On a sunlit drive through the winding roads of Udaipur, with the Aravallis rising quietly in the background and the newly launched Nissan Gravite humming beneath us, Shriji Huzur Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar speaks with the ease of someone equally at home in the past and the present. He moves effortlessly between conversations about heritage and horsepower, artificial intelligence and Indian classical music, manual gearboxes and modern leadership. What emerges is not just the voice of a custodian of legacy, but of a contemporary thinker who’s grounded in history, yet fully engaged with the future
RS: You must be flying constantly. Do airports still feel glamorous to you, or are they just large waiting rooms now?
LR: It depends on where you are in the world. But if we’re talking about India, I must say our infrastructure over the last decade has been phenomenal. Airports like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi are world-class. Even here in Udaipur, the new developments are beautiful. An airport is often the first sign of a region’s progress. When you see thoughtful design, sustainability measures, and scale, it tells you something about ambition. India has genuinely shown clean heels to many so called first-world countries in this space.
RS: You grew up surrounded by history. Was there a moment when you consciously decided to carry that legacy forward?
LR: History has always been around me, not as a burden, but as an environment. Ours is a lineage going back to 734 AD. That isn’t just a statistic; it’s a lived reality. But I believe everyone born in India is born into history. Some are conscious of it, some aren’t. For me, being aware of the heritage of Maharana Pratap, of Bappa Rawal, instils gratitude and responsibility. It’s not about glorifying the past blindly. It’s about understanding what values were fought for: dignity, freedom, and self-respect. That awareness naturally shapes how you carry yourself today.
RS: How digital is your daily life? Smartwatches, constant screens, or do you keep it simple?
LR: I try to keep it simple. Technology is important. You can’t ignore it, but it should serve you, not consume you. I do check social media occasionally, but it’s a conscious choice about how much of yourself you put out there. Awareness is key. How much do you want to know? How much do you want others to know about you? That’s a deliberate decision in today’s world.
RS: If your ancestors had Instagram, who would have been the biggest influencer?
LR: (Laughs) Maharana Pratap, without a doubt. But we must remember that there’s a misconception that royalty was always about grandeur. In Mewar’s case, it was about righteousness and resistance. The narrative was about standing up for principles. That’s what would have resonated.
RS: What’s one modern habit you have that would shock previous generations in your family?
LR: The word “modern” itself is subjective. What was modern 500 years ago was modern for its time. Even this car we’re driving is brand new today. A year later, it won’t feel the same. Modernity is time-bound. Every era believes it is contemporary. So I don’t see it as a clash; just evolution.
RS: You enjoy poetry?
LR: I love listening to poetry. It stays with you. Poetry captures what prose cannot. It allows you to feel your environment, whether it’s a palace courtyard or a winding road through Udaipur.
RS: If your life had a dashboard warning light, what would it say?
LR: (Smiles) It would probably say: “Break for a coffee.” But it’s also a fact that I prefer Masala Chai over coffee. Success is often overdefined. Sometimes you simply need to pause, reflect and reset.
RS: Are you excited about the future of cars or do you prefer the old-school manual, petrol machines?
LR: I’m excited, definitely. But I also deeply enjoy driving manual cars and petrol vehicles. There’s a connection there. That said, evolution must take its course. Humanity adapts. Let technology grow, and let us grow with it. It doesn’t have to be either-or.
RS: You’ve just driven the Nissan Gravite. First thoughts?
LR: I was genuinely surprised by the pricing you mentioned. Today’s consumer is getting far more value for money than before. Packaging, practicality, and space—it ticks important boxes. For what it offers, it’s impressive. The colour has a regal presence, the seats are genuinely comfortable. For seven seats starting at ₹5.65 lakhs and a 1-litre engine, it’s a good-looking machine. Definitely more car for what you pay.
Royal hues, comfy seats, and a lot of presence. For a seven-seater at J5.65 lakh with a 1-litre engine, it’s impressive value. Truly more car for what you pay
RS: How important is in-car tech for you?
