Designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s shows are highly anticipated in the glamour world, drawing excitement and admiration. One such happened few days back is the Sabyasachi’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. The celebration saw more than 700 guests from around the world, all mesmerized by the venue, a lavish masterpiece that perfectly embodied royal grandeur and maximalist elegance.
The celebration was a lavish affair, reflecting Sabyasachi’s signature aesthetic and paying homage to his hometown, Kolkata. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, and guests embraced the “strictly black” dress code, adding to the evening’s timeless elegance. But it was the beauty and elegance of Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda that truly stole the show.
The Maharani, who resides in the opulent Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat—one of the world’s largest private residences, valued at ₹25,000 crores and gold-plated—exudes royal grandeur. She is renowned for her impeccable sense of style and aesthetic fashion choices. Now the talk of the town is her 100-year old saree that she wore in the Sabyasachi’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. She shared a few snaps of her century old saree and her looks in Instagram.
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Maharani And Her Love For Saree
She is widely known for her love of sarees and elegant attire, which have contributed to her popularity beyond her royal bungalow. She wrote- “With sabyasachi’s celebrated elan of conscious maximalism and curated decadence, his touch and glance was everywhere. Sky scraper oriental vases, panthers prowling amidst caviar and cake…a feast for the eye and stomach.” She used to post pictures draped in heritage sarees on her Instagram page.
Various reports indicate that the nine-yard cotton Paithani saree worn by Radhika Raje Gaekwad at Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s event was woven with real gold zari, making it one of the oldest pieces in the Gaekwad royal family’s collection.
Who Is Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad?
Radhikaraje Gaekwad stands out as one of India’s most forward-thinking Maharani. As the wife of Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, the honorary Maharaja of Baroda, she comes from the prestigious Gaekwad dynasty. Beyond her royal ties, Radhikaraje is known for her dedication to heritage conservation and her passionate work in reviving traditional textiles. She has also been featured in MillionaireAsia magazine for her remarkable contributions.
Originally from the royal family of Wankaner State, Radhikaraje has had a love for reading and writing from a young age, a trait she inherited from her father. She pursued a master’s degree in Indian History at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. Before marrying Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad in 2002, Radhikaraje launched her career as a journalist at just 20 years old. She became the first woman in her family to work professionally, balancing her studies and career while working in Delhi, where she commuted daily on DTC buses.
In 2002, Radhikaraje Gaekwad married Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, and together they are parents to two daughters: Padmajaraje, who is currently pursuing her A levels in the UK, and Narayaniraje, a Class 10 student. The family lives in the magnificent Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, alongside Samarjitsinh’s mother, Rajmata Shubhanginiraje. More than just a home, the palace stands as a symbol of their rich royal heritage. As India’s largest private residence, it is not only a place of living but a testament to the legacy of the Gaekwad family.
Lakshmi Vilas Palace With 187 rooms
Following a 2013 settlement with his uncle, Sangramsinh Gaekwad, Samarjitsinh Gaekwad inherited an impressive fortune that included the vast 187-room Lakshmi Vilas Palace, 600 acres of prime real estate, and landmarks such as Moti Bagh Stadium and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. The family also owns priceless artworks, including paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, along with numerous royal artifacts. In addition to managing the palace, Samarjitsinh expanded its legacy by opening a part of the palace as a banquet venue through his Lakshmi Vilas Banquets venture, offering an elegant space for private events.
Samarjitsinh is also actively involved in philanthropy, overseeing 17 temple trusts across Gujarat and Banaras. The Lakshmi Vilas Palace, with its grandeur, rivals even the luxurious Antilia of Mukesh Ambani. The palace is open to tourists, with a nominal entry fee of Rs. 150, and an additional charge of Rs. 60 to visit the museum inside. A unique tradition follows—whenever the Maharaja is present, a red light is switched on, signaling his presence within the palace grounds.
