Farah Khan enchanted by Diana Penty’s century-old Mumbai family home

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan recently dropped by actor Diana Penty’s ancestral residence in Mumbai, and she left visibly moved. The house — standing for roughly a century — carries generations of memories for Diana’s family. During the stroll through its corridors, Farah was so taken by the atmosphere and scale that she likened aspects of it to Shah Rukh Khan’s famed Mannat.

The segment formed part of Farah’s informal vlog series, where she casually explores the homes and spaces of public figures. Joined by her longtime cook, Dilip, Farah received a warm welcome from Diana and her mother, who guided the visitors through the expansive rooms.

Diana shared that the family has occupied the property for four generations. Built around her great-grandfather’s era about a hundred years ago, the house has been lovingly looked after by the family. Amid Mumbai’s ever-changing skyline, it stands out as a preserved example of colonial-era architecture: high ceilings, broad arches, tall wooden doors and time-worn furnishings that have endured through decades.

On stepping inside, Farah was immediately taken by the mood of the place. She exclaimed, 'Give me a house tour — what is this place? I feel like I’ve stepped into a colonial-era home.' Pausing by an ornate wooden table and an old mirror, she asked about their age. Diana’s mother replied with a smile, 'Over 100 years old.' Farah, ever playful, quipped, 'This is over 100 years old — older than me! I’m thrilled to be somewhere older than myself.'

The tour flowed from the airy living room to a kitchen Farah described as 'amazing.' She turned to Dilip and asked if he had seen anything like it. He admitted shyly, 'No ma’am, never.' Diana then mentioned she also had a farm outside the city, prompting Farah to note, 'This doesn’t feel like Mumbai — it’s like stepping into another world.'

Inside, the home blends refined workmanship with a lived-in, welcoming warmth. Colonial-style furnishings sit alongside large windows that let sunlight stream through, a leafy verandah, and patterned floors that carry stories in every tile. Family heirlooms and curated artifacts punctuate the rooms, each piece hinting at the house’s layered past. One notable artifact — a large wooden carousel-like item — was said to have been presented to Diana’s grandfather after World War II, adding historical texture to the collection.

A standout moment came when Farah contrasted Diana’s roomy living area with celebrity homes, drawing a playful comparison to Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat. Admiring the scale, she remarked that not even a dance studio in Lokhandwala could rival this space, saying it felt as grand as Mannat’s living room.

Diana laughed, modestly insisting her home was far humbler, but Farah made it clear she meant the remark as a compliment. She even joked about inviting Shah Rukh over, and Diana warmly replied she’d welcome him. The friendly exchange revealed the easy chemistry between the two and gave viewers a peek into Farah’s lighthearted charm.

In a metropolis where old buildings often yield to new towers, Diana’s residence is a rare survivor of Mumbai’s colonial past. Many celebrity homes today are recent builds focused on modern aesthetics; this house, by contrast, preserves continuity, memory and family values passed down through generations.

From timeworn furniture to the house’s architectural grace, every element appears maintained with affection. The verandah, dotted with potted plants and rustic benches, opens onto a garden space that’s increasingly uncommon in central Mumbai. Muted pastel walls and enduring wooden frames create a calm, elegant ambience throughout the rooms.

Farah’s delight underscored how uncommon such a residence is in the city. For her vlog audience, the episode became a nostalgic celebration of Mumbai’s old-world charm — a welcome break from the sleek, contemporary celebrity homes that typically populate social feeds.

Aside from her home’s heritage, Diana Penty continues to build her career in entertainment. She first gained attention with her debut in Cocktail opposite Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, earning praise early on. She has since appeared in films including Happy Bhag Jayegi, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, and Salute.

More recently, Diana acted in Detective Sherdil with Diljit Dosanjh, Boman Irani, Chunky Panday and Banita Sandhu. She also featured in the Amazon Prime Video series Do You Wanna Partner, released on September 12, which stars Tamannaah Bhatia and Neeraj Kabi alongside her.

Farah Khan’s visit to Diana Penty’s century-old Mumbai home offered viewers an intimate look at a family property that still keeps its past alive. Her spontaneous Mannat comparison was less about scale and more about admiration for a house that holds memory, history and the quiet dignity of a bygone era.