Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan stepped into a time capsule when she recently visited actor Diana Penty’s stunning 100-year-old ancestral home in Mumbai. Accompanied by her longtime cook Dilip, Farah embarked on a journey through colonial-era architecture and vintage charm that left her absolutely mesmerized, leading her to make an intriguing comparison to superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic residence, Mannat.
A Slice of Old Europe in the Heart of Mumbai
The moment Farah Khan entered Diana Penty’s heritage home, she couldn’t contain her amazement at what she witnessed. “Please give me a house tour! What is this place? I feel like I’ve travelled back in time to a colonial-era home!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. With its soaring high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, grand wooden staircases, and expansive leafy verandah, the residence transports visitors to a bygone era that feels distinctly European rather than distinctly Mumbai.
Dilip, Farah’s companion on this vlog adventure, was equally awestruck. When he asked Farah where they had arrived, she playfully responded, “This is a huge Buckingham Palace. I have brought you to London!” The colonial-style architecture features Parsi influences and understated elegance at every corner, making the entire experience feel like stepping into a living museum rather than a modern city residence.
Four Generations of Heritage and History
Diana Penty warmly welcomed Farah and Dilip into her family home, which carries the weight of over a century of memories. The actress revealed that the property has been in her family since her great-grandfather’s time, making her the fourth generation to reside within its walls. “Since my great-grandfather’s time, exactly 100 years ago. I am the fourth generation living here,” Diana shared during the tour.
When asked whether the entire sprawling two-floor residence belonged to her, Diana smiled and explained the living arrangement with grace: “Upstairs is me and downstairs is we,” referring to her mother and other family members who occupy the ground floor. She further noted that they prefer to spend time in her mother’s kitchen area, calling it the “proper kitchen” where the family’s culinary traditions come alive.
Treasures That Tell Stories
As Farah walked through the corridors, she was captivated by the antique wooden furniture and vintage décor that adorned every room. Her attention was immediately drawn to a beautifully carved wooden table with a mirror, and she curiously asked Diana about its age. The response left her delighted: the piece was over 100 years old, just like the house itself.
Laughing at this revelation, Farah said, “This is over 100 years old, still older than me! I’m so happy to be in a place where things are older than me.” Nearly every piece of furniture, from the wooden tables to the furnishings adorning the rooms, dates back to the same era, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance that cannot be replicated in modern homes.
Mannat Comparison Sparks Interest
The most intriguing moment of the vlog came when Farah drew a bold comparison between Diana’s living space and Shah Rukh Khan’s legendary Mumbai residence, Mannat. Impressed by the generous proportions of Diana’s living area, Farah remarked, “Not even a dance studio in Lokhandwala is this big! It’s as big as Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat living room.” Mannat, the iconic 27,000-square-foot sprawling bungalow, is one of Bollywood’s most talked-about properties, valued at approximately Rs 200 crore.
Diana was surprised by this unexpected comparison initially, but Farah insisted on her observation, clearly taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the space. In a lighthearted moment, Farah joked, “I should invite Shah Rukh over,” to which Diana warmly responded, “I’d love to have Shah Rukh here.”
A Hidden Gem Beyond the House
Beyond the stunning interiors, Diana revealed another treasure: a sprawling farm on the property’s outskirts. When Farah learned about this additional green space, she expressed her delight, saying, “How lovely! I feel like I’ve come to a different place. This doesn’t feel like Mumbai at all.” The farm adds another layer of charm to the already impressive estate, making Diana’s ancestral home feel like a countryside retreat despite its Mumbai address.
On the Professional Front
Diana Penty, who is known for her work in films like Cocktail, was recently seen in the web series Do You Wanna Partner alongside actress Tamannaah Bhatia. Her heritage home has now become a talking point among entertainment enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike, showcasing how legacy and history can be beautifully preserved in India’s bustling metropolis.
By – Sonali