The popular streaming series "The Royals," starring Ishaan Khatter, is gearing up for its second season, with production slated to begin this week in Udaipur. Joining Khatter as the new co-lead is Miss India 2022, Sini Shetty, and the upcoming season is set to feature a captivating love triangle involving Shetty, Khatter, and actor Gurfateh Pirzada.
New Faces and a Fresh Narrative
Sini Shetty steps into the prominent role previously held by Bhumi Pednekar in the first season. Sources indicate that Shetty, a finalist in the Miss World contest, was selected for the part after reportedly outperforming other actresses, including Radhika Madan, Alaya F, and Nitanshi Goel, among others. Her pairing with Ishaan Khatter will form one side of the central romantic entanglement, with Gurfateh Pirzada, known for his role in "Lust Stories 3," completing the trio that will drive the core plot of "The Royals" Season 2.
Sini Shetty's Path to the Lead Role
Sini Shetty brings a diverse background to her new role. Beyond her pageant success, she is also a trained dancer. Prior to landing this significant part, Shetty had reportedly declined various film offers from major production houses such as Sajid Nadiadwala, Balaji Telefilms, and Excel Productions. Her decision to join "The Royals" follows her recent work on a Dharma Productions film, which she completed shooting in Kashmir earlier this year, signaling a focused approach to her acting career.
Recap: The Royals' First Season
The inaugural season of "The Royals" introduced audiences to Prince Aviraaj Singh, portrayed by Ishaan Khatter, whose life takes an unexpected turn when his family faces substantial debt following his father's demise. To preserve his ancestral home, Aviraaj reluctantly teams up with Sophia Kanmani Shekhar, played by Bhumi Pednekar—an independent tech and hospitality entrepreneur. Together, they launch Royal BnB, transforming the palace into a luxurious destination for the public. The first season explored the intricate clash between inherited privilege and modern entrepreneurial spirit, navigating intense conflicts, unearthed family secrets, and a complex romantic relationship. Key supporting roles in Season 1 were played by Sakshi Tanwar, Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, and Nora Fatehi.
Background
"The Royals" is a romantic comedy-drama series that delves into themes of tradition versus modernity within a royal Indian family setting. The upcoming second season aims to build on this foundation with a fresh cast dynamic and an intriguing new love triangle at its heart, continuing its run on the OTT platform.
