Latest news with #Radhikaraje
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who lives in Rs 25000 crore home, much bigger than Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's Rs 15000 crore Antilia, it is in...
Meet Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who lives in Rs 25000 crore home, much bigger than Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's Rs 15000 crore Antilia, it is in... Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of Baroda, is one of the most admired royals in modern India. Known for her elegance and grace, she's often called the 'most beautiful maharani' of this generation, drawing frequent comparisons to the legendary Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. But Radhikaraje is not just about tradition and titles, she's also a well-known face on social media. With a strong presence on Instagram and a growing fan base of over 282,000 followers, Radhikaraje is often seen sharing glimpses of her royal lifestyle. From lavish family celebrations to scenic travels around the world, her page reflects the perfect blend of heritage and modernity. Recently, Radhikaraje spoke up about how royal families are often shown in films and TV shows. Referring to a show called 'The Royals', she expressed disappointment at how India's royals continue to be portrayed in outdated stereotypes where kings are shown with lavish lifestyles and queens draped in pearls and chiffon. She wrote, 'Since 1947, the image of Indian royals hasn't moved past this old narrative. Despite being a part of modern society in politics, business, and more we are still seen through that same narrow lens.' Today, we're going to explore some fascinating insights into her life both personal and professional. About Radhikaraje Gaekwad Radhikaraje Gaekwad comes from a lineage deeply rooted in both royalty and public service. Her father, Dr. MK Ranjitsinh Jhala, was born into the royal family of Wankaner in Saurashtra. However, instead of living a life of privilege, he chose a different path. Dr. Ranjitsinh gave up his royal comforts to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), with a clear goal: to protect India's wildlife. Over the years, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's conservation policies. He served as India's Deputy Secretary for Forests and Wildlife and was the principal architect behind the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. His lifelong dedication to nature earned him widespread respect, and he is especially known for his efforts to reintroduce cheetahs to India from Africa, a mission that led to him being affectionately known as India's Cheetah Man . Radhikaraje Gaekwad's education Following in the footsteps of her father, Dr. MK Ranjitsinh Jhala, who valued knowledge and service, she built a strong academic foundation for herself. She studied at the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), part of Delhi University, where she completed her Master's degree in Indian History. Alongside her studies, she also gained experience in journalism by working as a writer with The Indian Express . Over the years, many people have made assumptions about her life being filled with luxury from the start. But Radhikaraje has openly addressed these myths. She once shared that, during her college years, she regularly commuted on Delhi's DTC buses. Radhikaraje Gaekwad's marriage Radhikaraje Gaekwad is happily married to Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Baroda and a former cricketer. The two tied the knot on February 27, 2002, and are proud parents to two daughters. In a candid conversation with Humans of Bombay , Radhikaraje shared a heartwarming detail from their early days together. She recalled being struck by Samarjitsingh's thoughtful and respectful gesture when he let her pay during one of their dates. She also spoke about how supportive he has always been, especially when it came to her education and personal goals. His constant encouragement helped her stay focused on her dreams, even after marriage. Radhikaraje Gaekwad lives in India's largest residence After marrying Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, Radhikaraje Gaekwad became the Maharani of Baroda. She moved into the Laxmi Vilas Palace with her husband. This palace is the biggest home in India, spread across 3,04,92,000 square feet. To give you an idea, it's about four times larger than the famous Buckingham Palace in London, which is around 828,821 square feet. Interestingly, Laxmi Vilas Palace is also bigger than Mukesh Ambani's house, Antilia. Even though Antilia is the most expensive house in India, Laxmi Vilas Palace holds the record for being the largest.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda takes a dig at Ishaan Khatter-Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals: ‘The Royal Ignore'
When Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals premiered on Netflix on May 9, it sparked varied reactions from viewers. While some appreciated the series' visual appeal, others criticised its storyline. Now, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda has publicly criticised the show for misrepresentation of modern-day royals. Taking to her Instagram, Radhikaraje penned a long note emphasizing that many royals are active contributors to India's cultural and social landscape. She expressed her disappointment in how the ladies of the royal family were presented on screen. Taking to her Instagram on Thursday, Radhikaraje Gaekwad shared a long note with the headline, 'The Royal Ignore.' She further wrote, '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 be and such is our fate, since 1947.' Radhikaraje said stereotyping Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligacy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls, was a politically motivated propaganda that began post independence and unfortunately continues to define them, hinting at the portrayals of the royals in the Netflix series. A post shared by Radhikaraje Gaekwad (@radhikaraje) Defending her community, Radhikaraje Gaekwad went on to list several good things the royals did both pre- and post-independence. She wrote, 'In truth India's independence saw the dissolution of centuries old, internationally recognised Indian monarchy. Sardar Patel correctly referred 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. Apart from a handful that resisted and disappointedly left.' Calling it an era of uncertainty for families that had lived for centuries with privileges, Radhikaraje wrote, 'They had for most parts administered their princely states, many the size of smaller European countries, and often more prosperous too with benevolence and acumen. And history is proof of this.' ALSO READ | The Traitors trailer: Karan Johar's reality show turns savage as Uorfi Javed, Raj Kundra, Apoorva