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NDTV
a day 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.
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First Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Netflix's 'The Royals': Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad slams Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's show, calls it 'A Royal Ignore', netizens react
One user said, 'Its wonderful that you shed light on this, it really needed to be said.' read more Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's show The Royals that streamed on Netflix recently received mixed reactions from users and critics. It has now been renewed for season 2. But a recent post on the show by Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje has gone viral. She didn't mince words and wrote a rather long note that read- 'The Royal Ignore. 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.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Maharani added, '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…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.' Radhikaraje continued, 'Indian royalty consists of Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs and Muslims, truly representative of its diversity. 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 noted further. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netizens react Here are some comments that dropped: Very well said, could not have been put better. Its wonderful that you shed light on this, it really needed to be said The shoddy TV show should be called out. But respectfully, despite your eloquence and graciousness, I beg to differ on what the Royal families did for India. They were united only in their self interest, and divided in any common cause.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
'A Royal ignore': Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad criticises Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals
Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals received backlash for 'misinterpreting facts' and portraying the royal family as impoverished. Despite the criticism, Netflix announced a second season of the show. Now, Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad has condemned the series for misrepresenting India's royal heritage. (Also Read: The Royals season 2 announced, creator Rangita Pritish Nandy says they listened to both 'good and ugly' feedback) Maharani Radhikaraje took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the depiction of royal families in the show. She stated, "The Royal Ignore. 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 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 reflected on India's independence as a turning point that led to the dissolution of centuries-old, internationally recognised monarchies. Quoting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, she described it as a 'bloodless revolution,' where 565 princely states—governing over 40% of pre-independence India—gave up their homes, lands, and identities for a united, democratic nation. She noted that while a few resisted, most royal families accepted this uncertain future. Having ruled with benevolence and acumen—often over regions as large and prosperous as European countries—their legacy, she said, is evident in history. A post shared by Radhikaraje Gaekwad (@radhikaraje) She added that India not only has the highest concentration of royalty in any given country, but also one that does not represent any particular region, caste or religion. She said, "Indian royalty consists of Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs and Muslims, truly representative of its diversity. 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." Radhikaraje further discussed how the real 'Royals' are running "India's best-known music festivals, museums, hotels, even constituencies and states" and said, "An impressive number being the ladies of the house - Gwalior, Jaipur, Bikaner and Kotah to name a few, Ouch to purdah and patriarchy! They 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, keep from crumbling old forts that represent unique schools of art and architecture like Kishangarh, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. They keep alive royal patronage of cuisines like Sailana and Rampur and dance and music gharanas whilst also running charitable hospitals, schools and colleges set up by their forefathers, like we do in Baroda." She observed that although most members of erstwhile royal families hold no official roles or privileges today, they continue to be respected and included in local traditions. Affectionately referred to as family elders—Bapji, Bapu, Daata, or Ma Saheb—they remain enduring figures in their communities. While political representatives have come and gone, the Mahal and the families within have remained the unchallenged custodians of local heritage. She remarked that royal funerals still draw villagers from far and wide, young and old alike, who arrive with parched lips and moist eyes to bid farewell to a beloved elder, mourning not just a person, but an entire era. She also highlighted how a new generation of royals is returning to their roots, equipped with global education and a renewed purpose to make their heritage sustainable, relatable, and accessible. This comes days after Netflix announced the new season of The Royals on Instagram, writing, "Old money, new blood, and a new season is in the works. The Royals Season 2 is coming soon, only on Netflix." Created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy, and directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the series stars Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Chunky Panday, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, Dino Morea, and others in key roles.
News18
3 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
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.
