Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan‘s residence, Mannat, is perhaps one of the most iconic celebrity homes not just in India but across the world. Fans flock to it like moths to a flame, hoping for a glimpse of the King of Bollywood waving from its ornate balcony—a gesture he makes twice a year—or even just to take selfies in front of its towering main gates. The palatial, sea-facing property recently made headlines when activist Santosh Daundkar filed an appeal against ongoing renovations, alleging violations of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms. This led to inspections by the BMC and forest officials, until the National Green Tribunal (NGT) finally dismissed the plea, calling it “without force” and handing the Khans a legal victory.
Currently, Shah Rukh Khan and his family are leasing four floors of a luxury apartment called Pooja Casa, built by film producer Vashu Bhagnani in Pali Hill. They are expected to stay there for two years while Mannat undergoes massive renovations, paying a rent of Rs 24 lakh for the four floors.
Mannat’s colourful history
Mannat’s legendary status has undoubtedly been cemented by its association with Shah Rukh Khan, but the property itself has a long and colorful history. Valued at around ₹200 crore today, it was originally built in the 1800s by Raja Bijai Sen, the Raja of Mandi, for one of his Ranis, according to a report by GQ India. This claim was later verified by city chronicler Bharat Gothoskar and Mumbai-based history enthusiast Debashish Chakraverty, who cited historian Braz Anthony Fernandes’ Bandra: Its Religious and Secular History.
In 1915, following the Raja’s death, the villa was acquired by Perin Maneckji Batliwala of Girgaum, who named it Villa Vienna in honor of his love for Viennese music. After passing through multiple owners, it finally caught Shahrukh Khan’s eye in 1997 while he was shooting for Yes Boss. It was love at first sight, and in 2001, he purchased it for ₹13 crore. The rest, as they say, is history.
A sentimental connection
For Shah Rukh Khan, Mannat is much more than a symbol of wealth – it is his dream home. In a resurfaced interview, the star spoke sentimentally about what it means to him: “It is one of the most difficult things I have done, is to buy this house,” he went on to say, “I don’t have a house anywhere in the world, I didn’t have a house because my parents died. I have a house fetish. I want a house. I’ve always wanted a house…It’s is my family’s house. We took a decision, we’ll always live in Bombay. So my great-grandchildren are going to live in this house like some old Parsi family.” He added, that while others could take away his office, studio, or any other asset, Mannat was non-negotiable – it was a safe haven for his wife, children, and sister, a place to shield them through any storm.
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Originally built in the 1800s, Mannat is recognized as a Grade III heritage villa, which means that any renovations require approval from the heritage conservation committee as well as environmental clearances when necessary. With its unique blend of classical and modern architecture, the sprawling 27,000 sq. ft. property combines a Grecian-inspired neo-classical façade with a modern six-storey annexe—soon to become eight. It is a home built on a foundation of devotion and love by clearly besotted owners. And as it undergoes major changes over the next two years, fans can only wait with bated breath to see what dazzling new chapter lies ahead for the Khans’ most cherished abode.