Latest news with #Radhikaraje
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Step inside Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad's Lukshmi Vilas Palace, the largest private residence in the world
Regal, culturally significant, and the world's largest private residence, these are some adjectives that define Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat. At 30.5 million square feet, the palace is ten times bigger than Turkey's White Palace, and its square footage is 36 times that of Buckingham Palace. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1878, the monumental 135-year-old Lukshmi Vilas Palace took 11 years to build. (Instagram/@admiddleeast) Also Read | Step inside Huma Qureshi's fancy ₹10 lakh per month luxury bungalow in Juhu: Farah Khan calls it 'best home in Mumbai' In an Instagram post shared by Architectural Digest Middle East on August 5, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda opened the doors of Lukshmi Vilas Palace, giving a glimpse inside her palatial home. Inside the 135-year-old Lukshmi Vilas Palace Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1878, the monumental 135-year-old Lukshmi Vilas Palace took 11 years to build, with Sonagadh sandstones sourced locally and the interior built with inspirations drawn from around the country and other parts of the world. Radhikaraje told AD Middle East, 'The scale of the palace is larger than life. I've lived here for 23 years, and even now I'm discovering things for the very first time. I've come to regard it as our oldest family member.' The interiors Apart from the Islamic domes and carvings inspired by Hindu temples that make up the exterior of the palace, Radhikaraje also talked about the elements from around the world that make up the interiors of Lukshmi Vilas Palace, Radhikaraje revealed that the residence has stained glass from Renaissance Europe, chandeliers from Europe and Belgium, mosaic from Italy, sculptures from around Europe, Rococo paintings and rare porcelain from China and Japan. Additionally, art by Indian masters, including some of Raja Ravi Varma's largest works, also decorates the halls."It's an amazing mixture of countries and culture coming together in this space," she said. Talking about the grand Durbar Hall, calling it the most important public space of the palace where the Maharaj would host, greet and attend to his subjects, she said, 'The Durbar Hall, where the king would receive his audience, was designed to highlight the collaborations that came to exist over 135 years ago between India and other cultures.'
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gaekwad royals to launch app for LGBTQIA persons
Vadodara: Many LGBTQIA persons often struggle to find employment despite being properly qualified or find it difficult to access proper medical treatment. This is about to change, as the Gaekwad royal family is set to launch a first-of-its-kind mobile app dedicated to the LGBTQIA community. "We plan to launch the app in Navratri this year. The app is ready and we will soon start promoting it, followed by registration and verification of users," said Radhikaraje Gaekwad, a member of the Baroda royal family. Those registering on the app, which is called 'Gazra Mitra', will get easy access to doctors for medical treatment and lawyers for legal advice. Members of the community also struggle to find accommodation, so the app will help with that as well. Two years ago, Radhikaraje learned about a member of the LGBTQIA community who died because she was hesitant to visit a doctor. She decided to create a platform for the betterment of this community and began working on it. "While working for the community, I learned that many members are still hesitant to avail of the services that we get so easily. I decided to step in and offer a helping hand. We are starting the app service in Vadodara and will take it to other cities in the future," Radhikaraje added. From contact numbers of supportive advocates and doctors to counsellors and other experts, the app aims to be a one-stop solution for the community. An LGBTQIA cafe — the state's first — run by the royal family's trust, Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya, is already offering employment to community members. Gaekwad launched this cafe two years ago and it has become a popular hangout spot for Barodians.
India.com
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Rs 20000 crore wealth, Rs 24000 crore home, studied at DU, worked as journalist, her name is..., she is from...
The Maharani of Baroda, is one of the most admired royal figures in India today. Often compared to the iconic Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, Radhikaraje Gaekwad is known not just for her timeless beauty and elegance, but also for being deeply rooted in both tradition and the modern world. She's quite active on social media, where she shares glimpses of her life that reflects a graceful blend of heritage and modern-day living. Recently, Radhikaraje voiced her thoughts on how Indian royals are still being wrongly shown in films and television. Talking about a series called The Royals , she pointed out that the way royals are portrayed hasn't evolved much since India's independence. 'People still think we spend our lives in huge palaces, dressed in pearls and chiffon all day. That image is outdated,' she said. She added that many members of former royal families today are engaged in real work some are politicians, others are entrepreneurs or involved in meaningful social causes. Inspired by her father, she always took her education seriously. She studied Indian History at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi, and before becoming Maharani, she even worked as a journalist with The Indian Express. She once recalled how she used to travel on public buses during her college days, just like any other student. In 2002, she married Maharaja Samarjitsingh Gaekwad of Baroda, a former cricketer. The couple now lives with their two daughters in the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. This palace, known as the largest private residence in India, is four times the size of London's Buckingham Palace and even bigger than Mukesh Ambani's Antilia. It is valued at an astounding Rs 25,000 crore. The palace boasts 170 rooms, lush gardens, a horse stable, a swimming pool, and even a private golf course. Built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, its construction cost was approximately Rs 25 lakh at the time (equivalent to £180,000). The main architect was British engineer Major Charles Mant. Radhikaraje's journey is a reminder that being royal today means more than just holding a title. She represents a new-age royalty that embraces both tradition and progress with dignity and grace. Radhikaraje Gaekwad's net worth is estimated at around Rs. 20,000 crore.
India.com
31-05-2025
- 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
30-05-2025
- 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.
