Sharmila Tagore recalls her long association with Pamela Chopra and Yash Chopra: Yash and Pam were so much in love – Times of India

Says Sharmila, “Kareena told me the terrible news. I am feeling very sad to hear she is gone. I am feeling bad. Yash and Pam were so much in love. I remember once I was travelling back from London (I think). They were in seats in front of me. As you know, Yash never drank. But they were sharing glasses of champagne, one each… It was such a sweet moment, toasting one another, the companionship, the mutual appreciation… He adored her and she adored him. It is very rare, particularly in our film industry for a couple to be so devoted to one another.”

Sharmila who also starred in Yash Chopra’s first home production Daag gives credit for the success of marriage to both Yash and Pam. “She was of course wonderful. But Yash too was so kind, considerate and loving. And he was demonstrative about his feelings. Pam was a little more reserved as she came from a different, non-film background. But she made everyone comfortable. She was always by his side, always supporting him. They were a complete couple.”

The ‘Amar Prem’ actress regrets not meeting Yash and Pam Chopra more often. “I feel so bad about not having met Pam recently. I remember Yash rang me up to condole for my husband Tiger when we were on the way to Pataudi after his death. And then soon after Yash suddenly and unnecessarily passed away. Yash was like a sparkle of life. He never entered or exited quietly. I remember his generosity. I once asked him to show his film to the blind after an institute reached out to me. Yash agreed instantly.”

Sharmila cannot separate Yash and Pam in her mind. “I cannot separate them even as I speak. They would come sit on the floor, play rummy at our home. When Yash started his production house with Daag, he came to me. I remember at that time my pairing with Rajesh Khanna was well appreciated. But during Daag, our box office value fell a bit. Yash was very apprehensive. He used to come and vent with me whether the film would do well or not. Can you imagine! I had to remind him, ‘Yash, I’m also in the film. If the picture suffers, I will also suffer, and not just you’.”

Sharmila remembers how devoted Pam was to Yash. “She was like his shadow, a companion, his confidante. I cannot separate them.”

Just like Sharmila and Pataudi? Sharmilaji points out, “No no. Pataudi was in a different profession. Yash and Pam worked together in the same industry. She also looked after their home, brought up the children. She was a very positive influence in his life and their children’s life so that Yash could concentrate on his work and she made sure the children were brought up the way they wanted. She kept both their sons grounded and made sure they were not cocky.”

For a quiet person Sharmila says Pam left a huge impression. “Yash was always restless. Pam was more quiet. They were very special people. I loved them dearly. She touched the lives of everyone she met. She has left a deep impression in the film industry.”

Sharmila remembers when Pam went through a phase of ill health. “She was so brave. I remember one day she had a problem balancing. She immediately went to the doctor to get a diagnosis. She was educated, had a sense of humour. She could sing well and she had the right family values. I was very fond of her. I am sad I didn’t keep in touch. I last met her at a fashion show. I lost touch with most of my industry friends after I moved to Delhi. Once upon a time we would see a lot of one another. There was a lot of aana-jaana, laughter and joy, meeting in one another’s house. Lately, I haven’t kept in touch. But my son Saif and daughter-in-law Kareena have worked with them. I have only fond memories of Yash and Pam. I suppose they are now together again.”