Who Really Owns Saif Ali Khan’s ₹15,000 Crore Royal Property?
Nidhi | Jan 22, 2025, 23:08 IST
Saif Ali Khan’s ₹15,000 crore Bhopal properties are at the center of a major legal dispute. Once a symbol of royal heritage, these assets are now caught between family claims and the Indian government’s Enemy Property Act. Read on to understand the complex ownership journey of these royal estates.
The sprawling ancestral properties of the Pataudi family in Bhopal, estimated to be worth ₹15,000 crore, have become the centerpiece of a legal saga. This story of opulence, legacy, and controversy intertwines royal history with modern legal battles. At its heart lies the question: Do these properties belong to Saif Ali Khan’s family, or are they classified as “enemy property” by the Indian government?
The origins of these properties date back to Nawab Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. His reign was marked by grandeur and the acquisition of significant estates, including:
Upon Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s death, his estate was divided among his three daughters: Abida Sultan, Sajida Sultan, and Rabia Sultan. This division of assets sowed the seeds for future disputes, especially after Abida Sultan’s decision to migrate to Pakistan in 1950.
Sajida Sultan, the second daughter of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, chose to stay in India. She married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the Nawab of Pataudi and a renowned cricketer. Their union linked the royal heritage of Bhopal with the Pataudi lineage.
The couple’s son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, inherited his parents’ legacy and went on to become one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. Mansoor married actress Sharmila Tagore, and their son, Saif Ali Khan, became the torchbearer of this illustrious lineage. Through his grandmother Sajida Sultan, Saif inherited a share of the family’s Bhopal properties, including Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, which holds both historical and emotional significance.
While these properties are steeped in history, they also serve practical purposes for the Pataudi family.
The turning point in this saga came with the enactment of the Enemy Property Act of 1968. This law allowed the Indian government to take control of properties left behind by individuals who migrated to countries like Pakistan and China during times of conflict.
The crux of the current dispute revolves around Abida Sultan, who moved to Pakistan in 1950. Despite Sajida Sultan’s decision to stay in India, the government classified the entire estate as “enemy property” due to Abida’s migration. In 2014, the Custodian of Enemy Property declared the Pataudi family’s properties in Bhopal as enemy property, sparking a prolonged legal battle.
The Enemy Property Act of 2017, an amendment to the original law, complicates matters further. It explicitly states that enemy properties will remain vested with the government, irrespective of inheritance claims or changes in the person’s nationality.
The Pataudi family is not the first to face such a dilemma. A notable precedent is the case of the Raja of Mahmudabad in Uttar Pradesh, whose properties were similarly classified as enemy property. After decades of legal battles, his heirs secured a favorable ruling in 2005. However, the 2017 amendment nullified such victories, reinforcing the government’s claim to enemy properties.
For Saif Ali Khan, this raises significant questions about the future of the Bhopal estates. Beyond their monetary value, these properties are a testament to the Pataudi family’s rich heritage.
The legal dispute is not just about ownership but also about identity and legacy. These properties represent more than bricks and mortar; they embody the history, culture, and resilience of a family that bridged two worlds—royalty and modernity.
For Saif Ali Khan, the outcome will determine whether these properties remain part of his family’s cherished past or are reclassified as government assets under the Enemy Property Act. The battle continues, leaving a question mark over the fate of one of India’s most illustrious royal estates.
The saga of Saif Ali Khan’s ancestral properties in Bhopal is a compelling narrative of royal grandeur, legal entanglements, and the enduring complexities of inheritance. As the legal battle unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance between preserving history and navigating modern laws. Whether these estates will remain a family legacy or become government property remains to be seen, but their story will continue to intrigue and inspire for generations to come.
The Royal Foundations: A Legacy Rooted in Bhopal
Saif Ali Khan's Property in Bhopal
- Flag Staff House: A stately residence symbolizing the family’s royal prominence.
- Noor-Us-Sabah Palace: Translating to "The Light of Dawn," this palace now serves as a luxury heritage hotel.
- Ahmedabad Palace: An architectural gem reflecting Nawabi opulence.
The Pataudi Connection: Royals Meet Cricketing Royalty
Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Sajida Sultan, the second daughter of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, chose to stay in India. She married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the Nawab of Pataudi and a renowned cricketer. Their union linked the royal heritage of Bhopal with the Pataudi lineage.
The couple’s son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, inherited his parents’ legacy and went on to become one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. Mansoor married actress Sharmila Tagore, and their son, Saif Ali Khan, became the torchbearer of this illustrious lineage. Through his grandmother Sajida Sultan, Saif inherited a share of the family’s Bhopal properties, including Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, which holds both historical and emotional significance.
From Palaces to Revenue Generators
Pataudi Palace
- Noor-Us-Sabah Palace was converted into a luxury hotel, blending royal charm with modern hospitality. This transformation not only preserves the property but also generates substantial revenue.
- Some smaller estates were leased out, providing additional income to maintain the grandeur of the family’s holdings.
The “Enemy Property” Conundrum
Saif Ali Khan's Property
The crux of the current dispute revolves around Abida Sultan, who moved to Pakistan in 1950. Despite Sajida Sultan’s decision to stay in India, the government classified the entire estate as “enemy property” due to Abida’s migration. In 2014, the Custodian of Enemy Property declared the Pataudi family’s properties in Bhopal as enemy property, sparking a prolonged legal battle.
The Legal Journey: A Battle for Legacy
- 2014: The Custodian of Enemy Property declared the Pataudi family’s assets as enemy property.
- 2015: Saif Ali Khan challenged this classification in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, asserting his inheritance rights.
- 2019: In a favorable ruling, the court recognized Sajida Sultan as the legal heir, temporarily shielding the properties from government seizure.
- 2024: The Madhya Pradesh High Court lifted the stay, advising Saif and the family to approach the appellate authority within 30 days.
Precedents and Implications
For Saif Ali Khan, this raises significant questions about the future of the Bhopal estates. Beyond their monetary value, these properties are a testament to the Pataudi family’s rich heritage.
The Human and Historical Cost
Animal Movie scene in Pataudi Palace
For Saif Ali Khan, the outcome will determine whether these properties remain part of his family’s cherished past or are reclassified as government assets under the Enemy Property Act. The battle continues, leaving a question mark over the fate of one of India’s most illustrious royal estates.