Saif is now Nawab of Pataudi

Though the princely system was abolished in 1971, heads of more than fifty villages appointed Saif Ali Khan as their 10th nawab

Saif is now Nawab of Pataudi

Though the princely system was abolished in 1971, heads of more than fifty villages appointed Saif Ali Khan as their 10th nawab

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was Monday anointed the 10th 'Nawab of Pataudi' in a ceremony at the family's ancestral Ibrahim Palace village Pataudi, about 26 km away from the district headquarters. The status was bestowed upon Khan by heads of 52 villages of Pataudi, an area in Haryana's Gurgaon district.

Fond remembrance: Saif Ali Khan (above) with mother Sharmila Tagore
and sister Soha Ali Khan

On the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Saif's mother Sharmila Tagore, sisters and fans were present. Participating in Chahallum, 40th day after the death of Cricketer Late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the Chief Minister said the last Nawab of Pataudi was a fine person. Though born in Bhopal, he received his education in Dehradunu00a0 and London and wrote 'Pataudi' with his name as suffix.

At the family's ancestral property Ibrahim Palace at Pataudi village.
Pics/MiD DAY

Humble Saif
Saif Ali Khan expressed his gratitude to the people present on the occasion. He said his father made the name of Pataudi famous in the entire world because he loved the place. He said, "I also love Pataudi and will try to follow in the footsteps of my abba (father)."

During the 'Rasam Pagri', a turban (pagri) was tied on Khan's head. Cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, Bollywood director-producer Kamal Sardana, Abbas Ali Beg, SK Sharma and other friends were also present in the function. Saif's aunt Begum Sher Ali Khan and mother Sharmila blessed him. Maulana Mohammad read out the 'rahamat-e-namaj' in the ceremony.

Flashback
Mansur Ali Khan, who captained the Indian cricket team at the age of 21, held the title of Nawab till 1971, when the Central government abolished the princely system.