Speculation has been swirling around Saif Ali Khan's ancestral Pataudi Palace, with rumours suggesting that the actor might transform part of the historic property into a museum to showcase his family's rich heritage. However, Saif has now firmly dismissed these rumours, stressing that the palace holds deep personal significance for him.

In a recent conversation with IndiaToday, Saif, who recently regained ownership of the palace, clarified that while there is a great deal of history attached to the estate, his primary focus is on preserving the home as it has always been, not turning it into a public space. "My father is buried here, and the palace has immense sentimental value for me," the Devara actor explained. "My goal is to restore it and maintain its authenticity, not commercialize it."

Saif also highlighted the historic and personal significance of the Pataudi Palace. "Heritage-wise, the house belongs to different people over time. My father was born a nawab and lived his life on his own terms. He rented the house out to a hotel at one point, but I remember my grandmother telling me, ‘Never do that’. It’s a place with a lot of history, and that’s something I take pride in."

Saif also revealed that his long-term dream of restoring the palace is almost complete. The actor shared that his grandfather, the seventh Nawab of Pataudi, constructed the palace, and he plans to display his family's cricket memorabilia, including items from his father, legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

In a lighter moment, Saif mentioned his preference for renaming the estate’s older sections, currently referred to as "darbar halls," to "the long room," inspired by the famous hall at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

Saif’s sister, Soha Ali Khan, also spoke about their family’s careful management of the property during a chat with Cyrus Broacha on the Housing.com YouTube channel. Soha shared how their mother, Sharmila Tagore, oversees the finances of the estate, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She also noted that rather than making new purchases, they focus on maintaining the property’s architecture, which remains its true appeal.

Saif’s restoration project of Pataudi Palace reflects his desire to preserve the legacy of his family while maintaining the intimate and historical value of the estate. For now, it remains a cherished family home rather than a public museum.