150 rooms across 10 Acres: Step inside Saif Ali Khan’s Rs 800 crore Pataudi Palace

Saif Ali Khan's ancestral property, Pataudi Palace, is a remarkable blend of European neoclassical design and Indian Art Deco aesthetics, spanning 10 acres and featuring a staggering 150 rooms. Originally constructed in 1935 as Ibrahim Kothi, the property was built to accommodate the arrival of a princess from Bhopal, whose in-laws deemed the dowager's old palace inadequate.

Renowned architect Robert Tor Russell, known for his work on Connaught Place in New Delhi, designed the palace, incorporating clean lines, geometric shapes, and floral motifs that blended European and Indian styles.

The property passed through various hands before being acquired by Saif Ali Khan in 2014, following his father's passing and the late Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's death. During his ownership, numerous films and television series have utilized the palace as a backdrop, including Animal, Veer Zara, Rang De Basanti, Eat, Pray, Love, Mangal Pandey, Gandhi My Father, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, and Tandav. Khan himself resides in the palace, where his sister Soha occupies a converted generator room apartment with two bedrooms.

A diverse array of spaces caters to various needs within Pataudi Palace. Seven of the rooms serve as dressing rooms, while another seven function as bedrooms, and several are dedicated to billiards and sitting rooms. An archival library allows Khan to unwind with his Sacred Games co-star, while a reflective pool provides entertainment for children during the summer months. The expansive garden facilitates family gatherings, hosting both luncheons and picnics.

Inspired by the Sanchi Stupa, the palace boasts a dome supported by fluted columns, verandas with lofty ceilings, parquet flooring, and pink Venetian chandeliers. During a 2021 interview with Forbes India, Khan expressed his deep affection for Pataudi Palace, stating that it feels more like a permanent home than any other location.

He shared that the open chabutra provides a captivating view of the moon and stars, making it his favorite spot in the house. Another cherished area is the library, which has been meticulously renovated with personal touches, including curated objects such as old furniture, family photographs, and handwritten notes that add an emotional dimension to the space.