Saif Ali Khan's soon-to-be-released film was banned in Pakistan allegedly as a result of certain references to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the country's premier spy agency.
But ironically the star's uncle Major General Isfandiyar Ali Pataudi was recently a front-runner to take over because the chief of the ISI. Isfandiyar is a cousin of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif's late father.
Isfandiyar is the son of Major General Mohammad Ali Pataudi, the more youthful brother of Tiger Pataudi's father Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. Isfandiyar is currently Deputy DG, ISI -- Pakistan army's second most sensitive appointment.
At the time of Partition, Major General Mohammad Ali Pataudi opted for the Pakistani army, while his elder brother, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, decided to pursue a cricketing career in India.
While on a trip to the Mid Day office to advertise his film, when Saif was asked about his late father's family in Pakistan he said, "Yes, they all are in distinguished positions. I'M aware that his name was being mentioned for the ISI post."
Though he isn't in contact together with his relatives around the border, the star states that his father's side of the family who made Pakistan their home preferred to be within the army or government in place of pursue cricket like his father and grandfather.
Incidentally, Pakistan's new ISI chief, Lt Gen Zahir-ul-Islam, is the nephew of Indian National Army hero Shah Nawaz Khan and thru him, shares a link with Shah Rukh Khan. SRK's late mother Lateef Fatima was the adopted daughter of Shah Nawaz Khan.
Courtesy: Mid-Day.com
