In a world of celebrity excess, Kareena Kapoor Khan just dropped a reveal that is as refreshing as it is relatable. Turns out, the royal family of Pataudi, known for their glamour, has a surprisingly humble favourite: lauki.
Kareena Spills the Secret
During a recent appearance
on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show', Kareena Kapoor, with her signature candour, pulled back the curtain on the Pataudi family's dining preferences. While discussing the culinary divide between her famously food-loving Kapoor clan and her in-laws, she shared a delightful tidbit. 'The full Pataudi family with Amma (Sharmila Tagore), Soha, Saba, Sara, and Saif… every time… they get lauki cooked', she revealed. She contrasted this with her own preferences for richer foods like 'paya' and pizza, humorously noting that the two families are on opposite ends of the health spectrum. Saif Ali Khan, who was present, sheepishly admitted that bottle gourd is indeed his favourite vegetable, though he added, 'I don't like saying it'. This single, charming exchange opened a window into a side of the Pataudis that is often unseen beneath their public persona of nawabi legacy and cinematic stardom.
A Royal Appetite for Simplicity
Saif Ali Khan’s preference for simple, wholesome food is not a new development. He has mentioned in past interviews that he often eats to survive rather than living for food, especially when preparing for a role. Even when residing at the magnificent Pataudi Palace, he and Kareena stick to simple meals. His typical diet often includes basic 'ghar ka khana' like dal, roti, and sabzi, favouring a vegetarian lunch and having meat for dinner. This discipline stands in contrast to the perception of a royal lifestyle filled with rich, elaborate Mughlai dishes. While Saif has said the entire family are 'gourmets' who appreciate fine food, his daily reality is far more grounded. This love for the basics isn't just about fitness; it seems to be a core part of the family's philosophy, passed down through generations.
The Pataudi Palace Legacy
The preference for vegetables like lauki makes perfect sense when you consider the context of the Pataudi Palace in Haryana. The sprawling ancestral home, spread over 10 acres, is more than just a grand residence; it has a history of being self-sufficient. The tradition of using fresh, homegrown produce from the palace gardens is a long-standing one. This farm-to-table ethos connects the family to their land and heritage in a tangible way. Every meal becomes a continuation of a legacy. While matriarch Sharmila Tagore famously admitted she was not one for the kitchen—cleverly getting her husband, the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, to take up cooking instead—the appreciation for well-made, simple food is a clear family trait. The late Nawab, in fact, became a passionate cook himself, often looking up recipes and impressing guests with his culinary skills.
A Tradition Served Through Generations
Kareena's revelation highlights a fascinating dynamic within one of India's most-watched families. It’s a blend of the Kapoor dynasty's boisterous love for indulgent food and the Pataudis' more restrained, health-conscious approach. Kareena herself has spoken about her love for Punjabi and Sindhi dishes, a taste she gets from her mother, Babita. Yet, she has also embraced the Pataudi way, mentioning in a past interview that lauki is a regular feature in their home, alongside Saif's favourite bhindi. This convergence of different culinary worlds on their dining table is a reflection of their modern, blended family. The fact that the entire Pataudi clan, from Sharmila Tagore down to Saif's sister Soha and even his daughter Sara Ali Khan, shares this love for a simple vegetable like lauki speaks volumes. It’s a shared habit that quietly bonds them, a reminder that even for royalty, comfort can be found in the most humble of dishes.
