Dev Anand’s Iconic Juhu Bungalow: A Legacy of Mystery and Solitude
Dev Anand, the legendary Bollywood actor, passed away at the age of 88 in 2011. His iconic Juhu bungalow, a symbol of his success and style, stood still alongside him. His son Suniel was living in the US, and his wife and daughter were in Ooty, leaving no one to take care of the property.
Dev Anand, known for his iconic roles and larger-than-life persona, debuted in 1946 with "Hum Ek Hain," a film about Hindu-Muslim unity. He gained widespread recognition with "Ziddi" (1948) and "Baazi" (1951). Over the years, he starred in numerous top-grossing Indian films.
Dev Anand’s Juhu bungalow in Mumbai was a testament to his success, standing tall amidst the wilderness. He built it in Iris Park in 1950, along with his wife Kalpana Kartik and their children Suniel and Devina. Unlike other celebrities who showcased their luxurious homes on magazine covers, Dev Anand maintained the mystery of his bungalow, rarely allowing photographs to circulate.
As Juhu’s popularity grew, Dev Anand felt the charm of his home was lost. He once said, "It’s not the same beach anymore. Often I have to drive past quietly and tell the watchmen not to let people know I’m in." When Juhu’s popularity rose, Dev Anand decided to sell the bungalow, which was part of his superstardom.
The Juhu bungalow was sold for a staggering Rs 350-400 crores and is now set to become a 22-storey tower. While reports suggest a 22-storey tower is standing in place of his home, it does little to diminish the legacy of the superstar and his iconic bungalow.
Dev Anand’s Juhu bungalow wasn’t just iconic because it was the first bungalow in Juhu; it was also the first bungalow owned by an actor. Despite the change, his legacy and style remain intact.
Reference : https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-inside-dev-anand-iconic-juhu-home-first-bungalow-to-be-owned-by-any-actor-sold-for-rs-400-crores-will-now-be-turned-into-3148455
