The latest issue of the design authority features Ranaut’s Manali mansion designed by Gupta
Mumbai, 14 May 2018: Monday evening saw Bollywood’s Queen, Kangana Ranaut, step in at interior designer Shabnam Gupta’s Bandra store to celebrate the latest issue of Architectural Digest India amidst the city’s design fraternity and swish-set. AD India’s May – June 2018 issue features Ranaut as the cover star with an exclusive glimpse into her sprawling Manali mansion designed by Gupta.
At 2,000 meters above sea level, Kangana Heights is not just Ranaut’s mountain haven but is also the ultimate party house. The charcoal grey facade with strips and the white windows with louvered shutters respond to Ranaut’s desire to have a quintessentially old, mountain home that is European in nature. The interiors designed by Gupta are also filled with mountain charm. Hand-painted wood paneling in the hallway looks like it belongs in St. Moritz; there’s plaid upholstery, family photos and antique shawls that double as throws. It’s the definition of homey.
Talking about Gupta, who delivered the house to her, turnkey in November 2017, the house-proud Ranaut says, “I gave Shabnam carte blanche, except for the timber ceiling in the living room, which I took a picture of in New York, and sent to her.” She chose Gupta after seeing Irrfan Khan’s apartment in the October 2016 issue of AD. “I trusted her with everything. Later in life, I imagine I’ll have a clearer idea of my taste in interiors, but for now, I just wanted it finished while I was filming,” says Kangana of the interiors that took nine months to install.
“I thought this would be a retreat but it’s the ultimate party house,” she adds. “I used to be fiercely private but I’m changing now. It’s okay to be more open,” says Ranaut when asked about her decision to let AD into her home.
Talking about the experience of designing the house for Ranaut, Gupta says, “While designing this mountain home, we knew that we were designing for someone who is always on the move and in the limelight. For us, designing this house focused on a twofold approach, one: a home that is a retreat wherein she can cut off from the world when required. Secondly, creating a space that converts into a party place with ease, as and when she chooses to entertain and bring the world in. This project is all about weaving a story that has an old soul, a vintage mountain home which has international design sensibilities.”
Commented Greg Foster, Editor, Architectural Digest India, “Kangana was the ultimate hostess as the AD team moved in to her charming Manali mountain home for three days of shooting. I was delighted to hear that she chose Shabnam as the interior designer after seeing Irrfan Khan’s apartment in the October 2016 issue of AD!”