Farah Khan recently visited Diana Penty's ancestral home in Mumbai, and was awestruck by its colonial charm and vintage furniture. The filmmaker and choreographer, accompanied by her cook Dilip, was amazed by what she described as a piece of old-world Europe nestled in the heart of Mumbai.
The house, which is over 100 years old, belonged to Diana's great-grandfather. Almost everything inside, from the furniture to the decor, dates back to the same era, adding to its historical grandeur. The house boasts tall ceilings, large windows, wooden staircases, grand doors, and a leafy verandah, exuding the charm of a colonial-era cottage.
As they entered the house, Dilip was taken aback and asked Farah where they had come. Farah jokingly responded that it was a "huge Buckingham Palace" and that she had brought him to London. Diana greeted Farah with a warm hug and explained that she lived upstairs while her mother and other family members resided downstairs.
Farah, eager to explore, requested a house tour, exclaiming that she felt like she had traveled back in time to a colonial home. Spotting a carved wooden table with an attached mirror, she inquired about its age, to which Diana's mother replied that it was over 100 years old. Farah quipped that it was older than her and that she was happy to be in a place where things were older than her.
As they moved towards the kitchen, Farah expressed her amazement, calling it amazing. She asked Dilip if he had ever seen a house this beautiful, to which he shyly replied, "No ma'am, never". Diana added that she also had a farm outside, prompting Farah to respond that she felt like she had come somewhere else and that it didn't feel like Mumbai at all.
Diana shared that she was the fourth generation living in the house, which has been in her family since her great-grandfather's time, exactly 100 years ago.
Impressed by the space in the house, Farah compared one area to the living room of Shah Rukh Khan's mansion, Mannat. She also admired the terrace garden. Diana shared family stories, adding a personal touch to the tour.
Diana's home is more than just a residence; it's a celebration of elegance, comfort, and personal history. Each room tells a story, blending rustic charm with modern sophistication. The Parsi-styled entrance, high ceilings, wooden stairway, and floor-to-ceiling windows create a sense of history and sophistication. The living room combines rustic charm with modern design, featuring exposed brick walls and reupholstered vintage furniture. The dining area showcases colonial influences with a repurposed trolley serving as a stylish bar cart. Diana's garden offers a serene retreat with lush greenery.
