Netflix's new series, "The Royals," starring Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, has landed in hot water with Indian royalty, specifically Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda. The Maharani has publicly criticized the show, calling it "A Royal Ignore" and slamming its misrepresentation of Indian royal heritage. This follows earlier criticism from a heritage collective called Royal Fables, which also accused the show of historical blasphemy and misrepresentation.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad took to Instagram to express her disappointment with the series' portrayal of modern-day royals. In a lengthy post titled "The Royal Ignore," she lamented that despite the extensive documentation of Indian royal families, "The Royals" feels disconnected from reality. She argued that the series perpetuates outdated stereotypes of "Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligacy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls," a politically motivated propaganda that began post-independence. The Maharani highlighted that many royals are active contributors to India's cultural and social landscape, involved in politics, hospitality, and various other fields.
Her criticism centers around several key points. First, she refutes the show's depiction of royal families as impoverished and resorting to selling palace elements for survival. She emphasizes that present-day royal families are often landowners who monetize their rich legacies through heritage hotels, cultural initiatives, and businesses. She also underscored the sacrifices made by India's 565 princely states, who gave up their homes, lands, and identities for a democratic India after 1947, a historical fact that "The Royals" seemingly glosses over.
Moreover, the Maharani criticized the stereotypical portrayal of modern royals as idle and extravagant 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 pointed to examples of young royals returning to their roots, armed with degrees, to make their heritage sustainable and accessible. She 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 series, which premiered on May 9, 2025, depicts a modern-day royal family struggling to maintain its crumbling palace. The heir teams up with a hospitality entrepreneur, played by Bhumi Pednekar, to revive their ancestral palace as a luxury resort. While some viewers have appreciated the show's visual appeal and performances, others have criticized its storyline and historical accuracy.
The reactions to Maharani Radhikaraje's criticism have been varied. Some social media users have supported her views, agreeing that the show misrepresents Indian royalty and their contributions. Others have taken a more critical stance, accusing her and Royal Fables of being tone-deaf and out of touch with reality. Some have argued that "The Royals" is merely a work of fiction and should not be taken too seriously.
Despite the controversy, Netflix has announced a second season of "The Royals," suggesting that the streaming giant is standing by its creative choices. The show's creator, Rangita Pritish Nandy, stated that they listened to both "good and ugly" feedback. However, the ongoing debate raises important questions about the responsibility of filmmakers when portraying historical figures and communities, and the balance between creative license and historical accuracy. It also highlights the complex relationship between India's royal families and their representation in popular culture.
