Rajput men are known for their dashing demeanor and drop-dead gorgeous dress style. Most of them enjoy wearing their breeches, band galas, achkans et al. Their penchant for jewellery is also historic. Many vintage portraits and paintings show Maharajas wearing elaborate, diamonds, emeralds and pearls around their neck, kalgis on their pugrees and voluminous rings on their fingers.
The famed Cartier necklace ordered by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala is part of this fable. On one of his political visits to France he provided Cartier with 4,000 precious stones. The largest of these became part of the necklace and the smallest ones were treated as payment for the work. As a result, three years later, the Maharaja received a necklace made with 2,930 diamonds weighing about 1,000 carats, including a superbly rare 234.65 yellow De Beers Diamonds. Historians give a very logical reason for men wearing jewels. As women were in purdah, it was left to men to showcase the pride of a family through its jewels and other costuming indulgences.
Even today, be it a bandgala from Raghavendra Rathore, a pair of shoes from Ferragamo or a dip into the heirloom trunk to wear them jewels, Rajput men continue to dress chic. Especially when they have gathered for one of their elaborate and ostentatious weddings.
However, it is very rare to discover an excessively handsome young Rajput who is an influencer, content creator and a hotelier. Hence, meeting Akshayraj Singh Shaktawat, or Aki as the world knows him, was a pleasure and a pleasant surprise. Scion of the stunning heritage chain, Jagat Collection which was the family home for the Jagat Thikana close to Udaipur, he also works at his own hectic pace as a content creator and travel commentator. In short, he is a much sought-after influencer who is making a mark for himself in the world of couture and refinement.
A trusted Sisodiya clan, the Shaktawat were nobles in the Maharana Udaipur’s court and hence had their home built on the Lake Pichola front. A home which today stands as a stunning heritage property. In full view of the water body, decorous in its white on white pristineness and a vision of what heritage hotels ought to stand for: Classic yet contemporary. Jagat Niwas Palace is an early 17th century property nestled in the fertile valley on the breezy, eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola. The charming haveli is surrounded by ancient havelis, temples and meandering lanes filled with traditional artefacts—showcasing the way of life in the “old city”, this property is submerged in heritage.
Besides the hotel the family has also recently founded Jagat Nikhar, a fashion label and has its own luxury boat Jagat Sagar that is one of its kind in the lake city, often called the Venice of India. “I am proud of every little thing that has gone into making me a part of our brand little by little, day by day. Adding Jagat Nikhar—our lifestyle brand—to Jagat Collection was a very big moment for me.” Committed to his role as an influencer he adds, “The love that my content has received on social media is something that gives me confidence every day and I strive to put out real content that does not only make me happy but hopefully adds something to someone else’s day as well.”
We quiz the style icon on his idea of luxury and style.
Q. Your favourite brand?
A. Louis Vuitton.
Q. Your most prized shoes?
A. A pair of studded high boots from Louboutin.
Q. The one piece of jewellery you love?
A. A serpech gifted to me by my father. It holds emotional value for me and is a stunning piece in polkis and emeralds.
Q. The spirit to lift your spirits?
A. Of late my go to is Gin.
Q. Your favourite hotel?
A. Any well-done, tasteful and historic heritage property. Going to one is invigorating to the soul. Most of the properties I have traveled to have been niche boutique properties. And I couldn’t possibly choose as they all have such a distinct and unique character. They all have something to offer.
Q. Your fondest place in Udaipur?
A. Jagat Niwas, I have to admit.
Q. The most comfortable attire is…
A. A cool cotton kurta pyjama.
Q. Social media to you is….
A. A great place to share my experiences and promote not only the state’s but the country’s diverse culture and unique experiences.
Q. Rajasthan to you is…
A. My identity and perspective which are strongly centered within its ethos, tradition, and culture. I was born and brought up in Udaipur and am currently based here as well. I was sent to a boarding school—Mayo College, Ajmer—at a young age and that has definitely shaped a lot of my personality. I got exposure to a lot of activities ranging from art to academics to sports and got a chance to partake in multiple leadership roles.