The Royals, starring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter, was criticized for 'misinterpreting facts' and presenting the royal family as underprivileged. Netflix revealed a second season of the series despite the criticism. The series, which the Maharani of Baroda, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, has now criticized for portraying India's royal history incorrectly.

The Royals' portrayal of Royal families by Radhikaraje

The portrayal of royal families in the show was the subject of an Instagram post by Maharani Radhikaraje. "The Royal Ignore," she said. Given that the royals of India have been extensively documented, photographed, and biographed, and that they are currently prominent in a variety of industries, from politics to hospitality to magazine covers, one would think they would fare better under an on-screen depiction like the one in The Royals. Since 1947, this has been our destiny; it's unfortunate that it wasn't to be. We are still defined by what started out as a politically driven, post-independence propaganda of stereotypical Rajas drowning in whiskey and profligacy and Ranis dressed in chiffon and pearls.

India's independence, in her opinion, was a watershed moment that resulted in the demise of centuries-old, globally recognized monarchies. She called it a "bloodless revolution," using Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's words, in which 565 princely states—representing over 40% of pre-independence India—surrendered their homes, lands, and identities in favor of a united, democratic country. She observed that the majority of royal families embraced this uncertain future, although a few opposed it. Their legacy is obvious in history, she stated, having governed with wisdom and compassion, frequently over areas as vast and affluent as European nations.

Additionally, she said that India has the greatest density of royalty in any nation, but one that does not reflect any specific region, caste, or religion. "Indian royalty comprises Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs, and Muslims, who are a true reflection of the country's variety," she said. Royalty has also produced some of India's best politicians, diplomats, wildlife protectors, bureaucrats, military leaders, educators, sportsmen, hoteliers, and businesspeople. Today, our palaces, forts, and museums, all maintained in our personal capacity, are perhaps the last few keepers of India's pure, apolitical patronage and cultural history. Despite all these years, our own nation still sees us—all 565 families and thousands of aristocrats—with an unusual combination of amazement, ignorance, and dislike.

Radhikaraje went on to explain how the actual "Royals" are managing "India's best-known music festivals, museums, hotels, even constituencies and states." She added, "An impressive number being the ladies of the house - Gwalior, Jaipur, Bikaner and Kotah to name a few, Ouch to purdah and patriarchy!" They take great pride in maintaining ancient customs and festivals, such the Dussehra of Mysore and the Holi of Jaipur and Udaipur, which are popular tourist destinations. They also protect aging forts like Kishangarh, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, which symbolize distinct schools of art and architecture. In addition to operating the philanthropic hospitals, schools, and colleges founded by their ancestors, like we do in Baroda, they also maintain royal patronage of culinary traditions like Sailana and Rampur as well as dance and music gharanas.

She noted that even though the majority of former royal family members no longer have formal positions or privileges, they are still respected and participate in local traditions. They are still beloved members of their communities, known by their loving names, Bapji, Bapu, Daata, or Ma Saheb. The Mahal and its families have continued to be the undisputed guardians of local heritage, even as political officials have come and gone.

She observed that royal funerals continue to attract people of all ages from distant villages, who come with dry lips and teary eyes to say goodbye to a cherished elder, lamenting not just a person, but an entire generation. She also emphasized how a new generation of royals, armed with a global education and a fresh drive to make their heritage sustainable, relatable, and available, is going back to its roots.

Concerning The Royals

A few days prior to this, Netflix posted on Instagram about the upcoming season of The Royals, saying, "Old money, new blood, and a new season is in the works. The Royals Season 2 is coming soon, only on Netflix." The series, which was created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy and directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, features Ishaan Khatter, Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Chunky Panday, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, Dino Morea, and other well-known actors in significant roles.

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