Shah Rukh Khan, the ‘Badshah of Bollywood,’ is not only known his charisma and cinematic prowess but also for his opulent abode, Mannat. Some time back at a book launch, he reflected on its acquisition and revealed that when they purchased the property, it surpassed their financial means.
“I just want to say that when we bought the house we live in now, it was beyond our means,” he said addressing the media.
Hailing from Delhi, where bungalows were commonplace, Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri, were unaware of Mumbai’s exorbitant real estate prices, particularly for apartments. Initially residing in a house adjacent to the Taj Hotel, graciously lent by a director friend, the couple dreamt of owning a home, despite financial constraints.Talking further about the house, SRK mentioned buying Mannat was one thing, and rebuilding another ball of game. “We had to rebuild it since it was dilapidated, and then we struggled to furnish it. We couldn’t afford the charges of a designer we consulted, so I suggested to Gauri to take charge as the designer of the house.”
The process was taxing, with the couple making incremental additions to their home over the years. “Over the years, with our limited earnings, we gradually furnished the house. We even went to South Africa once and bought leather for the sofa with whatever little money we had. We kept buying small things over the years whenever we could afford them.”
“I just want to say that when we bought the house we live in now, it was beyond our means,” he said addressing the media.
Hailing from Delhi, where bungalows were commonplace, Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri, were unaware of Mumbai’s exorbitant real estate prices, particularly for apartments. Initially residing in a house adjacent to the Taj Hotel, graciously lent by a director friend, the couple dreamt of owning a home, despite financial constraints.Talking further about the house, SRK mentioned buying Mannat was one thing, and rebuilding another ball of game. “We had to rebuild it since it was dilapidated, and then we struggled to furnish it. We couldn’t afford the charges of a designer we consulted, so I suggested to Gauri to take charge as the designer of the house.”
The process was taxing, with the couple making incremental additions to their home over the years. “Over the years, with our limited earnings, we gradually furnished the house. We even went to South Africa once and bought leather for the sofa with whatever little money we had. We kept buying small things over the years whenever we could afford them.”
Despite the challenges, Shah Rukh acknowledged that this experience served as a training ground for Gauri’s burgeoning design career, culminating in her ability to design virtually everything they acquired. “She began with little things and gradually moved on to designing everything we buy now.”
Last but not least, while talking about his most loved part of the house, SRK added, “My favorite space in Mannat is my library, which serves as my office too. It’s a quiet, electronics-free zone where I love spending time, even though I haven’t read most of the books there in a while. It gives a feeling of intellect and sophistication.”
