In a significant real estate transaction, Apco Infratech Private Limited, a leading infrastructure company, has purchased a luxurious triplex apartment worth ₹172 crore in the redeveloped property that once housed Dilip Kumar’s iconic bungalow in Mumbai’s Pali Hill area.
The 9,527 sq ft triplex, spread across the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors of the project named “The Legend” by Black Rock, a subsidiary of the Ashar Group, was sold at a record-breaking rate of ₹1.62 lakh per sq ft. This deal marks one of the highest per sq ft transactions in the recent history of the Mumbai real estate market.
The redevelopment project, announced by the Ashar Group in 2023, aims to transform the legendary actor’s former residence into a high-end residential complex featuring 4 and 5-BHK luxury apartments, including duplex units. The project will also house a 2,000 sq ft museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Dilip Kumar.
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Dilip Kumar’s Bungalow: A Bollywood Icon’s Legacy
Dilip Kumar, one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema, acquired the expansive bungalow in Pali Hill, a prime locality in Mumbai’s Bandra district, in 1953. The property, spanning 2,000 square metres, has been a symbol of the area’s celebrity connections for many years.
In 2006, Dilip Kumar entered into an agreement with two developers to redevelop the bungalow, but the arrangement was terminated in 2015 due to conflicts. Subsequently, in March 2016, he established a new development agreement with Black Rock, a subsidiary of the Ashar Group, which is now overseeing the construction of the luxury building.
Pali Hill: A Coveted Address for Bollywood Stars
Pali Hill has long been a sought-after address for Bollywood celebrities and high-net-worth individuals. The area is known for its luxurious housing projects, with per sq ft rates ranging from ₹1 lakh and above. In addition to Dilip Kumar’s former residence, Pali Hill has been home to several other Bollywood stars, including the late Sunil and Nargis Dutt, the late Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Gulzar, Imran Khan, Aamir Khan, and Sanjay Dutt.
Recently, cricketer KL Rahul and his wife Athiya Suneil Shetty, daughter of Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, purchased an apartment in Pali Hill for ₹20 crore. Aamir Khan, another prominent Bollywood figure, has also added a luxury property in Pali Hill to his real estate portfolio.
Dilip Kumar’s Ancestral Home in Pakistan Faces Neglect
While Dilip Kumar’s former residence in Mumbai undergoes a transformation, his ancestral home in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has fallen into disrepair. The house, located in Mohallah Khudadad at the back of the historic Qissa Khwani Bazar in Peshawar city, was declared a national heritage monument by the Pakistani government in 2014.
Despite being the birthplace of the legendary actor, who spent his initial 12 years there before moving to India in 1932, the house has been severely damaged by recent rains. Shakeel Waheedullah Khan, Secretary of the Heritage Council KPK province, expressed grave concern over the government’s neglect of this national asset.
Dilip Kumar’s Property Dispute Resolved by Supreme Court
In 2017, the Supreme Court of India intervened in a property dispute involving Dilip Kumar and Prajita Developers Pvt Ltd. The actor had entered into an agreement with the firm for developing his property in Pali Hill, measuring 2,412 square yards.
The dispute arose when no construction was undertaken, and the veteran actor wanted the plot back, as its possession was with the firm. The Supreme Court ordered Dilip Kumar to deposit ₹20 crore in the form of a demand draft within four weeks, after which the firm would withdraw all security personnel and hand over the possession of the property.
The apex court also appointed former Supreme Court judge Justice P Venkatarama Reddy as an arbitrator to decide whether Prajita was entitled to any additional damages apart from the ₹20 crore.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of Dilip Kumar’s iconic bungalow in Pali Hill marks a significant chapter in the area’s history. The transformation of the legendary actor’s former residence into a luxurious residential complex, complete with a museum dedicated to his legacy, is a testament to his enduring impact on Indian cinema.
While the Pali Hill property undergoes a remarkable makeover, the neglect of Dilip Kumar’s ancestral home in Pakistan serves as a poignant reminder of the need to preserve the heritage and memories associated with iconic figures. As the real estate landscape in Mumbai continues to evolve, the sale of the triplex apartment for a record-breaking price underscores the enduring appeal of Pali Hill as a coveted address for Bollywood stars and high-net-worth individuals alike.