Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore has shared a candid glimpse into her son Saif Ali Khan's school days, revealing she was frequently summoned to meet with his teachers. In a recent interview, Tagore recounted how the young nawab, along with his friend Ness Wadia, often found themselves in trouble, making her a regular presence at the school.
PTA Meetings and Constant Visits
The revelation came during a conversation on daughter Soha Ali Khan's YouTube channel, which was also attended by Saif's daughter, Sara Ali Khan. When Soha mentioned their mother enjoyed parent-teacher meetings, Sara quickly interjected, "Not Abba's PTA meetings," prompting laughter from all. Sharmila Tagore confirmed the anecdote, stating, "Me and Maureen Wadia were constant visitors." Maureen Wadia is the mother of Ness Wadia, Saif's schoolmate and partner in mischief.
Contrasting Attitudes: Apologetic Nawab vs. Trustee's Son
While Tagore did not detail the exact nature of their pranks, she highlighted the differing attitudes of the two boys. "Ness Wadia, of course, went one step further. He would say, 'I am the trustee's son, you can't do anything to me'," she recalled. In contrast, she described Saif Ali Khan's demeanor as more remorseful. "And Saif was a little more head bent and more apologetic," she added. When asked if her husband, cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, attended these meetings, Tagore simply said, "I went. Abba never went."
Reflections on Motherhood and a Busy Career
This school story connects to broader reflections Sharmila Tagore has offered on her early years of motherhood. At a previous Mother's Day event for YFLO, she admitted to being largely absent during the first six years of Saif's life due to a demanding film career. "I was working two shifts a day and for the first six years of his life, I was really absent," she confessed. She acknowledged making "a few mistakes" in her parenting journey, swinging from being an absent mother to an "overzealous" one later on.
She noted that while she attended school events, she didn't feel like a "full-time mom" initially, with her husband taking on a more domestic role. Soha Ali Khan has also spoken about how their mother was the primary breadwinner, while Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, despite his royal lineage and cricketing fame, was largely a stay-at-home dad during their childhood.
The anecdote, shared on December 26, 2025, paints a relatable picture of celebrity parenting, showcasing the universal challenges of balancing work and family, and the timeless antics of schoolboys, regardless of their famous last names.
