Saif Ali Khan to be crowned 'Nawab of Pataudi'

Saif Ali Khan will be crowned the tenth Nawab of Pataudi. The crowning ceremony will take place in the princely Pataudi state in Haryana by the end of October. The ceremony will take place 40 days after the demise of Saif's father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

Though the title of 'Nawab' is no longer recognised by the Indian government, the people of Pataudi want to crown their chhote nawab purely for sentimental reasons.

Saif Ali Khan is not very comfortable with the idea of being crowned as Nawab of Pataudi. However, recognising the sentiments of the people of Pataudi, Saif is willing to be crowned. Speaking to a leading newspaper, Saif Ali Khan said, “The people in our villages are sentimental about these things. The ceremony is more of a family tradition and hugely symbolic for the people of Pataudi." Saif's forefathers ruled Pataudi since the 19th century and continued to do so even after the British took over the country.

Saif Ali Khan understands the immense responsibility that lies on his shoulders since the demise of his father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. He will now have to manage his father's estate, ancestral home and also wants to continue with the good work that his father did for the people of Pataudi. Saif said, “I have to look after the eye hospital and other charitable institutions father was managing."

Refusing to use the title of Nawab, Saif mentioned that he would prefer to remember his father as the last Nawab of Pataudi.