Bollywood mourns ‘Tiger’ Pataudi’s death

Superstar Shahrukh Khan says he had a ‘huge attachment’ to the former cricketer.

NEW DEHLI: Former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who died on Thursday of a lung infection aged 70, will be remembered as one of the greatest cricket captains and an inspiration for a generation of cricketers.

Following the news of his death, Bollywood celebrities expressed their condolences on social networking site Twitter and while talking to local reporters. “Legend”, “great captain”, “style icon”, “gentleman” — that’s how the Bollywood brigade remembers the former Indian captain.

Actor Shahrukh Khan

The news of Pataudi Sir is very saddening. He was an iconic figure. I had met him and known him very closely. Since the time I was young, I have had huge attachment to him. He was a gentleman and a friend’s friend.

Actor Amitabh Bachchan

Sad news, ‘Tiger’ Pataudi passes away!

Director Madhur Bhandarkar:

Sad to hear that ‘Tiger’ Pataudi is no more. An era ends.

Actor Neha Dhupia

Very sad to hear about the
demise of ‘Tiger’ Pataudi . RIP

Actor Ritesh Deshmukh

Rip ‘Tiger’ Pataudi — true cricketing legend passes away

Film-maker Nagesh Kukunoor

Just heard about the news. Other than the obvious [fact] that he was a great cricketer, I feel he was a style icon of that time. He had a regal personality. My condolences go out to Saif.

Actor Boman Irani

MAK Pataudi passes away! RIP

Actor Rahul Bose

Distraught to hear about Tiger Pataudi’s demise. He was a great captain, player, gentleman and my coach for a summer. Will never forget him.

Director Shekhar Kapur

Tiger has left us. One of the most courageous cricketers the world has known, he took on the fastest bowlers even after losing one eye.

Actor Dino Morea

Rip ‘Tiger’ Pataudi. Condolences to the family. IANS, With additional information from AFP)

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th,  2011.