Actor-turned-producer Amar Upadhyay, who is still better known as Mihir Virani (the character he played) from TV serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi — gives us a tour of his plush 5BHK home in a swish suburb of Mumbai, where he has Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapur for neighbours.
House walk
I bought this flat in the Mumbai suburb of Versova in 2005. It’s a 6 BHK flat, which has been converted into a 5 BHK. Earlier, I was living in a 3 BHK in Evershine Nagar in the suburb of Malad. I wanted to shift towards Versova-Andheri because of its proximity to my place of work. This house was priced very steeply but my friend, Hiram Khote, who is a Vaastu expert recommended this house. The building is made according to Vaastu.
This is a palatial house and though it is on the 9th floor, it gives the feel of a bungalow. It has great views from all sides. My bedroom faces the sea and from the other rooms I can see all the way to Malad. The house is so airy that if you open the windows, you need not switch on the fan or the air conditioner.
Blend of modern and old
My two architect friends: Anil and Rajeev helped me do up the house. We wanted a very ethnic interior that would omplement certain modern fittings. For example, my bar has a wooden, modern feel while my wooden dinning table has an old world feel. I have got a French door, which is again modern and a false ceiling that is very American but on the other hand the sofa setting is very Indian. My wife and my architects decided to keep the colour of the upholstery and curtains very earthy. I like colourful walls but upholstery should be in subtle colours. There is a water-body placed in the living room according to Vaastu. We are still collecting artefacts and pick them up wherever we go.
Future plans
The house has two separate sitting areas because I have many friends come in. For my housewarming party, I had more than 120 guests in my house. My Vaastu expert friend had told me that people will not want to leave this house after a party; and that is what happens. My parties stretch till 6 in the morning.
I dream of owning a huge bungalow one day. It will be a huge 10 BHK bungalow.
Blend of modern and old
My two architect friends: Anil and Rajeev helped me do up the house. We wanted a very ethnic interior that would omplement certain modern fittings. For example, my bar has a wooden, modern feel while my wooden dinning table has an old world feel. I have got a French door, which is again modern and a false ceiling that is very American but on the other hand the sofa setting is very Indian. My wife and my architects decided to keep the colour of the upholstery and curtains very earthy. I like colourful walls but upholstery should be in subtle colours. There is a water-body placed in the living room according to Vaastu. We are still collecting artefacts and pick them up wherever we go.
Future plans
The house has two separate sitting areas because I have many friends come in. For my housewarming party, I had more than 120 guests in my house. My Vaastu expert friend had told me that people will not want to leave this house after a party; and that is what happens. My parties stretch till 6 in the morning.
I dream of owning a huge bungalow one day. It will be a huge 10 BHK bungalow.
— Bollywood News Service