Not Aishwarya Rai, not Priyanka Chopra—This is the only Bollywood actress followed by Qatar’s princess

In the glittering world of royalty, few faces shine brighter than that of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, a prominent figure in Qatar’s ruling family. Born into power and prestige, she is the daughter of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the sister of the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

A symbol of cultural leadership and influence in the Middle East, Sheikha Al-Mayassa has carved a distinct identity beyond royal duties, emerging as a global tastemaker, philanthropist, and advocate for art and culture.

Digital Royalty: Selective Yet Influential on Social Media

Despite her royal status, Sheikha Al-Mayassa maintains a visible and curated presence online. With over a million followers on Instagram, she has built a platform that reflects her refined tastes and international connections. However, unlike most influencers or public figures, her “following” list is remarkably exclusive. She follows fewer than 500 accounts — a list composed of global dignitaries, cultural icons, European and Arab royals… and, quite surprisingly, just one Bollywood star.

A Surprising Choice: Mallika Sherawat Makes the Cut

Amid the expected profiles of statesmen and aristocrats, one name stands out in Sheikha Al-Mayassa’s following list — Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat. Notably, the Qatari princess does not follow Bollywood heavyweights like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan or Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Instead, her solitary pick from the Indian film industry is Mallika, an actress known for breaking stereotypes with her bold screen persona, particularly in the 2004 film Murder, which became her claim to fame.

An Unlikely Friendship Born in the U.S.

The connection between the royal and the actress dates back over a decade. As per a 2010 report by FilmiBeat, the two women first met in the United States during an international conference, where both were among the high-profile invitees. What began as a casual meeting soon turned into a unique friendship. Despite coming from vastly different worlds, the Qatari royal and the Indian actress stayed in touch and forged a genuine bond.

A Royal Invitation: Mallika Attends the Princess’s Wedding

Such was the strength of their friendship that when Sheikha Al-Mayassa tied the knot in 2006 with her second cousin, Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Mallika Sherawat was the sole Bollywood celebrity to receive an invitation. Their camaraderie continued beyond the wedding, with Mallika making an appearance at the prestigious launch of the Doha Film Institute in Cannes in 2010 — an event heavily associated with Sheikha Al-Mayassa’s cultural endeavors.