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In Conversation with the Scion of Udaipur: Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar
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Heritage, Hospitality, and Heart: A Candid Interview with Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur’s
Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a scion of the illustrious 1500-year-old House of Mewar in Udaipur, proudly represents the world’s oldest serving royal family. A direct descendant of legendary Rajput kings such as Maharana Sangram Singh (Rana Sanga) and Maharana Pratap Singh, he carries forward a lineage steeped in valor, heritage, and tradition with effortless elan. From an early age, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar was deeply immersed in stories of his valiant ancestors, growing up imbibing the principles of bravery, dignity, and a broad, international outlook.
Today, he stands as a modern-day custodian of the royal legacy, blending age-old traditions with contemporary professionalism. His commitment is vividly reflected in the exemplary management and flourishing success of the HRH Group of Hotels, where he showcases the royal heritage of Udaipur with pride and precision.
A multifaceted personality, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar’s passions span across diverse fields — from sports and philanthropy to social initiatives. He remains intrinsically involved in the development and promotion of sports and youth affairs in Udaipur, taking keen personal interest in nurturing talent and fostering community engagement. Fully aware of his role as a brand ambassador of Udaipur’s royalty, he continues to live up to the expectations of the people, embodying the spirit of a true people’s prince.
In an exclusive tête-à-tête, Barkha Arora had the pleasure of sharing a leisurely cup of coffee with Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, savoring the warmth of his hospitality. During this candid conversation, he opened up about various facets of his life — from his royal lineage and the management of heritage hotels to his professional journey, philanthropic ventures, and dedication to youth empowerment. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar’s story is one of deep-rooted tradition intertwined seamlessly with grounded modernity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life of a royal who carries his rich legacy forward with a contemporary spirit.
INTERVIEW OF SHRIJI HUZUR DR LAKSHAYRAJ SINGH MEWAR OF UDAIPUR FOR HOP MAGAZINE
Q – Udaipur in your words?
LRSM: A place where you can hear silence.
Q – How does your day progress?
LRSM: I wish I could tell you all about the global problems that I attempt to solve every day! But no, I won’t! I work, meet, and interact with a spectrum of visitors, guests, friends, and acquaintances all day long… I am deeply involved with the Maharana Mewar Public School and it is an intense association. At the end of the day, I am in the company of friends (and I won’t tell you what games we play in the palace!).
Q – Royalty in India has been subsumed to the democratically elected government but still people seem to hold royal families in high esteem with a lot of respect and adulation. How do you manage to keep that image alive in the eyes of people?
LRSM: Yes, I agree there is respect and adulation. It is all hard-earned and hard-won. That is the reality of royalty in India today. Real royalty with real people working on real problems: no hype, no smoking guns.
Q – Generally the common man is a bit awestruck and hesitant towards connecting with you. What do you do to remove that distance that is hereditarily created between you and the masses?
LRSM: There is no distance between us and the masses, that is why we are where we are! The distance is a myth created by those who are far away and creating imaginary situations. Please join me anytime and you’ll be witness to the reality.
Q – There is an eternal elusiveness of royalty that intrigues the masses. They want to find out what exactly you do during your everyday life.
LRSM: In our everyday life, we eat diamond-encrusted burgers and drink fresh exotic juices in golden goblets with secret markings! Jokes apart, I work, we work at home, in the office. I travel, I pack my bags, I carry my backpack. I am as ordinary or extraordinary as you are… I can make a cappuccino or omelette!
Q – What are the initiatives that you are taking to preserve the heritage and culture of Udaipur? Do you find financial aspects of preserving heritage a difficult proposition?
LRSM: Now the questions are getting real! Congratulations, my friend. Yes, preserving heritage is a tough proposition. But we are tough soldiers: we have built up our own resources, become even more self-reliant. Just one figure would give you an idea: we have over a million visitors to the City Palace Museum. It is their gate-fee which funds all our activities. We plough back everything into the city of Udaipur, creating jobs, bringing in the best professionals, and it is an ongoing work… Tough is an understatement.
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Q – How do you manage hotel business which seems to be a huge operational affair while managing royal commitments?
LRSM: We own and manage palace-hotels: Shiv Niwas Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, and Jagmandir Island Palace are our icons. I am the third generation of heritage hospitality professionals. I know my onions from my mushrooms! It is fun, I cannot think of life without this work, however back-breaking it may be at times.
The HRH Group of Hotels has now been around for five decades. Our operations have been streamlined, professionalized, computerized beyond belief… Padharo, aap bhi padharo… and experience it for yourself. “Experience the Original in the Abode of Kings,” as we say.
Q – Any plans to expand the hotel business to other states?
LRSM: We are India’s largest chain of palace hotels and resorts under private ownership in Rajasthan. I guess we will remain so — rooted in our own reality, our land. My father, the Chairman of HRH Group of Hotels, is best suited to answer such a question.
Q – What are the concerns you’re facing in your state? Any planning or strategies made?
LRSM: Tourism in Rajasthan is going great guns. With better planning and focus, it will do even better in the years to come. Of course, everything needs to be tweaked around and made sharper, but that applies to every industry, every segment…
Q – How do you balance between your youthful ideas and your traditional lifestyle?
