HELLO! India Exclusive: Royal Indian legacies reimagined for the new era

A brand-new generation from two former princely states of India bring their sharp acumen as entrepreneurs and conservers of a dazzling royal past. From philanthropic acts of uplifting women, to lessons of love for literature and elaborate dishes from royal kitchens, heritage is passed down to the new generation of royalty — our cover stars notwithstanding. Having known each other for years, Princess Mriganka Singh of Jammu & Kashmir and husband Nirvan Singh Sandhu of Patiala, Princess Inayatinder Kaur of Patiala, and Rajkumar Martand Singh of Jammu & Kashmir exude warm camaraderie as they come together for HELLO! at JJ Valaya’s flagship store in New Delhi — interlinked through marriage and friendship, forging their own way in the modern world.

“There are many royal pegs in my life — in fact, I think I was royal in my previous birth,” says the Jodhpur-born Valaya, who styled and dressed the quartet in his regal designs. “It’s extremely special to see the younger generation of royalty. This is my natural affinity, you know? It’s as though we belong here — not to the new-money generation that’s all about flashiness. I’m most at ease in this era — sophisticated, classy, and statement-making.” Read on to see the young royals in glamorous avatars, as they let us into the little-known details of their lives and vision for the future.

Realisation: Ruchika Mehta

Photography: Abhishek Verma

Outfits & Styling: JJ Valaya

Coordinated by: Ankita Malhotra

Photographer's Assistant: Ankit Bhagat

Makeup: Shruti Sharma for Inayat and Mriganka, and Shrishti Anand for Martand and Nirvan

Hair: Rohit for Inayat and Mriganka, and Satya P Verma for Martand

Makeup Assistant: Rekha Das

Location courtesy: JJ Valaya, JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

Fashion Intern: Amaana Sabharwal 

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