'Tiger' Pataudi begins final journey

The funeral procession of late former Indian cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi began from his home here with sobbing family members, friends and several celebrities paying their last respects before his burial which will be held today in Pataudi.

The former captain, who would forever be remembered for leading India to their maiden Test series triumph abroad, died yesterday due to a lung infection at the age of 70.

His body was brought to his Vasant Vihar residence here early this morning and the last rites will be performed at his native Pataudi village.

Pataudi's wife, yesteryears' Bollywood star Sharmila Tagore, his actor son Saif Ali Khan and his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, and many other celebrities were at the Pataudi residence when his body was taken to his native village at around 1030 hrs this morning.

Among those who came to pay their last respects were Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik with his wife, former cricketers Kapil Dev and Ajay Jadeja, and Punjab Cricket Association chief I S Bindra.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, and BJP leader Arun Jaitley also paid their respects to Pataudi, who led India in 40 of the 46 Test matches he played and was fondly called 'Tiger'.

Pataudi's body was taken in an ambulance and his family members offered Friday prayers before the procession began.

The former cricketer's daughter Soha Ali Khan, a Bollywood actor, was inconsolable while Kareena was also seen crying as the body was taken out.

Hundreds had gathered outside the Pataudi residence including numerous mediapersons, who even got into an argument with the policemen over the coverage.

Former Haryana Chief Minister O P Chautala also came to pay his respects but the procession had left for Pataudi by that time