Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan recently dished out some juicy details about this fabulous Pataudi Palace during a recent interview with the press. The revelations by the actress made it interesting to know how much was involved in managing the estate and the rich history, which gets the fans closer to the legacy of the Pataudi Family.
Managing the Pataudi Estate
In fact, it is the household accounts of the palace that Soha’s mother, who is such a beloved Bollywood actress, still manages making sure everything goes on smoothly. She keeps a record of all expenses and compares the daily with the monthly amounts, rather meticulously, so that not one penny goes unaccounted for, reflecting a dedication towards preserving heritage by families.
Whitewash Instead of Paint
One of the interesting facts Soha told me was that her mother prefers whitewashing the palace walls rather than painting them. This is an economic decision that has been followed for so long, making it part of the palace’s character. Soha also said that for a long time now, nothing has been added to the palace because its beautiful architecture and carvings are more than enough to keep visitors in awe.
The Lost Title of Princess
She also again inherited her family’s ancestral heritage. Though her brother, Saif Ali Khan, became a prince in the year 1970, Soha, born in 1978, was kept outside in the cold. By then, the royal status has closed since the period of Royal Tigers has reached the end. Soha’s grandmother was the Begum of Bhopal, while her grandfather, Nawab of Pataudi, were the considerable icons in Indian royalty.
Story Behind Pataudi Palace
Soha also shared a beautiful story of how Pataudi Palace came to be. She says her grandfather built this palace to impress his future father-in-law, who initially opposed the marriage. Soha added that her grandmother’s father being a little envious of her grandfather’s sporting achievements was not so easily convinced.
Well, it’s interesting to note that when the funds started running low during the construction period, her grandfather was so ingenious in coming up with an idea of not wanting to complete the palace with marble flooring but cement instead covered by luxurious carpets; an idea that gave the estate a signature look without violation of elegance.
Rarely does one get to personally delve into the history behind the Pataudi Palace, a symbol of royal legacy and architectural beauty.
