From Irrfan Khan to Kiran Rao: Bollywood celebrities who belong to royal families
The first name that comes to our mind when we think of royalty is Saif Ali Khan, but there are other celebs whose genes boast of royalty. Take a look.
Certain actors in the Hindi film industry exude a royal charm, a charismatic vibe that has an underlying enigmatic magnificence that can leave a lasting impression on the onlooker. But this magnetic charm and magnificence isn't something that has come to them from within the industry realm, it is inherent in the lineage of a few who hail from the royal families of India.
A part of the impeccable lifestyle that these celebs possess has been passed through the grand lifestyle of their families through generations.
The first name that comes to our mind when we think of royalty is the Nawab of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan, but there are other celebs whose genes boast of royalty. Let's have a look at the list:
Indian film producer, director, and screenwriter Kiran Rao hails from a family of Nizam in Hyderabad. Her grandfather was the Raja of Wanaparthy, or Wanaparthy Samsthanam (Zamindar). He was in charge of the feudatory of Wanaparthy. The interesting turn in the story is, she is also the first cousin of Aditi Rao Hydari, who is also part of this list.
Her diversified royal genes boast of Sir Muhammad Akbar Nazir Ali Hydari, who was the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State. He was also a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council. She is the grandniece of Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari who was a civil servant and the last British-appointed Governor of the province of Assam.
He earned the title of Pataudi as he comes from the Pataudi family, whose name is derived from the former princely state of Pataudi. His grandfather Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi was the last Pataudi, as royal titles were banned through the 26th Amendment of the Indian constitution. Iftikhar and Saif’s father Nawab Mohammad Mansoor Ali Khan Siddiqui Pataudi both played for Indian and England cricket teams. The notable female from this lineage was his paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, who was once the Begum of Bhopal. The Pataudi Palace, which is known as 'Ibrahim Kothi' has featured in many films like Eat Pray Love, Veer Zaara, Mangal Pandey, and Lagaan.
We are aware of her Nepali roots, wherein she was born in a Brahmin Koirala Family, which is an important political family of Nepal. Her parents belong to the royal family known as Koirala family. Her grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, was the Prime Minister of Nepal during the 1950s and 1960s while her father has served in the cabinet of Nepal as an Environment, Science, and Technology minister. Her great-uncles and her ancestors have held important positions of ministries in Nepal’s political circle.
He was born as Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan to a Pathan family in Rajasthan. His mother Saeeda Begum was from Tonk, a village near Rajasthan. She belonged to the Tonk Hakim family. His family had power over the entire village of Tonk. His father was a well-reputed zamindar in the village.
The Chak De! India actress belongs to the royal Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur. Her father comes from the royal family of Kagal. Her grandmother Sita Raje Ghatge was the daughter of Tukojirao Holkar III of Indore.
The sister duo has been seen in many supporting roles in Bollywood, but few know about their outstanding family lineage. Her paternal grandmother Ila Devi was the daughter of King Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda. Ila Devi’s mother Indira Raje was the princess of Cooch Behar. Apart from that, her younger sister Gayatri Devi was also once the Maharani of Jaipur.
The actress who is popular for her role as Suman in Maine Pyaar Kiya alongside Salman Khan belongs to the royal Patwardhan family from Sangli in Maharashtra. In fact, her father Maharaja Vijaysinh Raje Patwardhan is currently the Raja of Sangli.