LR: It depends on the journey. On longer drives, technology can enhance the experience. But fundamentally, the car should still feel mechanical and engaging. Technology must assist, not overpower, the experience of driving.
RS: You’ve worked abroad as well, correct?
LR: Yes, in Australia. I worked in hospitality – even as a barista – while studying. Those experiences teach humility and discipline. Later, I became involved in cricket administration in Rajasthan and Udaipur. I wasn’t talented enough to play for India, but I remained connected to the sport in other meaningful ways.
RS: Is there a family heirloom – a watch, a car, a pen – that you feel personally connected to?
LR: For me, heirlooms are not just physical objects. The real inheritance is intangible. Conversations with parents, advice from elders, values instilled in you. Those are priceless. Objects can be preserved. Words shape who you become.
RS: Your family’s car collection is legendary. Which car emotionally represents your family journey?
LR: The 1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP. It’s over a century old now. What fascinates me is how advanced it was for its time, with its aerodynamic windscreen and aviation-inspired thinking. That ability to innovate in the 1920s is remarkable. It’s a timeless piece, not just mechanically, but symbolically.
RS: With security and constant attention, do you still enjoy simple drives like this?
LR: Yes. Ultimately, what surrounds you here is not just security but affection. The bond between our family and the people of Udaipur has existed for generations. It’s mutual respect and goodwill. Driving through the city, especially on your own, reminds you that beyond titles and history, you are simply part of a living, breathing place.
RS: Name a modern luxury car that you think will be a true classic 50 years from now.
LR: The Mahindra Thar, particularly the limited editions. It has character, presence and a distinctly Indian identity. I’m also a fan of the Force Urbania. It’s simple, manual, practical, and a vehicle that brings people together. Completely different leagues, yes, but both have longevity. Cars that are honest, mechanical and purposeful tend to endure.
RS: Heritage teaches patience. The modern world demands speed. Which wins?
LR: A healthy balance of both. You cannot function today without pace. But without patience, pace becomes reckless. Heritage grounds you; speed pushes you forward. You need both.
RS: What role do you see AI playing in hospitality? Would you ever use robots instead of people?
LR: AI is a tool. We created it, so we must use it responsibly and intelligently. But hospitality is ultimately a human industry. The emotional connect, the warmth, intuition, and empathy are irreplaceable. Let me give you an example. I once had a mix-up at a hotel abroad where two guests were given the same room. It could have been awkward. Instead, the management handled it gracefully. Later that evening, there was a handwritten apology note and a bottle of champagne waiting in the room. That thoughtful gesture stayed with me. That is hospitality. A robot may process efficiently. But it’s the human touch that creates memory.
RS: What did studying hospitality abroad teach you?
LR: When I joined hospitality school in Australia, I was often the only Indian in class. On the first day, the professor said, “The first lesson in hospitality is learning how to smile.” It sounds simple. But that’s the foundation. Skill can be taught. Sincerity cannot. And in India, what I deeply value is the genuine effort people put in. Even if systems are imperfect, the intent is often pure. You cannot deny a genuine effort.
RS: What do you think we lack compared to hotels abroad?
LR: Efficiency can sometimes be stronger abroad. But India excels in warmth and emotional intelligence. The ideal model combines both; structured systems with heartfelt service.
RS: What kind of concerts do you enjoy?
LR: Indian classical music, especially instrumental. I’ve had the privilege of watching Zakir Hussain perform live. His command over the tabla is extraordinary. And listening to Ravi Shankar on the sitar is an experience in itself. Similarly, Hariprasad Chaurasia playing the flute. Those are transcendent moments. Fusion is interesting, yes. But classical concerts and poetry sessions have always drawn me. They slow you down. They make you reflect.
RS: A message for our readers, especially young people chasing success?
LR: Tough times don’t last. Tough people do. But toughness doesn’t mean aggression. It means resilience, clarity and depth of thought. Whatever you pursue, think deeply. Don’t skim the surface. Understand what you are doing, and why.
RS: What is your net worth?
LR: (Smiles) I’m still figuring it out. Net worth is not just a financial figure. It’s the value of experiences, relationships, and the respect you earn.