Michael Caine, 2017 | Shakira Caine and Michael Caine, 1998 | Michael Caine and Shakira Caine, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Michael Caine wasn't only a veteran of cinema but also of marriage. He and his wife, Shakira, have been together for 49 years. Shakira is a remarkable woman who helped keep the actor alive for the sake of his family. Michael completely changed his life for them, especially his twin grandchildren.
In 2018, Michael Caine opened up about his love story with his wife, Shakira, He recalled first seeing her in a Brazilian television advert for coffee and instantly falling in love with her, certain that she was the woman for him.
Shortly after, the star decided to travel to Brazil with his friend the next morning and find the woman in the commercial! However, he would soon learn at a club that the woman of his dreams wasn't Brazilian but Indian and she lived in Fulham Road in London!
Shakira Caine and Michael Caine as the couple were seen at Sherry Netherland Hotel in New York in November 1969 | Source: Getty Images
According to Michael, he called Shakira eleven times before she agreed to go out on a date with him. "If she had said no, I'd decided— 'forget it,'" he added.
The couple eventually tied the knot in 1973. 46 years into their marriage in June 2019, Michael said those were the happiest days of his life! They welcomed one child together—a daughter named Natasha. Michael also had another child, Dominique, with his ex-wife and fellow actor, Patricia Haines.
Shakira Caine and Michael Caine at the 24th Annual Tony Awards on April 19, 1970, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about his successful marriage, the "Italian Job" star revealed one reason their marriage endured was his loyalty to his wife. Although gorgeous women in the acting industry surrounded him, Michael said he was more focused on the one at home!
He described his wife as the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen so he was never tempted to cheat. By the time he became a grandfather, he wasn't in the best health, and his wife took charge.
Shakira Caine, her daughter Natasha, Sir Michael Caine, and his daughter Dominique when he was honored with the title of Commander of Arts and Letters at the Ministry of Culture in France on January 6, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
How Michael's Grandchildren Pushed Him to Change His Lifestyle?
In March 2017, Michael lost a considerable amount of weight. The "Get Carter" actor told a publication that he knew his time on Earth was running out and that worried him, so he decided to drink less.
Michael also feared getting cancer and would always look up ways to prevent one from getting it. The star ate certain foods, did certain things, and avoided others to lessen his chances of contracting the disease. He banned salt, sugar, and gluten from his meals but confessed that a bacon sandwich was his weakness.
Sir Michael Caine at the Raindance Film Festival opening night gala party on October 27, 2021, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
During his appearance on "The View" in 2017, host Joy Behar noticed that Michael looked thinner, and he explained that it was because he had grandchildren. He said he'd read that grandchildren filled a hole in one's heart that you didn't know was empty.
Michael explained that he lost 30 lbs to see his grandchildren grow up. When he looked in the mirror, he realized he was too heavy and wanted to live long enough to see his grandchildren grow up, so he decided to take care of himself. His grandchildren were then six-year-old twins and a seven-year-old boy, and the actor hoped to see his grandson turning 17.
Michael Caine and his daughters, Nikki and Natasha, and his wife Shakira Caine at the UK film premiere of "Sleuth" on November 18, 2007, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Michael became a first-time grandfather in 2008, welcoming a baby boy, Taylor. The actor was thrilled to have a boy. At six months, his grandson would sit on his knee and watch football with him. The star said they'd watch Sky Sports, and he loved taking care of him.
Michael proudly shared how good he was with Taylor, feeding and carrying him, and pushing him in his pram around the house. He liked being with the child because they got along.
Shakira, Nikki, Michael, and Natasha Caine at the "Batman Begins" European premiere in London's Leicester Square on June 12, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Shakira's husband said he loved his family because it was the best organization. He also described himself as a "great father" because he'd always put his children first, never spoiling them, but always there for them. The actor said he only took acting jobs that would allow him to support his family and take them along.
Shakira's Role in Michael's Life
While he prides himself on being a good father and grandfather, Michael credits his wife for steering him away from his bad choices in life. The star shared how Shakira had a "steadying effect" on him.
Michael Caine and Shakira Caine at the 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 24, 1999, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Michael praised Shakira for saving him from his destructive ways. He acknowledged that he would've been dead long ago if his wife hadn't been around, as he smoked packs of cigarettes and drank a bottle of vodka daily. According to the "Dark Knight" star:
"Shakira is a Muslim and doesn't drink alcohol. She not only changed my life, she saved it. We are never apart."
Sir Michael Caine was awarded the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema at the 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on August 20, 2021, in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic | Source: Getty Images
Although they'd been together for decades at that point, Michael still believed she was the most beautiful person, who was also kind and gentle. He said she was an extraordinary Indian wife who cooked excellent Italian food; it couldn't get better!
Michael [Caine] said they needed no one else but their family and was happy with their own company...
Shakira helped clean him up and gave him a life purpose after he'd fallen for her in eight minutes, while it took her two hours to feel the same way!
The couple are rarely away from each other, whether in their Chelsea apartment or Surrey country home. While they continue to adore each other, they are also devoted to their grandchildren.
Michael Caine and Shakira Caine seen on a night out at Langan's Brasserie in Mayfair on December 15, 2021, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Michael said they needed no one else but their family where they draw happiness from. He also noted how everyone had a bad side except his wife.
The actor is certain his family would continue saving him and wouldn't stick him in a retirement home. He revealed that if it were his choice, his family would all live with him.
In November 2022, an 89-year-old Michael revealed what 49 years of marriage to his 75-year-old wife looked like. The couple looked very much in love when they were seen leaving central London's Harry's Bar on what appeared to be a date night.
Looked stunning during their outing, it was clear they're still very much a happy pair pushing 50.
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