Nestled in Delhi’s Prithvi Raj Road cemetery lies a neglected grave, marking the final resting place of Stella Mudge, the enigmatic Queen of Kapurthala. Born in Kent, England in 1904, Stella’s life was a whirlwind of fame, love, and controversy that ultimately faded into obscurity. Stella’s journey began on the stages of Paris, where her captivating performances as a cabaret dancer caught the eye of Prince Paramjit Singh of Kapurthala. Despite being married to Princess Vrinda Devi, the prince was enamored by Stella’s beauty and charm. Their clandestine romance led to scandal within the royal family, as Stella was ultimately crowned queen after a tumultuous struggle against familial objections.
Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, Paramjit’s father, vehemently opposed their union, despite his own history of marrying a foreign dancer. Stella, banned from the palace, resided in ‘Stella Cottage’ outside Kapurthala. However, political pressures forced Paramjit into a politically advantageous marriage with a Rajput princess, although his heart remained with Stella.
Their love endured, and in defiance of societal norms, Stella and Paramjit wed in a Gurudwara in England in 1937, with Stella adopting the name Narinder Kaur. Yet, their happiness was short-lived. Accusations of misappropriating royal wealth tarnished Stella’s reputation after Maharaja Paramjit’s death in 1955, leading to her expulsion from the palace and subsequent exile in Shimla.
Stella’s later years were marred by loneliness and financial intrigue, with rumours of hidden fortunes in foreign banks adding to her mystique. In 1984, Stella met a tragic end in Delhi, succumbing to injuries sustained in a fall while intoxicated, marking the somber conclusion to her tumultuous life.
Today, Stella’s grave lies in disrepair, a poignant symbol of a life once filled with glamour and scandal, now forgotten by many. Despite fleeting moments of fame, her legacy remains shrouded in mystery, leaving unanswered questions about her alleged fortune and the truth behind her turbulent existence.
As time marches on, Stella Mudge’s story continues to evoke fascination and speculation, ensuring that she remains eternally bound to the annals of Kapurthala’s tumultuous history.
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