Saif Ali Khan's luxurious Pataudi Palace was built by his grandfather for which lady?

The Pataudi Palace holds immense historical and emotional value for the Pataudi family, especially for actor Saif Ali Khan and his sister, actress Soha Ali Khan. The palace was built in 1935 by their grandfather, Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, who was the last ruler of Pataudi, a princely state in Haryana. The grandeur of the palace speaks of the royal family’s legacy, but it wasn’t just built for luxury—it was constructed to win over Nawab Iftikhar’s father-in-law, the father of Sajida Sultan, who became his wife.

The Historical Significance of Pataudi Palace 

The Pataudi Palace, also known as Ibrahim Kothi, spans across vast acres of land and has long been a symbol of royal heritage in India. Constructed in the Indo-European style, it served as the primary residence of the Pataudi family and has witnessed generations of rulers and prominent personalities, including Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Saif Ali Khan.

The property, however, is more than just a luxurious estate. It represents the family’s deep-rooted connection to history, culture, and sports, as the Pataudis have been avid sportsmen, with cricket being an integral part of their legacy.

Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan’s Motivation: Winning Over His Father-in-Law

Soha Ali Khan, in a recent interview, revealed that her grandfather, Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, built the Pataudi Palace with a special purpose in mind—to impress his father-in-law.

• Family Background: Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan was the ruler of Pataudi, and his wife, Begum Sajida Sultan, came from the royal family of Bhopal. Sajida’s father, who was the Nawab of Bhopal, was initially skeptical of Iftikhar’s suitability as a husband for his daughter, particularly because Iftikhar was more focused on sports than royal duties.

• Winning Over the Family: To win the favor of his future father-in-law and prove his worthiness, Iftikhar Ali Khan decided to build the magnificent Pataudi Palace. The grand estate was intended to reflect his dedication, wealth, and ability to provide a fitting home for his bride.

Challenges During Construction

The construction of the Pataudi Palace wasn’t without its challenges.

• Financial Struggles: According to Soha Ali Khan, the construction took a financial toll on her grandfather. The costs of building such a grand estate began to exceed his budget. This financial strain became apparent when certain areas of the palace were left unfinished.

• Unique Floors: Soha mentioned that many parts of the palace have luxurious marble floors, but in some areas, only simple cement flooring was used. This mix of materials was due to a shortage of funds during the construction process.

• Running Out of Money: Soha humorously remarked that by the time the palace was near completion, her grandfather had run out of money, which is evident in the lack of uniformity in certain aspects of the palace’s design.

Current Ownership and Management

Today, the Pataudi Palace is owned by Saif Ali Khan, who inherited the estate from his ancestors. Saif, often referred to as the Nawab of Pataudi, manages the palace along with his mother, Sharmila Tagore.

• Management by Sharmila Tagore: Soha Ali Khan revealed that her mother, Sharmila Tagore, plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day management and maintenance of the palace. The property, which has been restored to its former glory, is now one of the most sought-after heritage properties in the region.

• Saif Ali Khan’s Contribution: Saif Ali Khan has also taken personal interest in the upkeep of the palace. Soha humorously mentioned that Saif even saved money by opting to whitewash the palace instead of giving it a more expensive paint job.