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Last Updated: February 27, 2025, 00:59 IST
Shah Rukh Khan recalls how he and Gauri Khan struggled to furnish Mannat when they first bought it.
Shah Rukh Khan greeting fans outside Mannat.
Mannat, the famed residence of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan located in Mumbai’s affluent Bandra Bandstand, has become a notable attraction for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the Bollywood icon. Recently, as Gauri Khan seeks approval from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) for property expansion, the couple’s journey in acquiring Mannat sheds light on their humble beginnings—a narrative that may surprise many.
In her coffee table book titled My Life in Design, Gauri recounts the hurdles they faced upon purchasing their home. Shah Rukh, who contributed the forward, reflected on their lack of funds for furnishing the space, illustrating how challenging those initial days were for the couple.
During a media interview in 2023, Shah Rukh reminisced about those earlier times, stating, “We did not have ample money. When we managed to save enough, we decided to buy a bungalow. Buying it was just one part of the challenge; we also needed to renovate it since it was somewhat dilapidated. Eventually, we found ourselves without the funds to furnish it.”
The couple initially aimed to embrace professional assistance for the interiors but soon recognized that hiring a designer would stretch their budget too thin. Shah Rukh recounted, “We reached out to a designer, but the cost of the lunch he served while discussing design options was more than my monthly salary back then. We thought, this isn’t going to work, so what should we do?”
Faced with financial constraints, Shah Rukh turned to Gauri for guidance. He suggested, “Why don’t you take on the role of designer for our home?” Thus began the evolution of Mannat, crafted by Gauri’s vision and creativity, as she diligently styled every aspect with the limited resources available to them.
Reflecting on Gauri’s contributions, Shah Rukh noted, “She started with that initial design process and has since taken the lead in designing everything we bring into the house.” Today, Mannat stands as a testament to their shared experience—a journey that transformed their modest beginnings into a stunning residence that symbolizes their success and partnership.
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