If there's anything that comes to the minds of Indian designers about Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi other than his royal style, it is his chemistry with his wife - veteran actress Sharmila Tagore. Designers feel the two were a "perfect" and "made for each other" couple.

Pataudi died of a lung infection here Thursday.

"Extremely sorrowful with the news. Saw him as a supremely well-rounded man. Sharmila and he looked perfect together," designer Anupama Dayal said.

If she was an effervescent Bengali beauty, he was the stylish man - together Sharmila and Pataudi lived a blissful married life for over 40 years.

It is believed that Pataudi had got introduced to her through common friends and was smitten by her. But the "Kashmir Ki Kali" actress wasn't so easy to woo. Pataudi had admitted in earlier interviews that "it took him four long years" to get her nod.

The two married in 1969 and she embraced Islam, becoming Ayesha Sultana. Together, they had three children - Saif, Soha and Saba.

Designer Abdul Halder believes that the former Indian cricket captain's personality exuded royalty and he made a simple and subtle couple with Sharmila.

"It was very sad to hear about Pataudi sir. They were one of the most subtle and well presented couple and gave the right message of togetherness whenever they were seen in public. As an individual, he looked and lived the way he was - truly a royal," he said.

Delhi-based designer Parvesh of label Parvesh and Jai feels the 70-year-old was not only a good husband, but also a supportive father.

"He was one of the style icons of 1970s. Being a 'nawab' and a cricketer, he looked good with Sharmila. As a supporting father, he gave two very good actors to Bollywood - Saif and Soha," he said.

"He was such an epitome of class and royalty. He was such a good father and husband. The two complemented each other to the hilt. I am extremely sad to hear about his death," fashion choreographer Meher Bhasin said.

"My heart goes out to the family... he truly lived up to him being called Tiger by many who were close to him. Sharmila and he made a perfect couple," designer Arpan Vohra said.