In a world where legacy often lives behind closed palace doors, Princess Vidya Gajapathi Raju Singh of Vijayanagaram has gracefully carried her heritage into the present—with poise, purpose, and panache. Born into one of India’s historic princely states, Vidya has not only preserved the elegance of her lineage but redefined it through a life of dynamic pursuits. Whether she’s summiting Himalayan peaks, acing tennis matches, bicycling across cityscapes, or curating dream weddings through her company Sumyog, her sense of style remains a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. A Vogue-recognized fashion icon, columnist, fitness enthusiast, philanthropist, and travel blogger—Vidya is the epitome of a 21st-century royal. In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about the evolution of royal fashion, the role of elegance in today’s world, and what it means to dress—and live—with intention. By Hussain Ahmed and Sunethra Selvam
Personal Journey & Legacy
1.Could you give us a little history of your royalty?
Vijayanagaram, once a princely state, lies along the eastern coast of Northern Andhra Pradesh. My father, Vishveshwar Gajapathi Raju, belonged to this illustrious lineage. His elder brother, Vijayaram Gajapathi Raju, was the last coronated Maharaja of Vijayanagaram, ascending the throne in 1945, just before India’s Independence.
Ours is a unique heritage — we are the only Rajput royal family in South India, tracing our ancestry to the Sisodia Rajput Suryavanshi line. The present head of the family, my cousin Ashok Gajapathi Raju, continues the legacy of public service. The Gajapathi Raju family has been active in politics since Independence, and Ashok now serves as the Governor of Goa.”
2.You come from the illustrious royal family, yet you’ve carved out an identity rooted in modernity, independence, and service. How have you balanced the weight of heritage with your personal ambitions and choices?
“This really goes back to my father, who was a strict disciplinarian and instilled in us a deep sense of balance. While he taught us to take pride in our heritage, he also emphasized the importance of fitness, sports, and academics. We were encouraged to lead disciplined, grounded lives.
We were born after Independence, so we didn’t grow up in the traditional royal way. Our upbringing was modern, practical, and focused on self-reliance, even as we remained aware of the legacy we came from.”
Memories of Royalty and Childhood
3.You were born into the royal family of Vijayanagaram— a lineage rich in culture, tradition, and history. What are some of your fondest memories from your younger days as a princess?
“I actually grew up in Madras, where I went to school at Church Park and later to college at Stella Maris. But my fondest memories are from our holidays. Summers in our Ooty estate on Elk Hill were simply magical — surrounded by misty hills, sprawling gardens, and endless days of laughter. We also spent time in Bangalore, where we had another home that became a lively meeting point for family and friends.
Visits to Vijayanagaram were always special. We stayed at the Phool Bagh Palace and spent time with our cousins, exploring the grounds and making the most of those long vacations. One of my dearest recollections is visiting our great-grandmother at the Fort — those moments felt steeped in history and affection. The temple visits were equally meaningful, as they were family traditions that connected us deeply to our roots and spiritual heritage.”
4.Is there anything from that era — the values, the grace, or the way of life — that you particularly miss today?
“As I mentioned, we were post-Independence children, so life for us was quite simple — centered around school, sports, and studies. It was a disciplined, wholesome upbringing rather than a royal one in the traditional sense.
When I was sixteen, my parents took us on our first tour of Europe — an experience that opened up a whole new world and broadened our horizons.
That said,” she laughs, “I do sometimes wish I had experienced living in a palace! It would have been quite something to have that glimpse of royal grandeur.”
Fitness & Sports Spirit
5.You’ve been an athlete since your university days, and you continue to compete at the Masters level. What drives your incredible commitment to physical fitness, and how has sport shaped your resilience in life?
“At 72, I still train every single day — fitness is truly a passion and a way of life for me. I like to keep my routine varied and challenging, so each day is dedicated to a different form of exercise: cycling, swimming, weight training, walking, and even ladder climbing. It keeps both the body and mind active and engaged.
I’m also hoping to return to tennis soon and to take up horse riding more regularly — both have always been close to my heart. Every year, I participate in swimming competitions at various levels — the National Masters, the Tamil Nadu State Masters, and several inter-club events.
