Bollywood's silver screen has long been adorned with talented actors from diverse backgrounds, but few know about the regal connections of some of India's most beloved stars. Beyond the glamour and glitz, several Bollywood actors proudly trace their lineage to India's erstwhile royal families, bringing a touch of nobility to the world of cinema. From Maratha princesses to the Nawabs, these actors have seamlessly blended their royal heritage with their passion for acting, captivating audiences with their talent and blue-blooded charm.
Aditi Rao Hydari
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Just like Saif, Aditi Rao Hydari also has two royal connections. She is the great-granddaughter of Akbar Hydari, the Prime Minister of the princely state of Hyderabad. Interestingly, Aidit’s mother, Vidya Rao, also comes from an aristocratic family. Vidya’s stepfather, J. Rameshwar Rao, was the last ruling king of Wanaparthy, a state under the Nizam of Hyderabad. Interestingly, Aditi’s engagement to actor Siddharth got engaged at the Srirangapuram temple near Wanaparthy. In a recent interview with Vogue India, the ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ actor hinted that their marriage may take place at a 400-year-old temple in Wanaparthy.
Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan
Everyone is well aware of Saif Ali Khan being a blue-blooded Nawab. His grandfather, Iftikhar Ali Khan, was the last ruling Nawab of the Pataudi in Haryana. Saif’s father, Mansoor Ali Khan, aka Tiger Pataudi, became the titular Nawab. But that’s not the only royal lineage that Saif boasts of. His grandmother and Iftikhar’s wife, Begum Sajida Sultan, was the princess of the Nawab family of Bhopal. Even today, the Pataudis own several properties in Bhopal, which are being taken care of by Saif's younger sister, Saba.
Sagarika Ghatge
Sagarika Ghatge has close ties with some of the most influential Maratha royal families of India. Born to Vijaysinh and Urmila Ghatge, Sagarika belongs to the Kagal family, a Jagir under the royal family of Kolhapur, and thus connected closely to Shahu II Chhatrapati Maharaj of Kolhapur. Veteran actor Vijayendra Ghatge, who has often been mistaken as Sagarika’s father by many, is her paternal uncle. Her grandmother, Sita Raje Ghatge, was the daughter of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar III of Indore.
Raima and Riya Sen
Little do people know that the Sen sisters, Raima and Riya Sen, are related to the royal families of Baroda, Jaipur, Kota, and Dewas Jr. Their father was the son of Ila Devi, who married Ramendra Kishore Dev Varma, the prince of Tripura. Ila Devi was the eldest daughter of Indira Devi, daughter of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda, who married Jitendra Narayan, Maharaja of Cooch-Behar. Other than Ila, Indira had four more children, all of whom were married in royal families across India, except her eldest son Jaggadipendra Narayan, who didn’t marry. Indira’s second son Indrajitendra married the princess of Pithampura and was the father of Uttara Devi, who later became the Maharani of Kotah. Indira’s second eldest daughter, Gayatri, went on to become Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, while her youngest daughter, Menaka, was married to the Maharaja of Dewas Junior State.
Bhagyashree
She won everyone’s hearts when she starred opposite Salman Khan in the 90s’ superhit film ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya.’ But little do people know that apart from being a loved actor, Bhagyashree is a princess belonging to the Patwardhan family of Sangli, the erstwhile rulers of the Maratha state. Bhagyashree’s father, Raja Vijay Singhrao Madhavrao Patwardhan, is the titular king of Sangli.
Published: 31 Aug 2024, 01:04 pm IST
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