7 interesting and lesser-known facts about the Pataudi Palace

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Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are believed to be one of the power couples of Bollywood who create a buzz the moment they step out of their home. While Saif has currently been on the news for his controversial political drama series ‘Tandav’, the family overall just never gets out of style and is an all-time favorite of paparazzi. Did you know that this versatile actor is not only a contributor to Indian cinema but also the nawab of one of the former princely states of Pataudi?

If you happen to have any interest in bollywood gossip and masala, I am sure this is no news to you that Saif and his family are often papped spending quality time at his ancestral home fondly known as “the Pataudi Palace” or “Ibrahim Kothi”. The palace has left spectators mesmerised for ages and is often seen as a backdrop for pictures of the family. So, if you too are one of the admirers who have been awe-struck with what is regarded as one of the prettiest palaces in the world, we bring to you some amazing and interesting facts about the Pataudi Palace you will just not want to miss. Here we go..

1. Ancestral home worth crores

Built in early 1900s, Pataudi Palace is a 800-crore mansion located in Pataudi town of Gurgaon, Haryana. Saif along with his family are often seen visiting here. Saif’s mother and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore lives at the palace along with her daughter Saba Ali Khan.

While many believed it was inherited by the actor from his father, Saif in an interview clarified he had to instead rebuy it from his hard-earned money of bollywood.

2. Historical facts about Pataudi Palace

The palace is believed to be designed by Robert Tor Russell, a british architect, on the orders of Saif' grandfather Ifthikar Ali Khan who wanted it built for his wife. The palace was then passed on to Mansoor Ali Khan, the last titular nawab, a renowned cricketer and father of Saif, who lived at the palace with his wife and 3 children.

3. Huge mansion with 150 rooms

As per the sources, the palace is spread over a lush area of 10 acres and has some 150 rooms including seven bedrooms, billiard rooms and dressing rooms with huge drawing rooms and dining areas.

4. Shooting location for movies

The palace has acted as a shoot location for various popular movies with mass appeal like Veer Zara, Managal Pandey, Mere Brother ki Dulhan, among others. Julia Roberts starrer epic RomCom “Eat Pray Love” was also shot at this location.

5. Neemrana Hotel

The palace was presented on a 14-year lease to Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nathknown by Mansoor Ali Khan and was known as Neemrana hotel from 2005 to 2014. It was then repossessed by Saif Ali Khan who had it refurbished by interior designer Darshini Shah and uses it as a vacation home for quick get-aways.

6. Tandav was shot at Pataudi Palace

Saif Ali Khan’s new show Tandav was extensively shot at the Palace and has become one of the most critically acclaimed and controversial shows of 2021 which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. It is a political drama series that also casts Dimple Kapadia, Gauahar Khan, Anup Soni, Sunil Grover, Dino Morea, among others.

7. Mansoor Ali Khan’s Grave at the Pataudi Palace

Saif’s father and grandfather also rest peacefully in their graves on the palace grounds and thus, the palace has deeper connotations for the family. This is the reason why only the palace's outer areas are open as a shooting location. As per the statement made by Saif Ali Khan himself, Tandav was an exception where the palace was vastly used as a shooting site.