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Saif Ali Khan confirms he didn’t buy Pataudi Palace as he already owns it

Recently there have been reports that Saif Ali Khan had to buy Pataudi Palace but the actor has denied this, saying that he’s always owned it.

The Indian film actor and producer opposes claims that he has bought back his ancestral palace from a hotel chain. He asserts, “Contrary to reports, I did not have to buy it back because I already owned it”.

Recently, he flew back to Mumbai from Pataudi, after a month-long stay where he spent family time with his mother.

Reports had hinted that his late father and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi had given the property to the hotel chain Neemrana Group of Hotels on lease for RS 800 crore.

Ali Khan overpowered the rumours, calling it a “massive exaggeration” and even a “miscommunication”. 

Reports from Mid-Day suggest that Ali Khan holds the Pataudi palace in high esteem and believes that he has multiple bonds to the place.

He expanded upon this idea, saying “My grandparents and father are buried there, there’s security, serenity and a spiritual connection there for me”. 

Following the death of his father in 2011, Ali Khan decided that he wanted to have the palace back as part of the family possessions. 

Historically, he explains that his grandfather used to be the ruling monarch but privy purses and titles were abolished and so, his father had to lease it out. Mr Khan’s mother resided in a cottage in the palace, while Francis Wacziarg and Aman Nath ran a hotel in the palace.

After the events of 2011, Mr Khan decided to take advantage of the opportunity, leave behind the shame of his teenage years, and to look after his family, as he detailed “it feels nice now to do this for the family and our heritage”.

In recognition of the treasured building, the actor added, “It’s impossible to put a value to it in monetary terms because emotionally, the property is priceless”. 

Sitara Bartle