Latest news with #TheRoyals'
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.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Grace Kelly to Kareena Kapoor: The birdcage veil is the ultimate style power move
Who has not ever been intrigued by a woman's veil? From shy brides blushing beneath their veils to grieving widows cloaked in black, mourning profound loss, veils have long held space for both joy and sorrow, quietly bearing witness to life's most tender moments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This single piece of cloth worn by women, was initially worn as a mark of dedication to God, which eventually became a fashion accessory with time. Every country and religion came up with their way of styling this accessory, which soon became a source of joy and happiness, taking the shape of wedding veils. Wedding veils have been iconic for decades and reflect the changing trends of each era. From the flapper veils in the 1920s to the birdcage veil in the 1940s, veils have seen a remarkable transformation in length, embellishments, and design. As time went on, new types and trends of wedding veils came into existence, but one amongst the lot made its way into the fashion world and is no longer only worn by royals or brides. Exuding a dramatic yet mysterious statement, the iconic birdcage veil is having a serious fashion moment nowadays. (Image Credits: Pinterest) From Bhumi Pednekar in 'The Royals' to Kareena Kapoor Khan at the Red Sea Festival, the red carpet star power has already approved of this vintage accessory. Let's dive deep into the existence and evolution of this beautiful piece. The veil whispers secrets of love The birdcage veil is the shortest type of veil and was a rage in the 1940s. Worn over the face with the netting or small tulle acting as a blusher for the bride, it was then pulled back for the first official married couple kiss. Typically, the birdcage veils came in various sizes, with the shortest usually around 9''. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They were worn at an angle, covering only one side of the bride's face and thus exuded rays of ethereal romance and a sense of drama. (Image Credits: Pinterest) However, coming into existence during the Second World War, the trend of short veils came into power due to the shortage of fabric. This meant that bridal veils were not as long and elaborate as they once were, but this iconic piece bridged the gap between chic and sophistication and was looked upon as a super practical choice. Inside the net There are various types of netting fabric and designs used for birdcage veils. However, French netting, which eventually became a fashion symbol, has been used since the mid-20th century. The hexagonal pattern gives a delicate and soft appearance, whereas the Russian netting has large diamond-shaped holes, making the face look more opaque. French netting is also lightweight, stiffer, and comfortable. Kareena Kapoor Khan Shines at Vivienne Westwood Showcase Another type of netting was created by the Americans, with smaller diamond-shaped holes that were smaller than the Russian netting but larger than the French. (Image Credits: Pinterest) Hollywood dreams in vintage reality A simple and easy-to-wear option, the birdcage veil caught the attention of Hollywood and became more glamorous in the 1960s. Often teamed with pillbox hats and iconic headgear, Hollywood starlets like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn made them a popular choice for red carpets and cocktail affairs. This era saw an increase in the popularity of birdcage veils in France, with French women carrying a hint of red lips with colourful birdcage veils over their faces. Today, this type of veil design is still a popular choice, but amongst the brides who wish to walk down the aisle in a retro look with a demure charm. How do I pair it up? Pairing a birdcage veil with your wedding dress can be tricky in today's modern world, but not impossible. If you're opting for a vintage look, then these birdcage veils look perfect with the extravagant ball gowns. However, ladies who wish to create a modish cocktail look can team this with a subtle, streamlined sheath or silk gown. Add some vintage-inspired accessories like full-length gloves and pearl jewellery to bring everything together. The glamorous birdcage veil has now evolved into a modern, unstructured interpretation, with fashion mavens styling it with elaborate feathers and flower combs. Marking its journey as a major staple in the bridal fashion space, it is more than just an iconic vintage accessory in today's world.
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.
Time of India
4 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 .
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: The Royals actor Udit Arora reacts to show's criticism, Bhumi's trolling
Actor Udit Arora says the audience is entitled to their opinion of his show 'The Royals', and all he can do as an artiste is to receive the feedback 'with grace'. In an exclusive interview with the actor, who played Kunal Mehta in the Netflix show, reacted to the trolling that co-star Bhumi Pednekar received for her Kunal was Bhumi's Sophia's business partner and former lover. The two shared many scenes in the series. When asked about the criticism of the series, Mehta said, "People are entitled to their opinions, whether praise or critique, and I fully respect that. Some folks love rom-coms, others are drawn to hard-hitting dramas or international cinema. It's all subjective. As creators, we put our best into the work. Once it's out there, it belongs to the audience. All we can do is receive their reactions with grace."advertisementHe appreciated Pednekar's dedication to work, and called her efforts 'extraordinary'. When asked to comment on Pednekar facing trolls for her appearance on the show, Arora said, "Bhumi gave more than 100% to this role, she's a dedicated, passionate performer and was amazing to work with." He continued, "She brought everything she had to the character. But again, people will always have opinions. They have the freedom to like or dislike something. That's not in our hands. What matters is the intent and effort she brought to the table, and that was extraordinary. Arora, who was also seen in 'Saas Bahu Flamingo', shared his experience of bagging the series and what changes it has brought to his resume of work. The 32-year-old revealed that he was one of the last actors to have joined the cast of 'The Royals'.advertisementWhen asked if the show's popularity has helped him bag new offers, Arora shared, "The response has been nothing short of phenomenal. The show is still being discovered by people, and it's trending in 58 countries. But, it's still early days. Even if offers come, I usually don't speak about them until things are concrete. But yes, there's been a lot of love from the industry, which feels great."He continued, "I think opportunities build over time. You deliver consistently, and that builds trust. There have already been a couple of projects where I was being considered, so I'm hopeful. I believe this performance will definitely open more doors."'The Royals' has now been renewed for season two. The show also stars Zeenat Aman, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Lisa Mishra and Nora Fatehi, among Watch IN THIS STORY#Bhumi Pednekar
