Maharani of Baroda Slams Netflix's The Royals for Misrepresentation!
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Days after the highly anticipated announcement of its second season, Netflix's "The Royals," starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, finds itself under fire. Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the revered Maharani of Baroda, has stepped forward to challenge what she describes as a significant misrepresentation of India's royal families in the popular web series. Her candid critique, shared on social media, has sparked a debate about historical accuracy versus creative liberty in modern storytelling.
"The Royals," which premiered on May 9, 2025, has garnered mixed reviews for its romantic drama centered on a modern-day royal family struggling with financial strain and upholding their legacy. While some viewers have enjoyed the series, the portrayal of Indian royalty has drawn a sharp response from those intimately connected to this heritage.
The Maharani's Powerful "Royal Ignore"
Taking to her social media, Radhikaraje Gaekwad penned a detailed note titled "The Royal Ignore," expressing her disappointment with the show's narrative. She highlighted how, despite extensive historical documentation, photographs, and biographies of Indian royal families, the series appears to "feel disconnected from our reality."
Her core argument revolves around several key points:
- Misconception of "Poor" Royals: The show reportedly depicts royal families as impoverished and resorting to unconventional means, like selling palace elements, for survival. Maharani Gaekwad vehemently refuted this, emphasizing that present-day royal families are often landowners and inheritors of rich legacies that they actively monetize through various ventures, such as heritage hotels, cultural initiatives, and businesses.
- Overlooking Historical Sacrifices: Radhikaraje Gaekwad underscored the profound historical sacrifices made by India's 565 princely states, who "happily gave up their homes, lands and identities for a democratic India" post-1947. She noted that "The Royals" glosses over this significant "bloodless war" and the subsequent abolition of Privy Purses in 1971, which stripped royals of their allowances, forcing them to find new ways to maintain their heritage.
- Stereotypical Portrayal of Modern Royals: The Maharani criticized the show for perpetuating outdated stereotypes of royals as idle and extravagant, dressed in "gorgeous chiffons and pearls" without any meaningful contribution. She stressed that contemporary royals are educated, employed, and actively involved in diverse fields, from politics and hospitality to social empowerment, art conservation, and entrepreneurship. She cited examples of young royals globally returning to their roots, armed with degrees, to make their heritage sustainable and accessible.
- Subtlety vs. Showmanship: The Maharani also touched upon the depiction of royal women, noting that their real-life style often involves subtle jewelry and elegant dressing, a stark contrast to the often overdressed and exaggerated portrayals in fiction.
The Broader Debate: Fiction vs. Factual Representation
Radhikaraje Gaekwad's challenge has ignited a wider discussion about the responsibility of creators when depicting historical or culturally significant subjects, even within the realm of fiction. While creative liberty is essential, many, including the Maharani, argue that a baseline of accurate research is crucial to avoid misrepresentation and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
The Baroda royal family, a prominent name in India's princely heritage, has a rich history of public service and cultural patronage. Maharani Radhikaraje herself is known for her work in heritage conservation and textile revival, actively engaging with and promoting India's traditional crafts.
As "The Royals" gears up for its second season, the feedback from Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad serves as a potent reminder of the real-life legacies and complex histories that fictional narratives often touch upon. It urges creators to delve deeper into their research and portray such subjects with the nuance and respect they deserve, ensuring that the allure of "royalty" on screen doesn't come at the cost of authentic representation.
This "royal ignore" is far from silent, echoing a powerful call for more sensitive and well-researched storytelling in the burgeoning world of Indian web series.
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