Maharani of Baroda challenges the misinterpretation of the royals in the Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman starrer series: 'The Royal ignore'

Time of India

30-05-2025

Ishaan Khatter
and
Bhumi Pednekar
starrer 'The Royals' stirred a lot of mixed reactions from the audience. While some liked the show, some criticised it. However, it has been trending and how - perhaps because even bad publicity could be good publicity.
Not to mention, many have also loved it for Ishaan Khatter,
Zeenat Aman
and the picturisque shots of the royal palaces. Days after the release, now the Maharani of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad has penned a note, thus, giving a reality check of how the Royals in India actually are, as opposed to what the series displayed.
She captioned her note as, "What watching The Royals elicited in me…" The Maharani started her note by saying, "One would imagine the royals of India, a community abundantly chronichled, photographed, biographed, and today well positioned in the range of arenas from politics, hospitality to magazine covers, would have a better chance of surviving an on screen portrayal such as the one in The Royals.
Alas, that was not to be and such is our fate since 1947.
"
She added, "What began as a post independence, politically motivated propaganda of stereotypical Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligazy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls, continues to define us."
Radhikaraje reflected on the pivotal shift that took place post-1947, when India's monarchy—spanning 565 princely states—gracefully stepped aside to make way for a democratic republic.
While many of these rulers were known for their wisdom and benevolence, their legacies are too often confined to simplistic and outdated portrayals. She noted that although royal families lost their official titles and privileges, they continue to make meaningful contributions to society.
From governance and education to hospitality and heritage conservation, these families remain deeply involved in shaping cultural and social landscapes.
The Maharani of Baroda emphasised the evolving role of royal women, who are now emerging as leaders and custodians of their rich heritage (As opposed to what was showcased in the series). By actively preserving traditions, festivals, art forms, and historic landmarks, they ensure that their legacy endures in a modern context. Despite lacking formal power, they remain influential and deeply respected figures within their communities.
She clarified that there were some bad apples and she makes no excuses for them, yet while monarchs rose and fell in China and younger empires such as France, Russia and Austria, India has the unique distinction of being one of the only countries where royals reigned for centuries without any known instances of revolt or assassination.
Radhikaraje concluded her note by mentioning about the younger generation and how even they are contributing to promoting their legacy.
Netizens loved how gracefully she slammed all the misinterpretation in the show. A user said, "Very well said, could not have been put better." Another one said, "Very well written and expressed honestly. My 2 bits please : you have given too much spotlight to a very badly made- caricaturish- with no background check - series.Most people have expressed their distaste, and the few who have enjoyed have just done it as a cheap flick and most probably not aware of the reality 😊 My Earnest request is to just ignore.
"
Meanwhile, the second season of the show has already been announced. Apart from Ishaan and Bhumi, the show also starred Zeenat Aman, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Sakshi Tanwar among others.
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