Recently, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan opened up about her family’s illustrious history and the stunning Pataudi Palace during an insightful interview. When asked about how the maintenance of the grand Rs 800 crore Pataudi Palace is managed, Soha revealed that her mother, the iconic actress Sharmila Tagore, meticulously oversees all financial records related to the palace. She keeps track of everything, from daily expenses to monthly and annual budgets. In a candid moment, Soha mentioned that the palace is not painted but is regularly whitewashed, emphasizing that maintaining such a historic estate comes at a significant cost. Interestingly, she also admitted that the family has refrained from purchasing new furnishings for the palace for quite some time.
Sharmila Tagore: The Keeper of Heritage
Soha’s interview with Cyrus Broacha shed light on the responsibilities surrounding the 10-acre Pataudi Palace, located in Bhopal, which now officially belongs to her brother, Saif Ali Khan. Despite the official ownership, Soha underscored that the responsibility for upkeep remains with her mother, Sharmila Tagore. Notably, Soha contributes to the maintenance costs of her own room within the palace, ensuring a personal touch remains in the family’s ancestral home. She also shared details about the palace’s impressive generator room, which showcases the traditional architecture and sprawling grounds that impress visitors.
A Palace Built from Love
During the interview, Soha delved into the history of Pataudi Palace, revealing that her grandfather, Nawab Pataudi, constructed this magnificent abode to win the approval of his father-in-law. Soha described a deeply affectionate relationship between her grandparents, highlighting that while they were devoted to each other, her grandmother’s father was initially resistant to their union out of jealousy, particularly due to her grandfather’s reputation as an accomplished sportsman. To overcome this obstacle and earn his future father-in-law’s respect, Nawab Pataudi undertook the monumental task of building the palace, marking a love story entwined with opulence and family legacy.
Soha Ali Khan’s revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Bollywood royalty, showcasing not just the grandeur of the Pataudi Palace but also the strong familial bonds that uphold its legacy. As the custodian of her family’s history, Soha emphasizes the importance of maintaining this remarkable heritage for future generations to admire and cherish.
