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Baroda’s Maharani Challenges ‘The Royals’ After Netflix Greenlights Season Two

Her denouncement follows Netflix’s season two greenlight; it underscores tensions between creative license versus cultural authenticity in depicting India’s heritage.

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Maharani of Baroda Radhikaraje slams the portrayal of royal families in The Royals.
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Illustration by Manali Ghosh | ThePrint

Overview

  • Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad criticized The Royals for perpetuating post-independence stereotypes of Rajas and Ranis in a detailed Instagram post titled “The Royal Ignore.”
  • Netflix announced Season 2 on May 28 with a throne-themed teaser, confirming the show’s return despite its mixed reception since the May 9 debut.
  • Gaekwad’s remarks highlighted real royal families’ contributions in governance, conservation and cultural preservation, directly challenging the series’ on-screen portrayal.
  • Creators Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, along with directors Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, drew inspiration from palaces in Jaipur and Udaipur but acknowledged taking cinematic liberties.
  • The controversy has sparked a broader debate over how to balance creative storytelling with respect for India’s royal heritage as Season 2 moves into production.