‘This home we built 17 years ago is a true labor of love’: Inside Suniel Shetty’s farmhouse in Khandala, where Athiya-KL Rahul got married | Lifestyle News

Actor Suniel Shetty opened the doors to his serene Khandala retreat once, offering a heartfelt tour of the home he built with his wife Mana nearly two decades ago. Nestled in lush greenery and infused with earthy textures, the home is a soulful reflection of the star — not just the actor, but the father, son, and husband.
“When you’re building a home, it’s all about passion. Only if you create magic at home can you create that magic outside. Only if you’re happy at home will you be happy outside. Home is about being happy, being able to do what I want to do, and being able to be who I am,” says Shetty, setting the tone for a space that is less about luxury and more about authenticity.
The actor warmly invites viewers into his world through Asian Paints’ “Where The Heart Is” series, beginning the tour introducing his favourite corner — which he fondly calls My Space. “The beauty for me is the high ceiling — something I’ve always wanted. From the exteriors to the interiors, there are earthy textures, rust, green, and browns. I’m obsessed with plants, nature, and wood,” he shares. The home is drenched in natural light, allowing the indoor greenery to thrive — a design element he clearly holds close to his heart.

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In the dining area — described as “every Mangalorean’s favourite room” — meals become memories under a roof that opens to the stars. “The skies here are clear, the nights gorgeous,” Shetty adds. Having worked with top cinematographers and art directors, the actor says he’s incorporated cinematic sensibilities into the design, giving his home an artic warmth that reflects the world of film without feeling staged.
A standout feature of the home is the den — a personal escape from Mumbai’s hustle. “The minute I enter, it’s mine. Nothing stresses me out here,” he reveals. Shetty has even used the natural contour of the land, building around boulders and rocks already present on the property. “It reminds us of the land as it once was,” he explains.
He introduces a space he lovingly calls the “pre-climax” — a large, nature-filled area that sets the stage for the home’s climax: the ultimate outdoor retreat. “It’s all about nature, sustainability, protecting the environment, and creating a world of your own,” Shetty says.
The couple’s connection to their roots in Mangalore is deeply embedded in the home’s essence. “I’m reliving my childhood in every possible way,” he shares, reflecting on the memories his son Ahan is now creating there. Incidentally, the home was also the venue for Athiya Shetty’s nuptials to KL Rahul.Story continues below this ad
The home’s name, Jan — suggested Suniel’s father — means “the world, the universe, heaven on Earth.” It’s a fitting title for a space that blends emotion, memory, and nature into one cohesive sanctuary.
Mana Shetty echoes his sentiment: “This home we built 17 years ago is a true labor of love. None of us imagined it would turn out so beautiful — for our kids, for our family. It’s been so fruitful, so gratifying. I just feel true gratitude.”
Suniel also reflected on how the home allows him to stay grounded:“This space allows me to be myself — to think, to respect, to salute the work of others, and to respect myself. If you don’t do that, you can’t stand tall in life.”