Saba Pataudi has opened up about a difficult chapter in her life, recalling how she felt hurt by her younger sister, Soha Ali Khan, for being “barely in touch” during her brain tumour treatment. Saba, who was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour at 27, discussed the experience on Soha’s podcast, ‘All About Her’. She also spoke about her family’s support, the emotional challenges of recovery and her fears before undergoing surgery.
Saba Pataudi recalls her brain tumour diagnosis at 27
Saba was 27 when doctors discovered a benign brain tumour. She underwent surgery around six months after the diagnosis. Subsequent tests indicated a slow-growing Grade 1 tumour near the part of the brain associated with short-term memory.During the conversation, Saba recalled how her mother, Sharmila Tagore, and brother, Saif Ali Khan, supported her through the difficult period. However, she admitted that her younger sister’s limited contact had upset her at the time.
‘Ultimately, you said Amma’: Saba Pataudi on who she wanted to care for her
During the podcast, Soha brought up a question a doctor had reportedly asked Saba during her treatment. She recalled that their mother had told her about the conversation.“I remember Amma said that they asked you, God forbid, if required, who is that one person that you would want to look after you if you can’t look after yourself. You apparently thought for a very long time,” Soha said.Saba could not remember her response and asked, “Yeah. And what was my answer? Because I don’t remember it.”Soha replied, “Ultimately, you said Amma.” Saba agreed, saying, “I might have.”Soha then joked that she did not know who else had been in the running, suggesting it might have been the Japanese doctor Saba had previously admitted to having a crush on.As Saba began to respond, the neurosurgeon participating in the conversation pointed out that she had not mentioned Soha’s name. Soha responded, “No, I was nine in my mind.”Saba then explained why she had felt hurt by her sister’s limited involvement during that period.
‘Soha was actually barely in touch’: Saba says she was upset with her sister
Saba said she remembered feeling disappointed that Soha had not been in touch as much as she had expected while she was undergoing treatment.“Soha was actually barely in touch. That is something I actually do remember being a little upset with because my brother was there. My mother was there. And like she said, she wasn’t that young. Now that she realises she was 25, she was busy with her…” Saba said.The neurosurgeon suggested that it might have been difficult for Soha to process the news that someone so close to her had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.Saba acknowledged that possibility and said, “We can give her the benefit of doubt.” She added, “After the show, we sisters can sort that one out.”Explaining her feelings further, Saba said, “It was something that upset me. I think you were caught up in your life at that point and you didn’t realise.”She also made it clear that she did not doubt her sister’s affection for her. “I know you loved me and you were concerned, because I was going through a lot,” she told Soha.What had hurt her, Saba explained, was that cousins and other relatives had reached out to her during the difficult period, while she felt that her younger sister had not been as present.
Saba Pataudi opens up about the emotional toll of recovery
Saba also spoke about the emotional challenges she experienced while recovering from surgery. She recalled crying frequently without always understanding why and said she had been frightened by the possibility of becoming dependent on others.“I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone. I didn’t want to become a vegetable. I didn’t want to be in a position where someone had to take care of me,” she said.Her comments highlighted the uncertainty she faced during a period when her health, memory and independence were concerns.
Saba recalls the moments before her brain surgery
During the conversation, Saba also remembered the days leading up to the operation, including medical tests during which she was not allowed to eat or drink.“Everybody was having a party when I was tested and told not to eat and drink. There was Amma there, then a friend of her, there was my brother. So, there was this picnic happening. I also got my periods. I was like, thanks for compounding,” she said.She then recalled a moment just before she was prepared for surgery, when she was concerned about the possibility of memory loss.“I don’t remember seeing they were all there, but I remember something that was told to me. When they kind of start giving you an IV to get you prepped for the surgery, they say you are not completely unconscious. I told them, ‘Don’t wake me up, in case I have lost my memory.’ That was my last sentence. I was with Amma and there was this Sikh family that was very sweet.”Saba is the second child of Sharmila Tagore and the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
