Even at 80, she continues to charm audiences with her energy and passion, proving age is just a number both on-screen and off.
Updated: October 8, 2025 12:42 PM IST
Sharmila Tagore, the timeless Bollywood and Bengali cinema icon, continues to captivate audiences not just with her on-screen performances but with her childlike energy and adventurous spirit. At 80, she shows no signs of slowing down, a fact recently shared by her daughter, Soha Ali Khan.
What did Soha reveal about her mother?
In a conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit, Soha shared a remarkable incident that highlights her mother’s fearlessness. “She was going to a book launch and there was too much traffic, so she got out of her car, hailed a woman on a scooter, and asked her to drop her closer to the venue. Then she got off that scooter, stopped someone else on a bike, and hopped on to reach near the event. I was like, ‘Amma, you are 80, and this is Delhi!’”
Sharmila, ever the spirited woman, told her daughter, “That person dropped me halfway, and I walked the rest of the way to the book launch.”
Recent projects and comeback
After a long hiatus from Bengali cinema, Sharmila returned to the silver screen with Suman Ghosh’s psychological drama Puratawn, marking her first Bengali film in 18 years. The film went on to become the fifth highest-grossing Bengali release of the year, earning her critical acclaim for her nuanced performance.
Before that, she was seen in the acclaimed series Gulmohar alongside Manoj Bajpayee. While she has not revealed her next project yet, fans are eagerly waiting to see her back on screen.
Health scare and triumph
Sharmila was diagnosed with lung cancer, but fortunately, it was detected at stage zero. Thanks to early diagnosis, she avoided chemotherapy, and the tumor was successfully removed through surgery. She shared this on Karan Johar’s show Koffee With Karan, mentioning that she had to turn down an offer for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani due to her treatment.
Life on her own terms
Off-screen, Sharmila Tagore continues to live life on her own terms. She spends most of her time alone in Delhi, enjoying her independence. Recently, she joined her daughter Soha and sister Saba Ali Pautadi for birthday celebrations, highlighting the close-knit bond within the family.
Why Sharmila Tagore remains iconic
From her early days in Bollywood to her triumphant return in Bengali cinema, Sharmila Tagore remains an inspiration. Her fearless spirit, dedication to her craft, and zest for life make her a role model for aspiring actors and fans alike. Even at 80, she continues to remind everyone that passion and energy know no age.
Highlights:
- Sharmila Tagore, at 80, continues to charm audiences with her energy and adventurous spirit.
- After recovering from stage-zero lung cancer, she made a successful comeback with the Bengali film Puratawn.
- Known for living life on her own terms, she inspires fans both on-screen and off-screen.
