Category:Actresses from Hyderabad, India

Category:Actresses from Mumbai

Category:Recipients of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts

Sharmila

Category:UNICEF goodwill ambassadors

Category:Indian former Hindus

Category:21st-century Indian Muslims

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Category:21st-century Indian actresses

Category:Filmfare Awards winners

Category:Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award winners

Category:Saif Ali Khan