Mukhija play dirty. Watch She added, '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 time came, they relinquished their kingdoms with dignity.' Radhikaraje Gaekwad highlighted the time when Indian royals faced the abolition of allowance in return for giving up their sovereignty, going through a difficult time in 1971. Taking a dig at The Royals, Radhikaraje wrote, '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 places, 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 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.' She added, '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!' At last, taking a dig at Ishaan Khatter's character in the series, Radhikaraje wrote, 'The young royals too are returning to their roots armed with degrees from universities around the world. They proudly staddle 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.' Radhikaraje Gaekwad's post drew widespread praise for the grace with which she expressed her opinion. Her note came after the makers announced a second season of the series, sparking debate online.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Maharani of Baroda challenges the misinterpretation of the royals in the Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman starrer series: 'The Royal ignore'
Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar starrer 'The Royals' stirred a lot of mixed reactions from the audience. While some liked the show, some criticised it. However, it has been trending and how - perhaps because even bad publicity could be good publicity. Not to mention, many have also loved it for Ishaan Khatter, Zeenat Aman and the picturisque shots of the royal palaces. Days after the release, now the Maharani of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad has penned a note, thus, giving a reality check of how the Royals in India actually are, as opposed to what the series displayed. She captioned her note as, "What watching The Royals elicited in me…" The Maharani started her note by saying, "One would imagine the royals of India, a community abundantly chronichled, photographed, biographed, and today well positioned in the 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 added, "What began as a post independence, politically motivated propaganda of stereotypical Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligazy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls, continues to define us." Radhikaraje reflected on the pivotal shift that took place post-1947, when India's monarchy—spanning 565 princely states—gracefully stepped aside to make way for a democratic republic. While many of these rulers were known for their wisdom and benevolence, their legacies are too often confined to simplistic and outdated portrayals. She noted that although royal families lost their official titles and privileges, they continue to make meaningful contributions to society. From governance and education to hospitality and heritage conservation, these families remain deeply involved in shaping cultural and social landscapes. The Maharani of Baroda emphasised the evolving role of royal women, who are now emerging as leaders and custodians of their rich heritage (As opposed to what was showcased in the series). By actively preserving traditions, festivals, art forms, and historic landmarks, they ensure that their legacy endures in a modern context. Despite lacking formal power, they remain influential and deeply respected figures within their communities. She clarified that there were some bad apples and she makes no excuses 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. Radhikaraje concluded her note by mentioning about the younger generation and how even they are contributing to promoting their legacy. Netizens loved how gracefully she slammed all the misinterpretation in the show. A user said, "Very well said, could not have been put better." Another one said, "Very well written and expressed honestly. My 2 bits please : you have given too much spotlight to a very badly made- caricaturish- with no background check - people have expressed their distaste, and the few who have enjoyed have just done it as a cheap flick and most probably not aware of the reality 😊 My Earnest request is to just ignore. " Meanwhile, the second season of the show has already been announced. Apart from Ishaan and Bhumi, the show also starred Zeenat Aman, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Sakshi Tanwar among others. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Radhikaraje Gaekwad slams ‘The Royals' for ignoring real Indian royal families
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda has strongly criticised the series 'The Royals', calling out its false narrative and the way it sidelines the real struggles of India's royal families. As the show, starring Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, and Sakshi Tanwar, gears up for its second season, Radhikaraje took to Instagram to share her disappointment over how the series glosses over the historical sacrifices made by India's 565 princely states. India, fought a 'bloodless war' According to Radhikaraje, these royal families, who once controlled over 40% of India, fought a 'bloodless war' and gave up their lands, homes, and privileges to help build a united, democratic India. Quoting Sardar Patel, she described the merger as a peaceful revolution that marked an era of uncertainty for the royals, who sacrificed their centuries-old identities for the greater national cause. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Twitter Can't Get Enough of Ishaan and Bhumi's Stellar Performance Yet, the show reduces this rich and complex history to mere entertainment, focusing on glitzy portrayals of royal life in chiffons and pearls, rather than highlighting the profound sacrifices behind the glamour. Radhikaraje didn't hold back in pointing out the lasting impact of the 1971 abolition of the Privy Purse. She wrote, 'We have no privileges or official titles in society, and yet we continue to maintain our name and heritage in our personal capacity, without government funding.' She added that India's royals come from diverse backgrounds — Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs, and Muslims — and many have emerged as leading hoteliers, wildlife conservationists, bureaucrats, army officers, and educationists. 'Our families have been maintaining charitable hospitals, schools, and colleges set up by our forefathers,' she emphasized. Despite lacking official status, these families still hold the affection and respect of their people, often addressed as 'Bapji, Bapu, Daata, or Maa Saheb.' Young Royals Balancing Tradition and Modernity Radhikaraje concluded her post by spotlighting the next generation. 'The young royals are too 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, and accessible.'
