Today, Shah Rukh Khan’s house Mannat is more than just a residence — it’s a cultural landmark in Mumbai. But before the stardom, selfies, and Sunday crowds, it was a quiet heritage bungalow by the sea called Villa Vienna. The mansion has had an extraordinary journey, with a past that dates back to the 1800s and a transformation that mirrors SRK’s own rise to fame.
A Royal Beginning
The story of Mannat begins in the late 1800s when Raja Bijai Sen, the ruler of Mandi (a princely state in present-day Himachal Pradesh), built this mansion for one of his queens. After the Raja’s death in 1902, the property was sold to Perin Maneckji Batliwala in 1915. He was a music lover who renamed the mansion Villa Vienna as a tribute to his love for Viennese classical music.
Later, the property was passed down to Batliwala’s sister Khurshedbai Sanjana and her husband. Since Khurshedbai didn’t have children, she left the house to her sister Goolbanu. It was eventually inherited by her son Nariman Dubash. He later sold the home to a builder, and it was briefly offered to another Bollywood actor — but fate had other plans.
When SRK Noticed It
During the shoot of the 1997 film Yes Boss, Shah Rukh Khan would pass by Villa Vienna every day. He was instantly drawn to the old-world charm of the mansion. A few years later, in 2001, he bought the house for ₹13 crore. Back then, it was in bad shape. At the launch of Gauri Khan’s book My Life in Design, SRK recalled how they barely had money left to furnish the place after the purchase.
He had called a designer for help, but the lunch bill itself shocked him — it cost more than his monthly salary at the time. That’s when he turned to Gauri and asked her to take over the home’s design.
Gauri Khan’s Magic
Gauri, now a known name in the world of interiors, teamed up with architect Kaif Faquih and later Rajiv Parekh to revamp the home. They retained the heritage charm while giving it a fresh, luxurious touch. Today, the mansion features six floors, sea-facing balconies, a pool, gym, library, multiple bedrooms, and even a personal auditorium. As of 2024, the property is estimated to be worth nearly ₹200 crore.
The house is not just grand on the inside — it has become a symbol of stardom. Every Sunday, fans gather outside Mannat in hopes of catching a glimpse of SRK waving from his balcony. On his birthday and during Eid, thousands gather outside, making it a scene straight out of a movie.
Old Films and Gundo Ka Adda
What many fans may not know is that Villa Vienna — before becoming Mannat — was featured in several old Bollywood films. It was often shown as a villain’s den or gundo ka adda (a gangster’s hideout), thanks to its dramatic pillars and colonial architecture. That explains why some people get a sense of déjà vu when they walk past Mannat.
A recent viral reel showed a rare clip from the 1970s, capturing the Bandstand area where Mannat stands today. Back then, it was a quiet stretch with colonial-style buildings and old cars cruising by — a far cry from the tourist hotspot it is today.
Temporary Move During Renovation
Currently, SRK and his family are moving to a temporary home in Pali Hill, Bandra, as renovation work continues at Mannat. According to reports, extra floors are being added to the annexe, expanding the total built-up area by over 600 square metres.
Despite the temporary shift, Mannat continues to hold a special place in the hearts of SRK fans. It’s not just a house — it’s a piece of Bollywood history, a dream turned into reality, and a symbol of how far one can go with belief, hard work, and a bit of love.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
