<p>Bengaluru, once a cherished getaway for the Wadiyar family, holds a special place in their hearts as they relish memories of its bygone charm.</p>.<p>In an exclusive conversation with <span>DH</span> during the launch of their new podcast series, ‘The King Speaks,’ Kamakshi Devi and Indrakshi Devi, daughters of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, spoke about the transformation of Bengaluru over the years.</p>.<p>Fondly recalling their father’s affection for the city, the sisters expressed how Bengaluru captivated them, often becoming a weekend haven. They observed that the city’s pace had escalated, contrasting the leisurely and idyllic days they once cherished.</p>.<p>Bengaluru was like a weekend getaway for us and it had a special place in our father’s heart, reminisced Kamakshi Devi, daughter of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar.</p>.<p>“Our father had a fondness for the city and we used to visit Bengaluru often – almost every weekend. He saw that the city had great potential to develop. I remember the lovely time we spent taking a walk in the Bangalore Palace and the leisurely shopping hauls we went on. It was a treat,” she said.</p>.<p>They observed that the city’s pace had escalated, contrasting the leisurely and idyllic days they once cherished.</p>.<p>“Bengaluru has changed drastically over the years.,” said Indrakshi Devi.</p>.<p>“Now, with the traffic choking the roads, we have to think twice before we step outside,” Kamakshi Devi added.</p>.<p>While the Wadiyar family has made significant donations of land, paving the way for renowned institutions like BEL and HAL, they face legal obstacles regarding a few remaining plots.</p>.<p>“We would have loved to develop the land better and convert it into a beautiful place. But the government issued a notice and we opposed it. Now that the matter is in the court, there is nothing much we can do,” Kamakshi Devi said.</p>.<p>The family — through the Maharaja Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Foundation — wants to take forward the Wadiyar legacy, and with the podcast that was launched on Tuesday, they hope to reach out to the youngsters. </p>.<p>“People have a perspective about rulers and their lives. Our father was much more than just a ruler. He was a music lover and composed 94 kritis. He has also contributed to the literary world,” Kamakshi Devi said.</p>.<p>“The King Speaks” is a podcast series that will cover the speeches made by Jayachamaraja Wadiyar on various occasions. While the production team has collected a few original recordings of the speech, a few others will be read out by the Wadiyar’s family members.</p>
<p>Bengaluru, once a cherished getaway for the Wadiyar family, holds a special place in their hearts as they relish memories of its bygone charm.</p>.<p>In an exclusive conversation with <span>DH</span> during the launch of their new podcast series, ‘The King Speaks,’ Kamakshi Devi and Indrakshi Devi, daughters of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, spoke about the transformation of Bengaluru over the years.</p>.<p>Fondly recalling their father’s affection for the city, the sisters expressed how Bengaluru captivated them, often becoming a weekend haven. They observed that the city’s pace had escalated, contrasting the leisurely and idyllic days they once cherished.</p>.<p>Bengaluru was like a weekend getaway for us and it had a special place in our father’s heart, reminisced Kamakshi Devi, daughter of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar.</p>.<p>“Our father had a fondness for the city and we used to visit Bengaluru often – almost every weekend. He saw that the city had great potential to develop. I remember the lovely time we spent taking a walk in the Bangalore Palace and the leisurely shopping hauls we went on. It was a treat,” she said.</p>.<p>They observed that the city’s pace had escalated, contrasting the leisurely and idyllic days they once cherished.</p>.<p>“Bengaluru has changed drastically over the years.,” said Indrakshi Devi.</p>.<p>“Now, with the traffic choking the roads, we have to think twice before we step outside,” Kamakshi Devi added.</p>.<p>While the Wadiyar family has made significant donations of land, paving the way for renowned institutions like BEL and HAL, they face legal obstacles regarding a few remaining plots.</p>.<p>“We would have loved to develop the land better and convert it into a beautiful place. But the government issued a notice and we opposed it. Now that the matter is in the court, there is nothing much we can do,” Kamakshi Devi said.</p>.<p>The family — through the Maharaja Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Foundation — wants to take forward the Wadiyar legacy, and with the podcast that was launched on Tuesday, they hope to reach out to the youngsters. </p>.<p>“People have a perspective about rulers and their lives. Our father was much more than just a ruler. He was a music lover and composed 94 kritis. He has also contributed to the literary world,” Kamakshi Devi said.</p>.<p>“The King Speaks” is a podcast series that will cover the speeches made by Jayachamaraja Wadiyar on various occasions. While the production team has collected a few original recordings of the speech, a few others will be read out by the Wadiyar’s family members.</p>