Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have had parallel yet different journeys in their successful film careers. But did you know that Salman Khan was once offered to buy Shah Rukh Khan’s famous home, Mannat, before SRK even considered it?
In an old interview, Salman shared this surprising fact, giving fans a glimpse into a decision that could have changed the landscape of Bollywood’s star homes.
The Offer of Mannat
Salman Khan, known for his humble lifestyle, has stayed in Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai with his family for decades. This small yet well-known apartment has become almost as iconic as the actor himself. However, not many know that early in his career, he had a chance to buy what is now Shah Rukh Khan’s sprawling mansion, Mannat. Recalling the story, Salman shared that Mannat was offered to him just when he was starting out in Bollywood.
During an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Salman was asked if there was one thing Shah Rukh had that he wished he could have. Salman responded, “That bungalow of his,” hinting at Mannat. He then went on to say, “That had come to me when I was just starting off. My dad said, ‘Itne bade ghar mein karoge kya?’” which translates to, “What will you do in such a big house?”
Salim Khan’s Practical Advice
Salman’s father, Salim Khan, is known for his wisdom and straightforward approach to life. When the offer to buy Mannat came to the young actor, Salim Khan’s words discouraged him from purchasing the property. According to Salman, his father questioned the need for such a grand home, asking what purpose it would serve when a smaller, more modest place could suffice.
Reflecting on this decision years later, Salman chuckled about his father’s advice and said, “Now I want to ask Shah Rukh what he does in such a big house!” His comment, while playful, shows the difference in lifestyles between the two stars.
Mannat’s Iconic Journey with Shah Rukh Khan
The house eventually found its perfect owner in Shah Rukh Khan. Mannat has since become one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks and an attraction for fans who gather outside in hopes of catching a glimpse of the superstar. Today, Mannat’s value is estimated to be around Rs 200 crores, according to a report by Housing.com, making it one of the most valuable celebrity properties in India.
When Shah Rukh Khan acquired Mannat, he didn’t have the funds to hire an interior designer. During the launch of his wife Gauri Khan’s book, My Life in Design, SRK revealed the story behind Mannat’s interiors. “The only person to turn to was Gauri. I told her, you have some artistic talent, why don’t you become the designer?” he said, sharing how Mannat became a personal project for Gauri.
To furnish their new home, the couple would buy items slowly, adding them whenever they had the money. SRK recalled one particular memory: “Once we went to South Africa, we bought leather for the sofa. Back then, we were only allowed to carry 100 dollars or some little money abroad from India, and they were spent only on buying decoration pieces for the house.” This humble beginning has turned Mannat into an iconic residence, known for its unique design and sentimental value to the Khan family.
Two Icons, Two Homes, and a Shared Bond
Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are now neighbors, and fans celebrate both their homes during festivals and special occasions. Though Salman chose Galaxy Apartments over Mannat, his residence has also gained fame as the spot where fans gather to catch a glimpse of the “Bhai” of Bollywood. Unlike the sprawling mansion of Mannat, Galaxy Apartments is a humble, cozy space where Salman lives with his family, symbolizing his grounded approach to fame and success.
Shah Rukh’s Mannat, on the other hand, stands as a testament to his journey from an outsider to a Bollywood superstar. The mansion, lovingly designed by Gauri, reflects the warmth and love the couple has poured into it over the years.
In the end, both Mannat and Galaxy Apartments represent not just two stars but two unique personalities who have defined Bollywood. Salim Khan’s practical advice may have kept Salman in a simpler setting, but Mannat found its way to Shah Rukh Khan, who embraced it as part of his Bollywood journey. And today, fans of both superstars celebrate not just their films but their iconic homes, a testament to the love and admiration that Salman and SRK enjoy.
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