Sport has taught me discipline, perseverance, and joy. It has been my constant companion through every phase of life, giving me strength, structure, and a deep sense of purpose.”
Trekking & Mountaineering
6.From Yunam Peak to Mount Kilimanjaro, your treks are truly inspiring. What have the mountains taught you about life, solitude, and perseverance? And which summit has tested you the most—physically and emotionally ?
My most recent summit was earlier this year, in 2025 — Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It wasn’t the highest peak I’ve climbed, but it was certainly the most challenging in many ways. Every mountain is a test, not just of physical endurance, but of patience, humility, and inner strength.
The mountains have taught me some of life’s greatest lessons. You never ‘conquer’ a mountain — that word simply doesn’t belong in the vocabulary of a climber. I always approach each ascent with deep respect and gratitude, praying to the Universe to grant safe passage — to allow me to reach the summit and return safely.
Climbing requires not just fitness, but the strength of mind to keep moving forward — one step at a time, maintaining a steady rhythm, and never giving up. Those lessons stay with you long after the climb is over.”
Travel & Exploration
7.As the ‘Wanderlust Princess’, what motivates your love for exploration? How do you balance adventure with reflection, and what destination has changed your perspective the most?
“I’ve always loved exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures — tasting unfamiliar cuisines, meeting people, and discovering the unique rhythm of each country. There’s an entire world waiting to be experienced, and I believe we must see and feel as much of it as we can.
Being out in the mountains, especially, offers a completely different perspective on life. Whether it’s the brilliance of the sunshine or the serene glow of the moon over distant valleys, nature’s beauty has a way of silencing you — of humbling you. The play of elements — mountains and rivers, snow and ice, glaciers, meadows, rain, and sun — reminds you how vast and magnificent the Earth truly is.
Often, I find myself asking: What is it that draws us to these mountains? Why do we step out of our comfort zones, venture into remote and sometimes dangerous terrain, and push ourselves beyond our limits? Perhaps it’s because, in those moments, we truly see how small we are — and how great the forces of nature and the universe are.
Every trek leaves me with immense satisfaction and gratitude. Standing amidst that grandeur, I always feel the presence of a higher power. We are the fortunate few who can live out our dreams — while others may think about doing it, we have the blessing and the will to go out there and make it real.”
Philanthropy & Social Work
8.Your work with the Karunai School and organizations like Soroptimist International and FLO reflects deep compassion. What drew you to these causes, and how do you see the role of privilege in driving social change?
“The Karunai School has always been very close to my heart. It is a remarkable institution that supports mentally challenged children from underprivileged families, giving them not just education but also nourishment and care. The school provides lunch, milk, and a snack before the children return home each day. What makes it even more special is that it operates entirely on the generosity of well-wishers, without any government funding.
Soroptimist International, too, is an extraordinary organization that focuses on improving the lives of women, children, and the elderly in need. I am proud to be associated with both these causes — they remind me that compassion and action must go hand in hand.
I believe that privilege comes with responsibility. The opportunity to make a difference, however small, is a gift — and using our resources, time, and empathy to uplift others is the truest way to honor that privilege.”
Entrepreneurship & Creativity
9.Through Sumyog, you’ve been a pioneer in luxury wedding planning long before it became an industry trend. What inspired you to start Sumyog, and how has the business evolved over the last two decades?
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 21 years since we started Sumyog, our wedding planning company, which I co-founded with my partner, Rekha Rangaraj. What began as a shared passion for creativity and meticulous planning has grown into a truly rewarding journey.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of designing and executing weddings across India — from intimate celebrations to grand destination events — as well as in Singapore and Bali. Each wedding has been a unique experience, shaped by the couple’s story and our love for creating something timeless and beautiful.
One particularly memorable event was a stunning wedding in Goa, where our most high-profile guest happened to be none other than Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook! It’s moments like these that remind us how far Sumyog has come — from a pioneering idea to a name synonymous with elegance, precision, and joy.”
Writing & Media
10.You’ve written extensively—from fitness columns to conversations with icons. What role does writing play in your self-expression, and do you have plans to compile your experiences into a book or memoir?
