Latest news with #RadhikarajeGaekwad
NDTV
3 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.
India.com
4 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.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
The Royals: Maharani Of Baroda Criticizes Ishaan Khatter-Bhumi Pednekar's Show
Last Updated: Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad shared her thoughts after watching Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar starrer series 'The Royals'. 'The Royals', starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, premiered on Netflix on May 9. The series, directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. A few days ago, the makers of the show announced thee second season of The Royals. Now, the Maharani of Baroda Radhikaraje Gaekwad shared her thoughts about the show after watching it. She expressed her disappointment over how the ladies of the royal family were presented, and also stated the history and contributions of the royals in India. Maharani of Baroda Radhikaraje Gaekwad penned a lengthy note on Instagram, the headline of which read, 'The Royal Ignore." Expressing her thoughts about the show, she 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, and 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." She criticized how, after India's independence, political propaganda created negative stereotypes of royals- portraying Rajas 'soaked in whiskey', and Ranis as shallow and materialistic, in 'chiffons and pearls'. She said that the portrayal still unfairly define how Indian royalty is perceived today- often reduced to outdated stereotypes. Radhikaraje Gaekwad then went on to list several good things the royals did pre- and post-independence, and highlighted their contribution to fields such as governance, hospitality, education, and conservation. '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 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 wrote. She explained that while most royals in India have no role in society today, no privileges or official titles, yet they remain relevant and respected in their homeland, and included in festivities. She added that the young royals are also returning to their roots, armed with degrees from universities around the world, and proudly straddle the two worlds, contributing to promoting their legacy after coming back to the country. Sharing the note, Radhikaraje Gaekwad wrote in the caption, 'What watching The Royals elicited in me… #gaekwadsofbaroda #royal #family #india #history #rajput #maratha #sikh." The Royals features an ensemble cast including Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Vihaan Samat, Dino Morea, and Milind Soman. The story centers on a modern-day Indian royal family facing financial difficulties, whose circumstances change dramatically when the heir partners with a hospitality entrepreneur to transform their ancestral palace into a high-end resort. First Published:
Indian Express
5 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.
