Pataudi Palace, also known as Ibrahim Kothi, is a grand estate located in the small town of Pataudi in Haryana, India.
Reportedly built in 1935 by Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan, the ninth Nawab of Pataudi, the palace exemplifies a unique blend of colonial and traditional Indian architectural styles. Designed by British architect Robert Tor Russell, with input from Karl Molt Von Heinz, the palace reflects the sophistication and grandeur of its time.
Spanning 10 acres, the palace comprises approximately 150 rooms, including seven bedrooms, seven dressing rooms, and seven billiard rooms. Known for its lush gardens and opulent interiors, it has served as a popular location for Bollywood films such as Mangal Pandey: The Rising and international productions like Eat Pray Love.
Conversion into a Hotel
In the early 2000s, Pataudi Palace underwent a significant transformation when it was leased to Neemrana Hotels, a prominent heritage hotel chain.
From 2005 to 2014, the palace operated as a luxury hotel, offering guests a taste of royal life. Its heritage, combined with its exquisite location, made it a sought-after destination for weddings, film shoots, and high-profile events.
Saif Ali Khan Reclaims the Ancestral Property
After the passing of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the 10th Nawab of Pataudi, in 2011, his son, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, took steps to regain the family’s ancestral home. Despite being the heir, Saif discovered that the property had been leased under an arrangement that required a financial settlement to repossess it.
Determined to restore the palace to the family, Saif, apparently, negotiated with Neemrana Hotels and repurchased the estate using his earnings from his acting career. He reportedly shared, “The house I’m supposed to have inherited has been earned back through money from films.” The transaction, while undisclosed in exact figures, was significant, with the property valued at approximately ₹800 crore.
A Symbol of Heritage and Achievement
Today, Pataudi Palace is more than just a family home; it symbolizes the legacy and personal achievements of the Pataudi lineage. Saif, along with his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and their children, frequently visit the palace, which serves as a retreat and a reminder of their roots. The estate has been preserved with care, maintaining its historical charm while accommodating modern amenities.
