In a dramatic turn of events, the royal legacy of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan may be hanging in the balance. Recent developments in an ongoing legal case involving the Pataudi family’s ancestral properties—estimated to be worth over ₹15,000 crore (approximately $1.8 billion)—have brought the matter into national spotlight. Media reports have speculated that the Modi-led central government is preparing to take over these properties under legal provisions. However, the actual picture is far more complex and rooted in historical legal disputes.
Background of the Royal Estate
Saif Ali Khan, the son of late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and iconic actress Sharmila Tagore, belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Pataudi, a princely state that was integrated into independent India after 1947. The Pataudi family holds a legacy tied to both royalty and sports, and their name carries weight not just in cinema and cricket but also in history.
The family’s properties include palatial estates in Bhopal, Pataudi (Haryana), and other valuable real estate across India, some of which date back to the time of Saif’s grandmother, Sajida Sultan, who was the Begum of Bhopal. A significant part of the controversy revolves around properties inherited from Nawab Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.
The Legal Dispute: Enemy Property Act Comes into Play
The crux of the dispute lies in whether certain properties are deemed “Enemy Property” under the Enemy Property Act, 1968—a law that allows the Indian government to appropriate properties belonging to individuals who migrated to Pakistan after Partition.
The central government has, in the past, contended that parts of the Pataudi family’s estate were inherited through Abida Sultan, Sajida’s sister, who migrated to Pakistan in 1950. Based on this migration, authorities have attempted to classify the properties as “enemy property”, even though the inheritance eventually passed to Sajida Sultan, who remained in India.
However, in a recent June 2025 ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court overturned a previous decision that had declared the Pataudi estate as private family property. The court directed that the case be reopened and reheard based on updated legal grounds and ownership documents. The key instruction was to complete the re-trial within a year, meaning the matter is far from settled.
Media Sensationalism vs. Legal Reality
Some reports, particularly in the online and social media space, have sensationalized the situation, claiming that the Modi government is preparing to “seize” the Pataudi estate. These claims, however, oversimplify a much more nuanced legal process.
As of now, no court has ruled that the government will take over the properties, nor has any formal seizure occurred. The High Court has merely ordered a fresh hearing of the case, giving the Pataudi family the right to defend their claim.
Furthermore, the Enemy Property Act does not automatically authorize the government to confiscate properties unless it can be proved that the current owner is a legal heir of someone who migrated to Pakistan and did not return. In this case, Sajida Sultan was a resident of India until her death, complicating any direct invocation of the Act.
What This Means for Saif Ali Khan
If the courts ultimately rule against the Pataudi family, Saif Ali Khan could theoretically lose claim to a massive portion of his ancestral wealth. While he has made a successful career in the film industry, the estate represents a major part of his family heritage.
It’s important to note that Saif has remained silent publicly on this issue, possibly as legal proceedings are ongoing. However, sources close to the family indicate that they are exploring legal remedies, including filing an appeal against the High Court’s order.
Political and Historical Overtones
This case also carries historical and political undertones. The Enemy Property Act, though established decades ago, has seen renewed implementation in recent years under the current government, which has been focused on reclaiming unused or disputed properties. Critics argue that invoking this law in cases involving prominent public figures may have political motivations, while supporters see it as part of a broader push to reclaim state assets.
The Road Ahead
As the case now heads into a retrial, all eyes will be on the courts to determine whether the Pataudi family retains legal ownership of their sprawling estates or whether some or all of it will revert to the state.
What is clear is that Saif Ali Khan’s royal inheritance is in limbo, awaiting a judicial resolution that could either restore his family’s legacy or redefine it entirely. Until then, the fate of one of India’s most iconic dynasties remains uncertain.
