FROM RAJKUMAR TO RELATABLE: NETFLIX’S THE ROYALS CHARACTERS WHO FEEL LIKE THEY COULD BE YOUR BEST FRIEND

Netflix India’s The Royals has officially entered its main character era. Yes, there are palaces, polo matches, and plenty of passive-aggressive drama—but peel back the velvet curtains and you’ll find characters who are basically your group chat in royal garb. Whether it’s spiralling over a DM or deep-diving into your ex’s new situationship, they’re way more relatable than their titles let on.

Prince Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter): Royalty, But Make it Recession-core

He may walk like he owns the palace — but spoiler alert: the palace is basically on EMI. Aviraaj’s trying to keep centuries of legacy afloat while silently panicking about unpaid bills and EXPENSIVE PRATHAS!  What happens when a startup queen who’s literally his competition (we see you, Sophia) face him? Royal problems? More like, very relatable ones.
Relatability Meter: 9/10 – That friend who acts like everything’s fine but is secretly googling ‘how to manage family expectations while pretending to have it all together.’

Sophia Kanmani Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar) – CEO of Calm Chaos

She’s the self-made boss aiming to start a royal B&B. No biggie. Between crushing it in business meetings and not believing in small talk, Sophia’s out here to fulfil her dreams. Raised in Madurai by grandparents, she learned early that dreams don’t come easy. She’s caring, calm and cool under pressure, allergic to nonsense, and laser-focused on her next big win—even if she has to break a few palatial walls (and boardroom egos) to get there.
Relatability Meter: 10/10 – That friend who talks about their 5-year plan while casually ignoring the fact that they’ve also had a full emotional breakdown over the weekend. Boss energy, but also real human emotions.

Digvijay Singh (Vihaan Samat) as your 2 AM bestie: Whips up Pasta and a Panic Plan

He dreams of power but finds peace sneaking into the palace kitchen to cook. Whether it’s a shady meme or a shoulder to cry on (with fries, obviously), he shows up before you even text. Like a human version of AirDrop—always nearby, no password needed. What happens when the royal mess hits the fan? He’s not just bringing popcorn—he’s bringing receipts.
Relatability Meter: 12/10 – That one friend who’s 85% sarcasm, 15% surprisingly deep (and helpful) advice at 2 AM.

Maji Sahib (Zeenat Aman): Sanskaari Grandma, Gracefully Aged

She may spend her days in silk robes, but make no mistake — Maji Sahiba is not here for your modern nonsense. On one hand, she mourns the demise of her husband, and on the other, she shares modern situationship GYAAN with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren! She's lived through decades of drama, diamonds, and dynasties — and has no patience for poor lighting or poor choices. When she steps out, she’s giving couture, confidence, and a crash course in royalty.
Relatability Meter: 8/10 – That fabulously blunt grandma who’d tell you to moisturise, dump him, and sit like a lady—all in one breath.

Maharani Padmaja Devi (Sakshi Tanwar): Elegance, Exes & Emotional Blackmail
She’s regal, wise, and definitely gives ‘I raised a whole empire, now pass me my green tea’ energy. Will softly roast you while fixing your entire life. She doesn’t spiral—she accessorises. After all, emotional repression in couture is still a look.
Relatability Meter: 8/10 – That aunty who says she’s ‘just praying these days’ but is lowkey running everyone's life over chai.

Lisa Mishra (Nikki): Boardroom babe, Backstage bestie

If Sophia’s building an empire, Nikki is the one greasing the wheels, charming the VCs, and ordering an espresso martini while doing both. She’s the behind-the-scenes MVP who makes spreadsheets sexy and negotiations feel like brunch. A woman of many tabs (open, not closed), she knows the investor circuit, reads contracts like thrillers, and has perfected the art of the power-nod. 
Relatability Meter: 10/10 – That one friend who makes you feel like anything is possible (and then drafts a pitch deck to prove it).

Binge Netflix India’s The Royals now—because even in palaces, royalty need emotional support besties!