Latest news with #Gaekwad
NDTV
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
"Utter Nonsense": A Royal Trouble For Netflix Show 'The Royals'
New Delhi: Netflix web series 'The Royals' has run into royal trouble. Members of erstwhile royal families in different parts of India have criticised the way royal households have been portrayed in the Ishaan Khatter-Bhumi Pednekar-starrer. They say the show trivialises and stereotypes royal families, even though many members of such families run successful businesses and contribute to society in several ways. Leading the charge is Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who is from the erstwhile royal family of Wankaner. In an Instagram post titled, The Royal Ignore, she has said that one would imagine that the royals of India "would have a better chance of surviving an on-screen portrayal" such as the one in the Netflix show. "What began as a post-independence, politically motivated propaganda of stereotypical Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligacy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls, continues to define us," she said. Ms Gaekwad has said India's independence saw the dissolution of a centuries-old, internationally recognised Indian monarchy. "Sardar Patel correctly referred to it as a 'Bloodless Revolution'. 565 princely states controlling over 40 per cent of pre-independence India handed over their homes, lands and identities for the creation of a united, democratic country," she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Radhikaraje Gaekwad (@radhikaraje) Ms Gaekwad said the post-Independence years were an "era of uncertainty for families that had lived for centuries with privileges". "Undoubtedly there were a few bad royal apples and I make no excuse for them, yet while monarchs rose and fell in China and younger empires such as France, Russia and Austria, India has the unique distinction of being one of the only countries where royals reigned for centuries without any known instances of revolt or assassination. And when the time came, they relinquished their kingdoms with dignity," she wrote. "Yet after all these decades, our own country continues to view us - all 565 families and a few thousand nobility, with an odd mixture of awe, ignorance and distaste. The real 'Royals' in the meanwhile have rolled up their sleeves and are running India's best known music festivals, museums, hotels, even constituencies and states, an impressive number being the ladies of the house - Gwalior, Jaipur, Bikaner and Kotah to name a few. Ouch to purdah and patriarchy," she said. Ms Gaekwad wrote that royal families proudly sustain age-old traditions and festivals like the Dussehra of Mysore and the Holi of Jaipur and Udaipur that the world flocks to see, and maintain old forts that represent unique schools of art and architecture like Kishangarh, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. "Most of us have no official role in society today, no privileges or official titles, yet we remain relevant and respected in our homeland, included in festivities and affectionately referred to as a family elder -Bapji, Bapu, Daata or Ma Saheb. For the locals, political representatives have come and gone, only the Mahal and the families that reside within have remained constant, their unchallenged guardians. "Even today royal funerals bring old and young alike from faraway villages, their lips parched and eyes moist, praying for a last glimpse of their departed elder, nostalgic of a bygone era. The young royals, too, are returning to their roots armed with degrees from universities around the world. They proudly straddle the two worlds, speak their mother tongue, wear their turbans but work to make their heritage sustainable, relatable, accessible. For they know if not them, no one else can," she wrote. The post has received immense support from descendants of erstwhile royal families. Yashodhara Ghorpade, former Maharani of Sandur, told NDTV, "Royals today are successfully running businesses, schools and hospitals. We are preserving folk art and craft traditions. I have been running schools for years now." Another show on JioHotstar, Kull: The Legacy of the Raisingghs, has also been caught in the row for its portrayal of royals. The Phaltan family of Maharashtra prides itself on the fact that Sai Bhonsale, the wife of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is from the family. Members of the family say they fully support Ms Gaekward's views. Vijayadevi Rane, the wife of former Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane, told NDTV that every member of a royal family "was not useless". The Rane family traces its roots to Sattari in Goa and is a part of the erstwhile Maratha royalty. "Everyone was not useless. They laid the foundation for today's developments. Most rulers started schools, hospitals and colleges. My husband was Goa Chief Minister for 18 years. He has been a successful legislator, my son is in politics. We are actively contributing to nation-building. This is utter nonsense. Everyone does not lead a debauched life," said Ms Rane, who is from the royal family of Sandur. The Netflix series was partly shot in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur. It is a fictional account of an erstwhile family struggling with financial troubles. Interestingly, among the current descendants of royal families of Jaipur is Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari. A successful politician, she rose from the grassroots before being chosen for the Number 2 position in the state. There is, of course, another viewpoint: some feel the web series is a fictional portrayal and should not be taken so seriously. Royals, however, are not amused and fear that the stereotypes projected in the show may impact their image in the public.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
'The Royals' On Netflix Sparks Royal Rumble Over "Stereotypes, Narratives"
