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