Game of royals gets a filmy twist

[1]

The Seven Islands Pataudi Polo Cup had a lot of thrilling action, style, glamour and royalty as Sharmila Tagore and her daughters Soha and Saba Ali Khan attended the match and announced the launch of the Seven Islands International Film Festival on Saturday afternoon at Jaipur Polo Grounds.
Looking elegant in a sari, Sharmila says that sports is the best way to make family and friendship bonds stronger and hopes that more youngsters get interested in polo. She adds that over a period of time she has developed a close connection with the game and is happy to see it being associated with film awards. “Polo was one of Tiger Pataudi’s passions. Therefore, we decided to introduce polo to the film festival. It is exciting to be a part of the Seven Islands International Film Festival (SSIFF) and to support it through its second year,” says Sharmila, who will host the festival in UK.
The Pataudi family has decided to lend their support to the festival, an annual touring festival with a different theme and different host every year, which was launched at Cannes last year. The festival travels to London this year with “celebrating royalty” as a theme.
Sharmila says that she has fond memories associated with the polo grounds. “We often used to have family outings at Jaipur Polo Grounds. Though it is still very beautiful, those days the ground used to be quieter and kids loved coming here. Tiger’s father passed away on this ground following a massive heart attack,” says Sharmila.
Joining her mother in the family’s association with the film festival and sport, Soha says that though she has never played the game, she wholeheartedly supports women polo players. “Film and royalty is a great combination and part of my legacy. I love to ride but never played the game. I am proud of female players in our team and I believe two of our female players did very well on the field today,” says Soha, who adds that she loves badminton and plays often as she has joined a sports club in Mumbai recently.
Among many famous polo players, Sanjay Kapur played for The Seven Islands Pataudi Polo Cup. The match marked the opening of the film festival. The UK chapter of the polo match is scheduled for September 14 in London.
“Apart from polo matches, rare film screenings, panel discussions, parties and interactive sessions with royal family members will also be held,” says Sakshi Ojha, director of SSIFF.