“I’ve always had a deep love for writing. My blog, Wanderlust Princess Vidya, is a passion project where I share my travels and trekking adventures. Whenever I journey or trek, I keep a detailed daily journal, recording everything I see and experience. These journals often become the foundation for beautiful coffee table books that capture the essence of each trip.
For several years, I also wrote fitness and healthy-eating columns, which allowed me to share my commitment to wellness with a wider audience. And yes, a book is very much on my mind — a book that brings together my love for fitness, adventure, and the lifestyle lessons I’ve gathered along the way.”
Style & Identity
11.You were listed in Vogue’s ‘50 Best Dressed Indians’. How would you describe your personal style, and do you believe style can be an expression of one’s philosophy of life?
“Style is something you develop over time. You quickly learn what suits you — and, just as importantly, what doesn’t. Equally crucial is understanding the occasion and the context you’re dressing for.
For me, every outfit must be appropriate for where I’m going and reflect the statement I wish to make. In that sense, style is very much an expression of one’s values, confidence, and outlook on life.”
12. Your life beautifully straddles royal heritage and a very modern, active lifestyle. How has your royal upbringing influenced your personal sense of style?
“I would describe my look as elegant and stylish. Being outdoorsy and active, I naturally gravitate toward clothing that complements this lifestyle while still reflecting refinement.
The first step, of course, is knowing what truly suits you — and my upbringing instilled in me the awareness and confidence to make choices that feel both authentic and graceful.”
13.If you could bring one fashion tradition from the royal courts of Vijayanagaram into today’s wardrobes—what would it be, and how would you modernize it?
“For me, it has to be the chiffon sari — one of the simplest yet most elegant looks. I absolutely love wearing it. Today, I would modernize it by pairing it with contemporary blouses or experimenting with draping styles, keeping the timeless elegance intact while giving it a fresh, modern twist.”
Looking Ahead
14.You’ve conquered mountains, built a career, and inspired many through your energy and grace. What’s next for you—perhaps a new summit, a new cause, or a new chapter of self-discovery?
“Climbing mountains has always been a true passion, and with the grace of God, I hope to continue pursuing it for as long as I can. Sport and fitness are my lifelong addictions, and I intend to keep challenging myself in every way possible.
Traveling, too, remains close to my heart. I have been exploring the world for many years, yet there is still so much more to see, experience, and learn. Life, for me, is a journey of discovery — and I hope to continue embracing every adventure it brings.”
Women & Modern Challenges
15.As someone who has gracefully navigated multiple roles — princess, entrepreneur, athlete, and philanthropist — what are your thoughts on the challenges women face today in balancing career, family, and self-care? Do you think modern women are under more pressure than ever before?
“Pressure is often something we impose on ourselves. Balancing the different aspects of life is a skill we need to learn over time. At each stage, it’s important to decide what matters most to you.
Above all, self-care is key. Staying fit — both physically and mentally — gives you the strength to handle every other part of life, and equips you to face whatever challenges come your way. When you prioritize your well-being, everything else falls into place more gracefully.”
16.You’ve been part of women’s organizations like IWA and FLO that champion empowerment and leadership. In your view, how has the position of women in India evolved over the years, and what do you feel still needs to change — socially, culturally, or economically?
You’ve been part of women’s organizations like IWA and FLO that champion empowerment and leadership. In your view, how has the position of women in India evolved over the years, and what do you feel still needs to change — socially, culturally, or economically?
Education is most important to every life – this will give one the tools needed to better your life in so many ways.
Developing leadership qualities that can help you navigate through life.
Advice to the Younger Generation
17.What message would you give to young women who look up to you — especially those dealing with self-doubt, loss, or societal expectations? What personal philosophy has helped you remain strong and optimistic through life’s highs and lows?
“I believe in living life with discipline and complete integrity. Every one of us experiences both highs and lows, and it’s important to face them with the same strength of mind. Maintaining resilience, staying true to your values, and approaching life with balance and determination are the keys to remaining strong and optimistic through every challenge.”
