Saif Ali Khan’s Pataudi Palace, located in the village of Pataudi in Haryana, holds a unique place in Bollywood and royal history. This grand estate, valued at a staggering ₹800 crore, has been the subject of much curiosity, especially after his sister, actress Soha Ali Khan, shared unheard stories about its construction and maintenance. From its origins in 1935 to how it became part of Saif’s inheritance, the story of Pataudi Palace is filled with interesting anecdotes.
Built to Impress a Father-in-Law, But Faced Financial Challenges
Pataudi Palace, also known as Ibrahim Kothi, was commissioned by Saif’s grandfather, Nawab Iftekhar Ali Khan, who was a renowned cricketer and the Nawab of Pataudi. Soha Ali Khan recently shared in an interview that the palace was built not just as a royal residence but as a gesture to impress his future father-in-law. Nawab Iftekhar Ali was in love with Sajida Sultan, the Begum of Bhopal, but her father wasn’t in favor of the marriage. To win him over, Iftekhar Ali decided to build the grand Pataudi Palace.
However, building a palace of such scale wasn’t easy. Soha revealed that during the construction of the palace, her grandfather faced a shortage of funds, especially for materials like marble. This led to certain compromises. “You’ll notice many places in the palace where carpets cover cement flooring instead of marble. The lack of funds meant that parts of the palace couldn’t be finished as originally planned,” she explained.
Saif’s Royal Connection: Born a Prince, With Responsibility
Saif Ali Khan was born in 1970, and because royal titles were abolished that same year, he became the last “prince” of the family. Soha humorously noted that while her brother Saif holds the title of a prince, she missed out on becoming a princess due to the timing of her birth. However, she pointed out that along with the royal status comes the responsibility of maintaining the massive palace, which includes hefty upkeep costs.
One of the interesting details Soha mentioned is that instead of repainting the palace regularly, they use whitewash to keep the expenses under control. Despite these practical decisions, the palace’s beauty and charm remain untouched, with its classic architecture needing little modernization.
A Palace with Over 150 Rooms Spread Across 10 Acres
Pataudi Palace is not just a royal residence but a massive estate. Spread over 10 acres, the palace boasts more than 150 rooms, including drawing rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, a billiards room, and extensive outdoor space. The palace was originally owned by Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif’s father, who was also a legendary cricketer. Today, Saif is the proud owner of this historical property, which now functions as a farmhouse for the Pataudi family, a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Maintaining a Royal Legacy While Keeping Costs in Check
Soha also spoke about how her mother, Sharmila Tagore, kept track of the palace’s expenses over the years. While the Pataudi family has not added many new things to the estate, they continue to cherish its timeless beauty. The palace remains a symbol of royal heritage, blending historical significance with modern-day family life. The family ensures that the estate remains well-maintained, even if it means cutting costs in small ways like using whitewash instead of expensive paint.
With its rich history, royal connections, and timeless architecture, Pataudi Palace is not just a residence; it’s a reflection of India’s royal past and the legacy of the Pataudi family.
