Before Mannat became SRK’s iconic home, it was Villa Vienna

For millions of Shah Rukh Khan fans, the sight of Mannat’s ornate façade and sea-facing balconies is equal to Bollywood stardom. But long before it became a pilgrimage site for SRK’s ardent fans, the Bandra mansion was known as Villa Vienna. Today, as the property undergoes renovation, let’s explore the story behind this grand coastal mansion and the heritage bungalows that once shaped Bandra’s architectural character.

The origins of Mannat are closely linked to the history of princely India. As per accounts gathered by Mumbai history enthusiast Debasish Chakraverty, the mansion was constructed in the 1880s or 1890s and is thought to have been owned by Raja Bijai Sen, the ruler of Mandi, a former princely state in present-day Himachal Pradesh.

However, the early history of the property remains somewhat uncertain. One version suggests it was sold to Perin Maneckji Batliwala in 1915, who named it Villa Vienna due to his admiration for Viennese music. Another account, provided by the neighboring Gandhy family, credits Maneckji Bottlewala with the mansion’s construction and naming, inspired by European classical architecture. The exact date, architect, and builder are difficult to confirm.

What is more certain is that Villa Vienna changed ownership multiple times over the years. It also served as an ashram for a period before eventually being acquired by businessman and film producer Bharat Shah.

Villa Vienna's new journey began during a film shoot. While working on the movie Yes Boss in 1997, Shah Rukh Khan frequently passed by the mansion and was mesmerized by its architecture. Four years later, he bought the property for ₹13 crore.

At the launch of Gauri Khan's design book, My Life in Design, the actor shared that the house was in a dilapidated state and they had very little money left to furnish it after the purchase. He humorously recalled how an expensive lunch with a designer made them rethink hiring external help.

Gauri then took charge of the interiors, collaborating with architect and designer Kaif Faquih, and later with Rajiv Parekh for renovation work. The transformation preserved the mansion's grandeur while tailoring it to the family's requirements. Villa Vienna eventually became Mannat, a name now renowned far beyond Mumbai.

Bandra Bandstand, officially known as Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Road, stretches for nearly two kilometers along the Arabian Sea, starting from St Andrew’s Church and extending to Land’s End. The road is named after Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy, a 19th-century philanthropist who contributed to its construction.

For many years, the area was adorned with grand residences, primarily owned by Europeans and Parsis. However, since the late 1970s and early 1980s, the streetscape has undergone significant changes due to redevelopment, the high costs of maintaining large properties, and the division of homes among family members.

Notable structures like the Bai Shirinbai Cama Convalescent Home, an Edwardian building that stood for over 120 years, was demolished in April 2022. Similarly, Godiwala Bungalow on Mount Mary Road has been replaced by Raheja Bay, while Mary Lodge on HK Bhabha Road has been substituted with a row house named Basera. Other buildings like Marine Mansion and Rockdale have also been replaced by newer constructions bearing the same names.

Mansions often reflect the lives of their inhabitants, the materials used in their construction, and the social activities that once took place within their premises. When these structures are lost, much of their historical essence becomes difficult to recover.

Mannat continues to transform, with renovations adding two floors to its existing annex and expanding the built-up area by 616.02 square meters. During the construction, the family has temporarily relocated to Pali Hill.

Mannat, once known as Villa Vienna, gained fame due to a film star who popularized the address. Unlike Mannat, other mansions on Bandra Bandstand did not receive the same recognition, and their histories now exist only in photographs and the memories of long-time residents. In a rapidly changing neighborhood, these remnants of the past hold significant value. While Mannat remains the most iconic house on the seafront, its history is rooted in an older era of Bandra.