LRSM: Perfect balance! I live in the Now. And the moment is precious, ageless, and timeless.
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Q – What are your short-term commitments?
LRSM: Health, wealth, and productivity for all: The Great Good for the Great Number. I call it the 3G N-factor. And I make it happen.
Q – You continued your family’s tradition of excelling in cricket. What inspired you to do so?
LRSM: Cricket is a passion, part acquired, part inherited. I loved playing cricket, being coached by some of India’s greatest cricketers. Made friends that have lasted till date — including my ‘coach’ who had made life hell for me on the field! It is a team sport, and it inspired me to become a good team player. And a team leader.
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Q – Considering the previous question, which cricketer do you admire the most?
LRSM: Nayan Mongia, Sachin Tendulkar.
Q – What is the biggest failure you have faced in your life and how did you overcome it?
LRSM: There have been challenges at work, on the sports field, but nothing I would term a failure. You face the challenge and learn from it. LET GO! One has to move on… the Now has its own challenge.
Q – Being from one of the royal families of India, what was your experience when you worked as a waiter at a hotel in Australia?
LRSM: Terrific. Thoroughly enjoyable and memorable. I was called “the Indian” by my boss, one of the finest chefs and sommeliers of Australia. He made me work the longest hours you can imagine, and even now I hold his screams and insults closest to my heart. May God bless him with more creativity…!
Q – What innovative techniques have you used to improve the security and safety of visitors at all the HRH properties across Rajasthan after attending a workshop at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London?
LRSM: Oh, plenty! I cannot do justice to this question in a few words, but let me assure you that our security measures are best in class and comprehensively 360-degrees! My colleagues and I have been trained and are continuously being trained… It is “work in progress”, never off duty and never off guard!
Q – How do you feel when you are frequently profiled by global, national, and local media?
LRSM: The media is a mirror, and it is great to see yourself in the mirror. I feel good that they are able to portray, or at least attempt to capture, the enormity of our work here. More power to the media!
Q – How do you keep yourself motivated every time?
LRSM: Self-motivation, the motivation of friends and mentors, my cricket coach. I learn from everyone I interact with. Their positive energy energizes me… and I am grateful to the Universe for the opportunities I have to unfold the 3G N-Factor.
Q – What is the most innovative idea you have had that has resulted in growth and success of HRH Group of Hotels?
LRSM: We have pioneered several trends and ideas in heritage hospitality: Regal Weddings would be one great legacy of the last 20 years that we continue to refine with every passing season… Udaipur as a Wedding Destination is just growing and growing… and we have all contributed to this idea that keeps unfolding.
Q – You have had a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders from a very early age. How do you manage to balance everything?
LRSM: Didn’t I tell you, I am Superman?! Seriously speaking, I am as responsible and as busy as the first person I meet in the City Palace…
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Q – How has Udaipur evolved in the past few years?
LRSM: Once upon a time Udaipur was hailed as the Venice of the East; now Venice is being referred to as the Udaipur of the West! It continues to be ranked among the Best Cities in the World to visit. Yes, it is encouraging and wonderful to be here… but we have a long way to go… more laurels, more responsibilities…
Q – Top 5 places for fine dining and top 5 places for enjoying street food?
LRSM: Yes, I love street food, and I will share some of my favorites off the street. Tucked away inside Suraj Pol is Chhana-Manna Juice Centre — the juices are fresh, magical, and served with admirable respect and affection. Also, Gujarat Ice Cream in Nada Khada offers some of the best Badam Anjeer, Kesar Pista, and kulfis. Creamy, rich, and pocket-friendly! For fine dining: Neel Kamal and Jharokha at Lake Palace Hotel remain unmatched. Neel Kamal for authentic Rajasthani dishes, and Jharokha for a multi-cuisine delight.
Q – Do you think Rajasthani cuisine has drastically changed with evolving time and taste preferences?
LRSM: Cuisine does change and evolve with time, but never so drastically. If any of my forefathers were to join us for dinner, they would still feel ‘at home’ with the laal maans and dal being served. Maybe they would not approve of the beverages…!
Q – What have you observed about the changing trends in fashion in Udaipur?
LRSM: Fashion has come of age in Udaipur. People are more conscious of what they wear. There is a delightful fusion of ethnic with branded wear. These are global trends, and we are moving with the times.
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As our conversation with Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur drew to a close, we were left inspired by his humility, wit, and deep sense of responsibility towards preserving heritage while embracing change. In every word, he reflects the timeless spirit of Udaipur — a city where tradition and modernity walk hand in hand.
At HOP Magazine, we are honored to have had the opportunity to capture his candid thoughts and share them with our readers.
– Interviewed by Barkha Arora
She has been there and done that. After graduating from Delhi University, she completed her diploma in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi. Down the line, she completed her internship with National Herald Newspaper successfully,, and went on to Join Mainline Business daily, Business Standard. She also dabbled in image management and brand consultancy. She is a prolific writer on lifestyle entertainment, branding, lifestyle, travel, and politics.
Contact her at [email protected]