New Delhi: Certain storylines on 'The Royals' on Netflix have sparked a furore among some of India's erstwhile royal families, with one 'queen' commenting that the stereotype of rajas "soaked in whiskey and profligacy" and Ranis "in chiffons and pearls" continues to define them, but their contributions don't get too much attention. Heritage platform Royal Fables, which covers such families, also put out a post "on behalf of 565 princely states" objecting to the way royals are portrayed in the show. The Royal Fables' post itself, however, also saw some backlash, with some on social media accusing it of being tone deaf and embarrassing. 'The Royals', starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, portrays a modern-day royal family struggling to maintain its crumbling palace, which is approached by the CEO of a hospitality startup, who proposes turning it into a luxury bed-and-breakfast. Sub-plots include the royal family's dysfunction and the sale of a valuable painting. The Maharani of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, put out a post on Instagram in which she highlighted that the erstwhile royals in India are still respected and play a key role in preserving the country's heritage. "One would imagine the royals of India, a community abundantly chronicled, photographed, biographed, and today well positioned in a range of arenas from politics, hospitality, to magazine covers, would have a better chance of surviving an on screen portrayal such as the one in The Royals. Alas, that was not to be and such is our fate, since 1947..." she lamented. "What began as a post-independence, politically motivated propaganda of stereotypical Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligacy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls, continues to define us," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Fables (@royal_fables) Ms Gaekwad pointed out that India is one of the only countries where royals reigned for centuries without "any known instances of revolt or assassination". "India has also seen some of their finest statesmen, diplomats, wildlife conservationists, bureaucrats, army officers, educationists, sportsmen, hoteliers and entrepreneurs emerge from royalty and today our palaces, forts and museums are perhaps the last few sentinels of India's undiluted, apolitical patronage and cultural history, all maintained in our personal capacity. Yet... our own country continues to view us - all 565 families and a few thousand nobility, with an odd mixture of awe, ignorance and distaste," she wrote. Ms Gaekwad also said some of these families engage in charitable work, run some of India's best-known music festivals and museums, and sustain traditions and festivals like the Dussehra of Mysore and the Holi of Jaipur and Udaipur. 'False Narratives' In an open letter to Netflix, Royal Fables said some "false narratives" were created by the show and that the erstwhile royals contribute to Indian culture while keeping their legacy alive, without much help. "First off, royal families are not POOR. They are not selling their palaces or making money from bat poop! They are land owners and inheritors of a rich legacy that they are monetising," it said in the letter, adding, "Agreed, conserving palaces is a tough task. Our back breaks if we have to white wash our flats! They have to restore a 400-year-old, 100 rooms monument without losing the historic essence of the property. And no caring corporate or government helps them in the process (sic)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Fables (@royal_fables) The post, however, also attracted criticism from social media users, with one sneering, "Privileged offending the privileged is my most favourite genre." "This is amongst the most hilariously embarrassing things I've ever read in my life. Please for your own sakes, delete it and pretend it never happened," another wrote.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Inside the Laxmi Vilas Palace of Gujarat, four times the size of Buckingham Palace
India is home to some of the most majestic palaces in the world, but did you know that Laxmi Vilas Palace in Gujarat is four times the size of England's Buckingham Palace? More than just a royal residence, this architectural marvel stands as a symbol of history, culture, and grandeur. 'Gujarat's Laxmi Vilas Palace wasn't ruled by Gujaratis but by the Marathas. This grand residential building remains one of the most majestic in the world,' says Prateik Babbar in a series on palaces he hosted for Curly Tales. Still inhabited by the Gaekwad royal family, the palace continues to exude its regal charm, blending the past with the present. Renowned fashion influencer Komal Pandey took the viewers inside the palace. With 550 acres of grandeur, the palace is nothing short of spectacular: 'Now I know what they mean when they say it's four times the size of Buckingham Palace!,' Pandey exclaims. Despite its fairy tale setting, this palace is still a living home. The lady of the palace, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, says she is still uncovering the palace's hidden corners. 'I'm still discovering many parts of the palace. Of course, I know most of it, but there are still nooks and corners that escape me, even after all these years,' she says in the video. The palace was built in 1878 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and named after his wife, Maharani Laxmibai, whom he married in 1880. 'Maharani Jamnabai was searching for an heir. When a young boy boldly declared, 'I want to rule Baroda,' she adopted him as her son. He later became Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III,' according to the video. The palace is an exquisite blend of Indian and European influences. Sandstone from Agra, Carrara marble, and intricate carvings by local Gujarati craftsmen—the palace is an architectural masterpiece. The palace also features Raj Abhishek Hall, where the kings were crowned, marking the beginning of their reigns. The Pratap Shastra wing showcases a remarkable collection of royal weapons, including: The Gaekwad family has a rich culinary heritage, blending flavours from Gujarati, Maratha, and Peshwa traditions. 'Gujarati food is a big part of our diet—we love Kathiawadi dal, undhiyu, and dal dhoklo,' Gaekwad says. She has also established Gazra Café at the palace, an inclusive café run by the LGBTQ+ community. 'The food is amazing—I think I can indulge now and burn off the calories later!' The palace hosts one of the world's largest Garba celebrations, attracting over 40,000 people every Navratri. As the dhol beats fill the air, dancers move in rhythmic circles, barefoot on the earth, staying close to their roots, both literally and spiritually. Laxmi Vilas Palace is where history, culture, and modernity come together.
