Exploring the Majestic Pataudi Palace: Saif Ali Khan's Royal Abode

A Glimpse into Pataudi Palace

Saif Ali Khan stands out among Indian celebrities as one of the few who possesses a palace. Known as Pataudi Palace or Ibrahim Kothi, this regal residence in Haryana serves as a winter retreat for Saif, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their sons Taimur and Jeh. The estate is currently appraised at approximately Rs 800 crore. The Pataudi family is not just a historical princely lineage from Haryana; they embody a remarkable blend of Afghan warrior heritage, British-era diplomacy, Bhopal royalty, Mughal-inspired customs, and a touch of glamour. At the heart of their legacy lies Pataudi Palace, a stunning white neoclassical edifice that has attracted the attention of queens, cricket legends, film icons, and the nation itself.

A Palace Built On Love And Legacy

Pataudi Palace is situated in Pataudi town, roughly 25 kilometers from Gurugram in Haryana. Constructed in 1935 by Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif's grandfather and a prominent cricketer who captained the Indian cricket team, the palace was commissioned after he married the Begum of Bhopal. Feeling that his family home was inadequate for his new wife, he enlisted British architect Robert Tor Russell, known for his work in colonial architecture, to create a grand residence. Russell had previously designed parts of Connaught Place in Delhi.

Spanning 10 acres, the palace boasts around 150 rooms, including seven bedrooms, dressing rooms, billiard rooms, expansive drawing and dining areas, durbar halls, libraries, and guest accommodations. The design reflects a traditional hierarchy, with public spaces located on the lower levels and private family quarters above. Visitors can admire high ceilings, classical columns, polished stone floors, fireplaces, wooden staircases, and long corridors that evoke a British country-house ambiance, interwoven with Indian artistic elements.

The main hallway is adorned with portraits of family ancestors, complemented by a chessboard-tiled verandah and a statue of a roaring tiger. The dining area features a large table, expansive glass windows, and an impressive chandelier. Additionally, there is a colonial-style study and vast lawns that serve as venues for horse riding and family gatherings, including Taimur's first birthday celebration.

How Saif Ali Khan "Earned Back" His Own Home

Following India's independence, maintaining such a vast estate became challenging for royal families. After the passing of Saif's father, cricketer Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, the palace was leased to the Neemrana Hotels group and operated as a heritage hotel from 2005 to 2014. Saif has often recounted how he had to repurchase his family home instead of simply inheriting it. In an interview, he shared that when he requested the return of the palace from the hotel operators, they informed him that a significant sum was required. He mentioned that the funds came from his acting career, stating, "You can't live off the past. At least we can't in our family, because there was nothing."

By 2014, Saif had accumulated enough wealth through his film career to reclaim the property. He subsequently undertook restoration efforts, reportedly collaborating with interior designer Darshini Shah to refurbish the interiors while preserving the building's original character.

A Favourite Film Location

In addition to being a family residence, Pataudi Palace has gained popularity as a filming location for various movies. Notable films such as Veer-Zaara, Rang De Basanti, Mangal Pandey, Gandhi: My Father, and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan have been shot there. Even Hollywood took notice, with scenes from Julia Roberts' Eat Pray Love filmed on the premises.

Currently, the palace serves as the winter residence for the Pataudi family. Saif's mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, and his sister Saba Ali Khan reside there, while Saif's sister Soha Ali Khan, her husband Kunal Kemmu, and their daughter Inaaya visit frequently. Saif's children from his first marriage, Sara and Ibrahim, are also known to spend time at the palace.