India's royal diaries: I discovered my passion for polo on my own, says Padmanabh Singh

By Vishwaveer Singh

Padmanabh Singh was all of 13 when he ascended the titular throne of the pink city of Jaipur. Today, almost at the threshold of adulthood — a couple of months shy of 20 years of age — the royal has a firm head on his young shoulders.

Credited with reviving the game of kings, polo, in the country, Singh recently featured in a magazine’s 30 under 30 Asia list. And with his good looks, sartorial flair and royal heritage, he is also the international elite circuit’s sweetheart, having escorted Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon’s daughter, Ava Phillippe, for her debut at the Le Bal des Débutante last year.

Though his Maharaja title is not recognised by democratic India, his position inspires in Singh a sense of duty and the responsibility of continuing the legacy and the work of his ancestors.

 

Le Bal, Paris ! @avaphillippe

A post shared by Padmanabh Singh (@pachojaipur) on

Nov 27, 2017 at 3:26am PST

Excerpts from an interview:

How has the journey been since your coronation [in 2011]?
It’s been full of ups and downs. Ever since 2002, when my grandfather Bhawani Singh announced that I was his legal heir, till 2011 when he passed away, I lived a sheltered life as a student in Mayo College. I wasn’t exposed to the realities. It was my immediate family and their overwhelming support that helped me come to terms with my new responsibilities and the importance of the position that I had been given in the community.



My grandmother, Rajmata Padmini Devi, was instrumental in keeping the coronation tradition alive. She’s seen the old days and the life after the transition [when the titles were abolished], so she has an insight into our culture like no one else. She has taught me that my position allows me to do a lot of good, and the influence can be used to bring about positive changes to people’s lives. This has always been my primary goal — to contribute to the development and prosperity of Jaipur in any way I can.

Have you ever been tempted to give it all up?
I won’t lie. In the beginning, it was a bit overwhelming and took a toll on me. One could have chosen to break away and be a rebel, but I’ve always been proud of my legacy and the work my ancestors have done for Jaipur. I genuinely wanted to continue their work in a positive manner. There was never any misgiving in following the path that I did.



What got you interested in playing polo? What do you aim to achieve?
As a sport, polo has been played by my family for generations. My father [Narendra Singh] plays it as well. So, that was always a contributing factor for me. There’s a great goodwill that can be generated through the game. It can be used as an opportunity to raise funds for several charities. I’ve seen how Prince William and Harry use it as a backdrop for their various charitable causes.

My mother’s charity, The Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, works for the betterment of women and underprivileged children. We hosted a match with the French team in Jaipur recently, where Rohit Bal held a fashion show as well. This helped us raise funds for children with special needs.

Apart from that, polo is the one thing that I have achieved on my own. I was the youngest polo player from India in last year’s Polo World Cup, and that was a proud moment for me.

You are often spotted at high brow events across the world. How was the experience of escorting Ava Phillippe at Le Bal?
I had a great time and got to meet some wonderful people from all walks of life. Many of us ended up becoming good friends. Some of them even visited me in Jaipur and I’ve kept in touch with them while travelling through Europe. The people who participate in the ball come from impressive backgrounds and will someday hold important positions in life. In that sense, it is a great opportunity to represent your country and state, along with the charities close to your heart.

 

The opening dance at @lebal.paris ! @avaphillippe

A post shared by Padmanabh Singh (@pachojaipur) on

Nov 30, 2017 at 11:55pm PST

You must be surrounded by accomplished and beautiful ladies. Have you given thought to the type of person you would like to marry?

I know it’s early for me, but the funny thing is I have already discussed this with my parents. They are always supportive of my decisions and have given me the freedom to one day choose my own bride, as long as I don’t go too crazy (laughs). For me, it’s important that I find a partner who is supportive. Someone who will have similar interests and, more importantly, someone who I can love unconditionally. I’ll have to live with her for my entire life. It’s probably the most important decision one makes. And I have to thank my family for leaving that decision in my hands and giving me that confidence.



You must have many people wanting to befriend you. How do you distinguish between genuine friends and people with an agenda?

I think that is a problem for anyone in the public eye. It does happen a lot to me, but I’ve always been clear when it comes to my friends. I have a group of close friends — Dhruv Raj Singh and Samir Kasliwal in Jaipur, Luke Norris, Charles Koomy and Claire Deroo in Europe are probably some of my best friends. I’ve grown up with them and they’ve been with me through thick and thin. In many ways, I feel I am the selfish friend who has relied more on them. But I know that if they ever needed me, I would be by their side. Their unconditional love and affection is what makes me believe that I have a truly genuine set of friends as a support system.