Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan cherish their time at Saif’s ancestral Pataudi Palace in Haryana. What many don’t know is that Saif had to buy back the palace, which had been leased to a hotel chain, using his own hard-earned money to restore it to the family.
Saif’s Privileged Yet Self-Made Upbringing
Saif Ali Khan, who comes from the royal Pataudi family, has always been open about the fact that his upbringing was privileged but not necessarily easy. In a candid interview, Saif explained that although he was born into a family with a rich history and legacy, there was no large inheritance waiting for him. Even the property that he was supposed to inherit, the Pataudi Palace, was something he had to buy back himself.
Saif recalled in an interview that after the death of his father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the grand Pataudi Palace was leased to a hotel chain called Neemrana Hotels. The palace, spread across 10 acres of land, is a magnificent property with about 150 rooms, including seven dressing rooms, seven bedrooms, and seven billiard rooms.
The palace, which had been a family home for generations, was being operated as a luxury hotel. However, Saif always knew that one day he would want to bring it back under his ownership.
The Deal to Buy Back the Palace
In a conversation with Mid-Day, Saif revealed that the hotel management had been very clear about the price. After the death of his father, the palace was managed by Neemrana Hotels, which was run by Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg. Saif explained that after the passing of Francis Wacziarg, Aman Nath informed Saif that if he ever wanted the palace back, all he had to do was let him know.
True to his word, Saif decided that he wanted to regain ownership of the palace. However, the hotel management made it clear that it would not be easy. According to Saif, they said, “You have to give us lots of money!” Saif then humorously added, “Which I consequently earned.”
To make this dream a reality, Saif used the money he earned from his acting career in films. The actor made it clear that the wealth he gained from his work in the film industry helped him to reclaim the property. He shared that the house he inherited wasn’t something he could simply live off; it had to be earned back through his efforts in cinema.
No Easy Inheritance
While Saif acknowledged the privileges that come with being part of the Pataudi family, he emphasized that there was no direct inheritance that came his way. The royal history, culture, and land were there, but he still had to work hard to maintain them. Saif explained that in his family, one cannot live solely on past glory and legacy. Instead, they must make their own way in the world, and that’s exactly what he did by earning the money to buy back Pataudi Palace.
Saif’s story is a powerful reminder that success and wealth come from hard work and determination. Even though Saif had the title and history of being a member of the royal Pataudi family, he chose not to rely on any of that. Instead, he took responsibility for the property and ensured that it remained in his family’s hands.
A Royal Home and a Loving Family
On the occasion of their 8th wedding anniversary, Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a sweet post on Instagram, reflecting on their beautiful relationship. In her post, she joked about their love for spaghetti and wine, and jokingly referred to Saif as “Saifu.” Kareena’s post was a lighthearted celebration of their life together, showing their strong bond and love for each other.
The Pataudi Palace, with its rich history and legacy, continues to be a place where Saif and Kareena create memories with their family. Despite the palace’s royal past, it is clear that Saif has worked hard to ensure that the palace remains a part of his family’s future, and that he can pass it on to the next generation.
Saif Ali Khan’s journey to buying back the Pataudi Palace is not just about money—it’s a story of personal effort, resilience, and a deep connection to family history.
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