8 Indian royals we'd love to have a film or web-series on!

Let's take a look at real-life royals from the past and present and discuss how their elegant and eventful lives would make for a fascinating subject for a film or web-show!

As a girl raised on a heavy dose of Disney movies, I have always been fascinated by the magic, gloss, and glamour such movies present. The opulence, royal elegance, and dreamy romance transported me to a dreamland where I was a princess dressed in beautiful gowns and bedecked with precious jewels, presiding over my kingdom. But this also made me wonder about the dearth of light-hearted movies and web shows in these genres in the Hindi entertainment industry. Yes, we had a number of historic dramas depicting the extraordinary lives and sacrifices of these personalities, but we have so much more that can be explored on screen!

Also Read: The Royals on Netflix faces backlash for inaccurate research and lack of representation

Here we take a look at the Indian royals from the past and present, who stand out for their style, elegance, and contributions to culture and would serve as a perfect subject in a royal drama.  

Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur 

Considered as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur was a global icon known for her fashion choices. She was also a progressive figure, who advocated for women’s education and founded the MGD School in Jaipur. Her journey from a young princess of Cooch Bihar to the Maharani of Jaipur, her political battles, and her efforts to conserve the cultural heritage of Rajasthan would make for a captivating watch.

Maharaja Bhupinder of Patiala

Next on our list is a royal who epitomized the words style and luxury, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. He was a darling of the international elite thanks to his charming personality, extravagant lifestyle, and love for sports and arts. The Maharaja had also commissioned the iconic Patiala Necklace by Cartier, a replica of which Diljit Dosanjh had rocked at the Met Gala recently. Oh and how did I forget to mention, the Maharaja also owned a fleet of 22 Rolls Royce cars! A series exploring his lavish court, his sporting achievements, and his interesting personal life would make for a great royal saga!

Maharaja Ranjitsinhji of Nawanagar

A cricketing legend,Maharaja Ranjitsinhji was another global icon known for his elegant lifestyle, sartorial flair, and preserving art and culture. He modernized the princely state of Nawanagar, building infrastructure like ports and schools, and was a patron of Kathiawadi arts. His journey from a prince to a cricketing hero and then a famed ruler would be exciting to watch.

Maharaja Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur 

The current head of the Jaipur royal family, Padmanabh Singh has risen to global fame as a Polo player, model, and cultural ambassador. Not to forget, his social media presence has also made him a heart-throb of the nation. The prince-charming has walked the ramp for Dolce & Gabbana and is a brand ambassador for the U.S. Polo Assn. A film or show capturing his life as a new-age Maharaja, balancing royal duties with global stardom, set in the vibrant city of Jaipur would definately be something to look forward to. 

Maharani Indira Devi of Cooch Behar 

Maharani Indira Devi was a progressive royal whose style, elegance, and bold decisions that broke barriers made her a standout personality. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and was instrumental in various social reforms. Her love story with Jitendra Narayan, for whom she broke her arranged engagement with Madho Rao Scindia, Maharaja of Gwalior, without fearing the repercussions, made her an unconventional figure at that time. 

Maharani Sunity Devi of Cooch Behar 

A trailblazing figure whose elegance, intellectual pursuits, and progressive ideas defied convention, Maharani Sunity Devi was the first Indian woman to write an autobiography in English. Her life was a blend of traditional royalty and forward ideals, making her a fascinating personality. A series encapsulating her journey as a young bride in a modern court, her literary ambitions, and her legacy as a cultural ambassador would be exciting to experience on-screen. 

Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur 

A modern royal, Diya Kumari is the deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, an entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador who personifies modernity with tradition. Her appearances at global events, efforts towards preserving Jaipur’s heritage, and her contemporary style make her an interesting subject for a series.

Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla 

Probably one of the boldest personalities among the modern-day royals, the life of Manvendra Singh Gohil, prince of Rajpipla would make for one fabulous tale of courage, vulnerability, and being unapologetically oneself! Considered to be the first openly gay prince in the world, when the story of his coming out was published in the press in 2005, the people of Rajpipla burnt his effigy and he was publicly jeered and heckled, leading to his family disowning him. However, he braved it all and went on to be one of India's foremost LGBTQIA+ activists and also appeared as a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show. As of today, he is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Search Ends Inclusion Impact, an initiative driving transformative change through inclusive practices and runs a charity, which works with the LGBTQIA+ community. Now who wouldn't want to watch a series based on him?

Which Indian royal fascinates you the most? Tell us in the comments below!

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