Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad Criticises Netflix Series The Royals for Misrepresenting Indian Royal Heritage

Baroda’s Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad has strongly criticised the Netflix series The Royals for its portrayal of Indian royal families, accusing the show of misrepresenting the legacy and heritage of India’s erstwhile monarchs.

The series, starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, has faced significant backlash for its depiction of royal life in modern India. Critics argue that it portrays former royals as impoverished and irrelevant, glossing over their historical significance and continued cultural influence. Despite the controversy, Netflix recently announced a second season of the show.

Taking to Instagram to voice her concerns, Maharani Radhikaraje expressed disappointment with the series’ depiction of royalty. “The Royal Ignore. One would imagine the royals of India, a community abundantly chronicled, photographed, biographed, and today well-positioned in a range of arenas from politics, hospitality, to magazine covers, would have a better chance of surviving an on-screen portrayal such as the one in The Royals. Alas, that was not to be and such is our fate, since 1947,” she wrote.

She further reflected on the historical transition following India’s independence, calling it a pivotal moment that marked the dissolution of centuries-old monarchies. Referring to it as a “bloodless revolution,” she quoted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to highlight how 565 princely states—comprising over 40% of pre-independence India—relinquished their sovereignty to become part of a unified democratic nation. While some resisted, she noted, the majority accepted this uncertain future.

Radhikaraje also stressed that the contributions of these royal families should not be overlooked. “Indian royalty consists of Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs and Muslims, truly representative of its diversity,” she noted, adding that Indian royals have continued to contribute meaningfully in fields such as politics, conservation, education, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship. “India has also seen some of their finest statesmen, diplomats, wildlife conservationists, bureaucrats, army officers, educationists, sportsmen, hoteliers and entrepreneurs emerge from royalty and today our palaces, forts and museums are perhaps the last few sentinels of India's undiluted, apolitical patronage and cultural history, all maintained in our personal capacity.”

She lamented how the perception of Indian royalty is often coloured by outdated stereotypes and a lack of nuanced understanding. “Yet after all these decades our own country continues to view us - all 565 families and a few thousand nobility, with an odd mixture of awe, ignorance and distaste.”

Radhikaraje also pointed out that many royal families are deeply engaged in preserving India's heritage and fostering cultural awareness. “An impressive number being the ladies of the house - Gwalior, Jaipur, Bikaner and Kotah to name a few, Ouch to purdah and patriarchy! They proudly sustain age-old traditions and festivals like the Dussehra of Mysore and the Holi of Jaipur and Udaipur that the world flocks to see, keep from crumbling old forts that represent unique schools of art and architecture like Kishangarh, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. They keep alive royal patronage of cuisines like Sailana and Rampur and dance and music gharanas whilst also running charitable hospitals, schools and colleges set up by their forefathers, like we do in Baroda.”

Though official roles and privileges were abolished decades ago, Radhikaraje said many royal family members remain respected figures in their communities. “Affectionately referred to as family elders—Bapji, Bapu, Daata, or Ma Saheb—they remain enduring figures in their communities,” she wrote, observing that royal funerals often draw large numbers of villagers who come to mourn not just the individual, but an entire era.

She concluded by noting that a younger generation of royals is now taking up the mantle, combining global education with a passion for heritage. Their goal, she said, is to ensure that their legacy remains sustainable, relatable, and accessible in contemporary India.

This reaction comes just days after Netflix announced the renewal of The Royals for a second season, stating via Instagram, “Old money, new blood, and a new season is in the works. The Royals Season 2 is coming soon, only on Netflix.”

Created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy, and directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, The Royals features a star-studded cast including Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Chunky Panday, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea.