Saif Ali Khan’s sister opens up about managing family’s INR10 billion legacy

Custodian of Auqaf-e-Shahi trust says her late father’s lessons continue to guide her role in preserving the heritage

Saba Pataudi, sister of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, has opened up about her role in preserving and managing the Pataudi family’s legacy, revealing that the responsibility was entrusted to her by her late father, former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

According to Gulf News, Saba oversees matters relating to the family’s Bhopal estate and the Auqaf-e-Shahi trust. The wider family legacy has been estimated at more than INR10 billion, although this valuation does not represent Saba’s personal wealth.

Recalling the trust her father placed in her, Saba said, “Abba left that to me,” according to the publication.

Her responsibilities extend beyond managing the family estate. As the custodian of the Auqaf-e-Shahi trust, she oversees properties and charitable obligations associated with the family’s historical ties to Bhopal.

The trust’s assets and responsibilities include mosques and other properties, as well as facilities linked to pilgrims travelling to Makkah and Madinah. Her role involves managing these commitments while preserving the historical and charitable significance of the family’s heritage.

Saba has said that her father’s teachings continue to guide her approach to these responsibilities. She said he taught her the importance of remaining composed, treating people fairly and choosing her words carefully.

She has also described her late father as a continuing source of spiritual guidance, with his influence helping her understand the significance of the role entrusted to her.

Beyond managing the family’s assets, Saba has also discussed potential initiatives aimed at benefiting women and girls, including a school for girls and a hospital for women, according to Gulf News. However, the proposed projects remain subject to the resolution of pending legal matters involving family property, the report said.

The initiatives would add a charitable dimension to her responsibilities, which encompass not only preserving family assets but also overseeing properties and institutions connected to the Pataudi legacy.

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, was one of India’s prominent cricketers and captained the national team. His marriage to veteran actor Sharmila Tagore brought together two well-known families associated with Indian sport and cinema. Saba is the couple’s daughter and the sister of Saif Ali Khan and actor Soha Ali Khan.