The Leela, a luxury hotel chain, launched a unique initiative called “Icons of India” to honor exceptional Indians who make the country proud on a global scale. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the head of Jaipur’s royal family, was recently chosen as the newest recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Padmanabh Singh, both royalty and a polo champion, is now the head of the former Jaipur royal family. Though his father, Narendra Singh, and mother, Divya Kumar (Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister), aren’t directly descended from the last ruling Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, his great-grandfather, Padmanabh Singh carries on the family legacy. He joins a prestigious group of Indians who are leaders in their fields and bring fame to India internationally.
Padmanabh Singh, the young prince of Jaipur, often called “Pacho” by loved ones, began his professional polo career at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in England known for its ties to British royalty while still a student there. Impressively, he holds the record for being the youngest winner of India’s Open Polo Cup and the youngest captain ever to lead the Indian polo team.
Padmanabh Singh, speaking about his association with the luxury hotel chain, said it started in 2022 with “The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup, where I have been leading The Leela team for the last two years. I look forward to co-creating meaningful avenues with The Leela for the world to experience the essence and richness of our country.”
Before Padmanabh Singh, other outstanding Indians received the “Icon of India” title. This list includes the acclaimed sarod player brothers Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, Bollywood actress and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, and star cricketer Smriti Mandhana.
