Shah Rukh Khan, what is popularly referred to as the King of Bollywood, lives out a life that is a study in the grand scale of his film-based legacy. Beyond the theatre of the silver screen, which he is a star of, his love for the luxurious is very much on display in his real estate portfolio. With his wife, the noted interior designer Gauri Khan, at the head of the creative team, the superstar has put together a collection of homes that are not simply living spaces but are, in fact, architectural statements. From the busy streets of Bandra to the sandy shores of Dubai, here is a look at the great homes that the power couple own.
The Crown Jewel: God’s will
Unquestionably, the most iconic of his properties is “Mannat, a sea-facing mansion in Mumbai, which has become a pilgrimage for fans. Formerly a heritage structure named “Villa Vienna”, the residence is a complex piece that brings together history with present-day luxury. The exterior pays tribute to Italian architecture, which is present in the neoclassical framework that also includes a grand pediment and a distinct emblem at the entrance. Although the facade presents a classic appeal, the structure also has layers of glass that reflect the Mumbai sun, thus indicating the modern elements within.
In Mannat, we see the result of Gauri Khan’s wide-ranging design ideas. The 6-storey structure, which has 5 bedrooms, presents a mix of traditional royal and modern. In terms of standout features, the study which SHR’s uses is a highlight, a room which oozes an intellectual, warm feel with its rustic wood finishes and wall-to-wall panels which display its many awards. Also in the home is a dramatic wooden spiral staircase that ties the different levels together. But the design also plays with the edge a bit; the basement home theatre, which tries to put gothic elements with structural expressionism, does at times come off as a mixed success. From the rooms that have bulbs for mirrors to the texturised concrete of the balconies, each area of Mannat tells a story of stardom and style.
A Desert Oasis: Heaven
Extending into the Middle East, in Dubai, Khan has a magnificent home on Palm Jumeirah, which he has named “Jannat”. That “Signature Villa” is about 8,500 square feet and is a very private retreat for the family. As opposed to the colonial feel of Mannat, Jannat instead takes on the look of the region with a very Arabesque design. The sand colored exterior, the curved arches, and the white for cooling, which is typical of the area, all come together to make the structure a perfect fit with the desert and marine settings.
Gauri Khan has left her mark here, which is in the form of a private retreat that includes extensive gardens and recreation areas. The villa is a picture of Dubai’s luxury, which at the same time is a peaceful retreat from the world.
The Nostalgic Retreat: New Delhi
In New Delhi, the couple’s home is a haven that serves as a trip down memory lane for their journey. This two-story bungalow is a take on neo-classical design, which comes across as much more light and airy than Mannat does, with the large windows that fill the interiors with natural light. Here, design is a means to preserve memory; Gauri Khan used lots of wall panelling to display an extensive collection of family photos, which in turn creates a timeline of their lives. It is a space for reflection that also provides a relief from their busy lives in Mumbai.
Global Footprint
The Khan family is also reported to own a private apartment in Central London, which, still, for the most part, is off the radar.
Conclusion
Shah Rukh Khan’s homes are beyond what a typical person would consider assets; they are physical representations of his journey from a Delhi boy to a global star. In Mannat’s grand style or in the chic elegance of his Dubai home, each property is a display of his personality, which has been very carefully curated by Gauri Khan’s design sense. Together, they have created not just homes but a legacy in architecture that is as large as the man himself.
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