Italian-born Sonia Maino joined India's political dynasty when she married in 1968 and moved into the house of her mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
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She became a citizen of India in 1983 and its first lady in 1984, when her husband Rajiv Gandhi succeeded his assassinated mother as prime minister.
For seven years she was at the forefront of India's domestic and international political life.
Tragedy struck the Gandhi family again in 1991, when Rajiv was killed by a suicide bomber.
Sonia Gandhi remains a Roman Catholic, but follows Hindu and Indian traditions with her children, here scattering Rajiv's ashes in the River Ganges.
Sonia and Rajiv with their children in happier times.
Sonia with Rajiv Gandhi in England prior to their marriage.
Wedding celebrations in the presence of Indira Gandhi.
Indira, Sanjay, Sonia at 1,Akbar Rd, New-Delhi
Rajiv and Sonia at Amethi.
Indira, Rajiv, Sonia, Rahul, Priyanka, Varun at first Death Anniversary of Sanjay Gandhi.
Sonia watches the funeral pyre of Rajiv Gandhi as Rahul walks ahead of her.
Sonia Gandhi Then.
.Sonia Gandhi Now.
Rahul and Priyanka flank their mother during the election campaign.
After Rajiv's death Sonia shied away from the spotlight but when she agreed to start her own career in 1998, a Gandhi again became an important political leader.
Note: You will find this picture at many places saying its of Ms Gandhi. Well it's not so. Its Reese whiterspoon not Ms Gandhi.
