Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan recently paid a visit to actor Diana Penty’s stunning heritage home, accompanied by her longtime cook, Dilip. The moment they stepped inside, Farah was left in awe of what looked like a slice of old-world Europe tucked away in the heart of Mumbai. The house, which once belonged to Diana’s great-grandfather, is over 100 years old and almost everything inside it, from the furniture to the decor, dates back to the same era. With its Parsi-style architecture, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden staircases, grand doors, and a leafy verandah, the home exudes the charm of a colonial era cottage.
As they entered, a wide-eyed Dilip asked Farah, “Ma’am, where have we come?” to which Farah quipped, “This is a huge Buckingham Palace. I have brought you to London!”
Moments later, Diana greeted Farah with a warm hug. Still stunned by the sprawling two-floor residence, Farah asked, “Is this all your house?”
Main door of Diana Penty’s house. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)
Diana smiled and replied, “Upstairs is me and downstairs is we.” She referred to her mom and other family members.
She added: “We’re going to mom’s because mom has the proper kitchen.”
Living area of Diana Penty’s house. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)
Curious to explore further, Farah requested a house tour, exclaiming, “Please give me a house tour! What is this place? I feel like I have travelled back in time and arrived at a colonial home!”
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Pointing at a carved wooden table with an attached mirror, Farah asked, “How old is this?” Diana’s mother promptly replied, “Over 100 years old.”
Living area of Diana Penty’s house. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)
Speaking to her camera, Farah joked, “This is over 100 years old — still older than me! I’m so happy to be in a place where things are older than me.”
As they moved toward the kitchen, Farah gasped, “Wow! Look at this kitchen — it’s amazing.” Turning to Dilip, she asked, “Have you ever seen a house this beautiful?” Dilip, trying his best English, said shyly, “No ma’am, never.”
100 year old furniture at Diana Penty’s house. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)
Diana then mentioned, “I have a farm outside too,” to which Farah replied, “How lovely! I feel like I have come somewhere else. This doesn’t feel like Mumbai at all.”
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Soon, Diana’s team began filling the space. Watching the flurry of activity, Farah laughed, “Yeh dekho, heroine ka entourage!” When Diana’s makeup artist rushed in for a touch-up, Farah quipped, “Beautiful heroines always come with an entourage!”
Diana Penty’s kitchen. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)
When asked how long she’s lived there, Diana said, “Since my great-grandfather’s time — exactly 100 years ago. I am the fourth generation living here.”
As Diana led her to the upper floor, Farah was momentarily speechless. “I just want to see what a house this is!” she exclaimed. “We have seen many big homes, but to find one like this in the heart of Mumbai…” Diana smiled modestly, “I guess I am lucky.”
Upper floor living area. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)
The filmmaker’s attention was soon drawn to the terrace garden, which she described as “absolutely beautiful.” Admiring the soft pastel interiors — pink couches, floral cushions, and vintage lamps — Farah said, “Everything is so pretty… just like you.”
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Pointing at a curious centerpiece in the living area, Farah asked, “Please tell me, what is this merry-go-round-like thing in the middle?”
Diana laughed, “It’s been here since I was a kid! Someone gifted it to my grandfather or great-grandfather. I heard it might have come from a World War II shift.”
Comparing Diana’s spacious home to Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat, Farah joked, “Even a dance studio in Lokhandwala isn’t this big! This is as large as Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat living room.”
Diana playfully disagreed, but Farah added, “I think I should call Shah Rukh here.” To which Diana smiled, “I would love to have Shah Rukh here!”
