Actor Saif Ali Khan, who has been anointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi, says he's honoured and hopes to carry his late father Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's legacy forward in a responsible manner.


Saif as Nawab of Pataudi.

"I'm overwhelmed with the kindness and simplicity the village heads have shown me and my family and the respect to my late father. This is a huge responsibility for me to take my father's legacy forward in whatever way I can," Saif said in a statement.

"This is a deeply personal part of my life. Princely titles no longer exist, but family values and tradition do... I shall be conscious of this always and do the best I can for Pataudi," he added.


Saif being anointed as Nawab of Pataudi. Pics/IANS

Saif was Monday anointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi at a ceremony at the family's Ibrahim Palace in Pataudi. Heads of various villages of the area tied a white turban (pagri) around his head to annoint him the new nawab. His mother Sharmila Tagore and sisters Saba Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan were also present.

The 41-year-old's father, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, passed away Sep 22 in New Delhi's Sir Gangaram Hospital after battling a severe lung infection.