Mumbai, Sep 24 (IANS): Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's love for his country showed in 'the way he played cricket', says his friend and poet Gulzar, who used to address the Nawab as 'Mansur'.

"I remember all the good conversations that I had with Mansur...When I'd call him 'Mansur' he said I reminded him of his grandmother. She was the only one who called him Mansur. And now he has joined his grandmother," Gulzar says on the death of the cricket legend at the age of 70.

"I was very close to not just Mansur...but to the entire family, Sharmila and the children. I've seen Mansur and Sharmila's children grow up in front of me. My heart reaches out to them. I've just sent Sharmila a message offering her my condolences," says the 77-year-old Oscar winner.

Patuadi passed away in New Delhi Thursday after battling a lung infection.

"I remember Mansur as a true patriot. He never talked about his love for the country like politicians do. But Mansur's love for his country was manifested in the way he spoke about our culture, the way he played cricket, the pride he showed in his victory in the game," Gulzar adds.

"He was a very cultured man, a true gentleman. I saw him at Lords just two weeks ago. He was looking so healthy. But then life's vagaries cannot be predicted," laments Gulzar.