Saif Ali Khan Addresses Rumors of Converting Pataudi Palace into a Museum

Saif Ali Khan Addresses Rumors of Converting Pataudi Palace into a Museum

Ever since Saif Ali Khan took back his childhood home—the Pataudi Palace—tongues have wagged non-stop about plans to turn part of the place into a museum celebrating his clan’s incredible history. But he insists that’s all it is—gossip—no such thing will happen. Its sentimental worth to him is inestimable, and what he wants to do is refurbish the pile properly.

“This house has seen various things,” said the star, 50. “My father was born a Nawab (prince), and he made it his home. He also turned it into a hotel despite my grandmother telling him not to.” It has an interesting past,” he mused, adding with some understatement, “and I feel quite strongly about retaining those elements.” The actor added that his links with the building go beyond pride in his dad, Mansoor Ali Khan, a legendary Bollywood cricketer who captained India.

Speaking about his plans for the house, Saif explained, “This is our family home, and I have always wanted to renovate it. Both my father and the seventh Nawab of Pataudi built this house. Their cricket bats, memories, everything… I’m just one step away from completing the restoration work.” In a previous interaction with Cyrus Broacha at the Housing.com YouTube channel, Saif’s sister Soha Ali Khan had revealed how their mother Sharmila Tagore keeps track of all household expenses and ensures things move like clockwork.

“We haven’t bought anything new in years. It’s more affordable. Instead of getting the walls painted, we get them whitewashed. But no one feels anything because of this. Like if you walk into a room that has been done up, you won’t know,” she said, adding a few lines later, “It’s not the objects; it’s the architecture.”

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About Pataudi Palace

Ibrahim Kothi, also called Pataudi Palace, can be found in Gurgaon district in Haryana. The luxurious property stands on 10 acres and boasts 150 rooms that include bedrooms, dressing rooms, billiard rooms, and large dining and drawing rooms. It was constructed by Saif’s grandfather, Iftikhar Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi, and has passed through generations of their family. Recently, after a firm of hoteliers acquired the lease, Saif purchased it back using his own money. Though used by them as a holiday home, the estate is also let out for movie shoots. Its classic beauty may be seen in such recent films as Tandav (available on streaming services) or Animal, all of which had scenes filmed here.

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