Sonam Kapoor's Raanjhana to be shot in Pataudi palace

Makers of Anand L Rai’s next manage to shoot inside Pataudi Palace

The royal Pataudi Palace has a place in Indian cinema, not only for the few films that have been shot here, but for being home to two generations of Bollywood stars. And in director Anand L Rai’s next, Raanjhnaa, the palace in Haryana will feature again.

“We were very keen to shoot a couple of scenes at the Pataudi Palace. It has a rich history, being an imposing structure with splendid architecture, which worked well for a few particular scenes in the film,” says producer Krishika Lulla. She also adds “We acquired all the requisite permissions. We share a rapport with Saif (Ali Khan) and family, so they gave it to us. They charged us a minimum amount.”

The film stars Abhay Deol in a pivotal role, and the palace will be seen as his ancestral home. The lead actors, however, are Sonam Kapoor and Tamil actor Dhanush, who shot to national fame with the song Kolaveri Di.

The film’s crew shot at the palace for two days. Anand was awestruck by the interiors of the palace and says he has tried capturing as much of it as possible in the film. “I was mesmerised by the palace; it had pictures of the royalty, including one of Maharani Gayatri Devi,” says Anand.