In the enchanting city of Jodhpur, where the air is imbued with regal allure, weddings have found a haven, particularly among celebrities seeking the epitome of grandeur. Among the opulent venues that grace Jodhpur’s landscape, the Umaid Bhawan Palace stands as an icon, having played host to the union of international sensations Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.
This palatial wonder, a fusion of history and luxury, boasts approximately 347 rooms, securing its status as the world’s largest private residence. Within the hallowed halls of Umaid Bhawan Palace resides Shivranjani Raje, a visionary royal entrepreneur who orchestrated a remarkable transformation in the fortunes of her princely family.
Shivranjani, the eldest child and sole daughter of Jodhpur’s Gaj Singh 2, delved into the family business nearly two decades ago during a challenging financial period. The adversity struck when her younger brother endured a harrowing coma following a massive polo accident, a period that demanded patience and resilience before his eventual recovery.
Gaj Singh 2, Shivranjani’s father, ascended to the position of the 29th maharaja of Jodhpur after the tragic plane crash claimed the life of the erstwhile Maharaja Hanwant Singh when Gaj Singh 2 was just a four-year-old. The Umaid Palace, a testament to grandeur, was constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1943.
Shivranjani Raje, raised in the West Indies’ Trinidad and Tobago due to her father’s diplomatic role, returned to India at the age of six. Her pursuit of education took her to England, where she studied Anthropology at the esteemed Cambridge University before undertaking a Filmmaking course in New York.
Armed with a global perspective and a passion for her heritage, Shivranjani Raje undertook the reins of the family business, steering it toward the transformation of forts and palaces into museums and hotels. Her journey stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to preserving the regal legacy amidst the ever-evolving currents of time.