India.com
06-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet India's Richest Cricketer Who Owns A ₹20,000 Crore Palace - And No, It's Not Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni Or Rohit Sharma
photoDetails english 2896279 Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, a former first-class cricketer from Baroda, is India's richest cricketer—not Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Sachin Tendulkar. With a net worth exceeding ₹20,000 crore, Gaekwad belongs to the royal Gaekwad dynasty and owns assets like the ₹24,000 crore Laxmi Vilas Palace. He inherited temples, museums, and rare paintings after settling a massive family dispute. Despite playing only six domestic matches, he later became president of the Baroda Cricket Association. His palace also operates as a luxury banquet venue. Gaekwad's fortune far surpasses that of India's most famous cricket icons, making him a unique figure in the sport's landscape. Updated:May 06, 2025, 07:56 AM IST 1. India's richest cricketer isn't Virat, Dhoni, or Sachin — it's Samarjitsinh Gaekwad 1 / 20 With a jaw-dropping net worth of over ₹20,000 crore, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, a former first-class cricketer and royal heir, outpaces all modern cricket icons in wealth. 2. Gaekwad's net worth is nearly 20 times that of Kohli and Dhoni 2 / 20 Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni each have a net worth around ₹1,050 crore, making Samarjitsinh's financial empire almost 20x larger — a shocking disparity for cricket fans. 3. The Laxmi Vilas Palace alone is valued at ₹24,000 crore 3 / 20 The Gaekwad family home, Laxmi Vilas Palace, is not just India's largest private residence — it's worth more than the combined net worths of India's top cricketers. 4. Kohli once rented Gaekwad's Mumbai property for ₹2.76 lakh/month 4 / 20 Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma lived in one of Samarjitsinh's homes in Juhu, Mumbai, paying a staggering monthly rent, showcasing the cricketer-royal's real estate dominance. 5. Gaekwad played 6 first-class matches for Baroda in the late '80s 5 / 20 Before his royal duties, Samarjitsinh had a brief stint in Indian domestic cricket, representing Baroda in the Ranji Trophy between 1987 and 1989. 6. He served as president of the Baroda Cricket Association 6 / 20 As an administrator, Gaekwad helped shape Baroda cricket, a team known for stars like Hardik Pandya, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan. 7. Inherited assets include temples, museums, and Raja Ravi Varma paintings 7 / 20 Following a ₹20,000 crore inheritance battle settlement, Gaekwad gained control of temples, priceless art, and 600+ acres of prime Baroda real estate. 8. He lives in India's largest private residence with his family 8 / 20 Laxmi Vilas Palace spans over 500 acres and is still a functioning royal residence, setting it apart from heritage structures like Rashtrapati Bhavan. 9. Samarjitsinh also runs luxury banquets from his palace 9 / 20 Under the Laxmi Vilas Banquets brand, he has transformed palace spaces into high-end event venues, merging royalty with modern entrepreneurship. 10. His wealth overshadows every Indian cricketing legend's fortune 10 / 20 Even cricket's all-time greats like Sachin Tendulkar, with a net worth of ₹1,250 crore, pale in comparison to Gaekwad's royal fortune. 11 / 20 12 / 20 13 / 20 14 / 20 15 / 20 16 / 20 17 / 20 18 / 20 19 / 20 20 / 20
