‘Jannat’: Inside Shekhar Ravjiani’s sprawling Khandala farmhouse with lotus ponds, Parsi interiors

Shekhar Ravjiani recently opened his Khandala farmhouse in Maharashtra, a sprawling estate that masterfully blends heritage and nature. The property was featured in Farah Khan's latest YouTube vlog, where she toured the home with her cook, Dilip, alongside Shekhar. Farah and Shekhar discussed their enduring friendship and collaborations on films such as Om Shanti Om and Tees Maar Khan.

The farmhouse was designed to evoke the old-world charm of heritage Parsi hotels in Panchgani, where Shekhar often visited during his school and college years. The centerpiece of the home is its black-and-white Parsi-style flooring, complemented by vintage furniture. Many of the antique pieces were personally sourced by Shekhar and Farah from Mumbai's Chor Bazaar.

Nature plays a significant role in the home's design, with lotus ponds, blooming bougainvillea, and lush gardens blending seamlessly with the interiors. During monsoon season, the farmhouse is enveloped in a breathtaking view of the valley, described by Shekhar as "jannat" (heaven).

The interiors continue the old charm aesthetic, featuring spacious living rooms with open-plan layouts and soaring double-height ceilings. The living room is adorned with a beige L-shaped sofa, vintage armchairs, wooden flooring, framed photographs, decorative lamps, fresh lilies, a vintage carpet, and a sturdy wooden center table, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere. The bedrooms maintain the vintage aesthetic with four-poster beds and large windows framing scenic valley views.

A dedicated temple on the first floor adds to the farmhouse's traditional ambiance, while the adjoining kitchen and dining area maintain the heritage-inspired design language. The kitchen showcases old-style tiles and interiors reminiscent of a traditional Gujarati bungalow. Rahul Bansal, a Partner at groupDCA, shared insights on how homeowners can thoughtfully incorporate art and heritage into modern interiors without overwhelming the space.

He emphasized the importance of identifying key focal points, curating decor items that align with the homeowner's personal and cultural roots, and strategically placing them to create a meaningful spatial experience.