Designed and redecorated for Hindi cinema’s ultimate superstar, Madhuri Dixit Nene and her husband Dr Nene, this Worli apartment perfectly fits the busy actor’s public persona and work schedule, with bold, attractive, and priceless art-strewn private spaces for the family.

A colourful rug by Jaipur Rugs adds interest to the sprawling living room

Up above on the 29th floor of a Worli highrise, overlooking the luminous city of Mumbai, sits the elegant 5,000 sq ft home of screen legend Madhuri Dixit Nene and her husband, Dr Ram Nene. Since their previous home was inconveniently divided between two levels, they decided to upgrade their new home to fit their growing needs and evolving lifestyle.

A large MF Husain occupies the main dining room wall, while a tinier one next an ornate wood panel adds interest. lyth Design. Photo Danish Hurzook

Bringing in the change, the new home’s movement flow and spatial configuration were revisited, with the aim to achieve a sense of seamlessness all the while maintaining practicality and functionality. Splashes of vibrant colour and bold elements bring out the best in the space, resulting in a pleasant shift from the neutral tones that Madhuri and her husband were accustomed to.

Apoorva Shroff, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Dr Nene. lyth Design. Photo Danish Hurzook

The new design was conceived and executed by Apoorva Shroff of reD Architects, who went on to found lyth Design (with the design team led by Shivam Patel).

View from the dining table, onto the living area. Chandeliers are by Sources Unlimited and White Teak. lyth Design. Photo Danish Hurzook An MF Husain brightens up a wall. Photo by Danish Hurzook

The entry points to the house have been designed to simplify and optimize the circulation of staff and visitors through the home. Upon arrival, one is greeted by an office space that also serves to manage the flow of visitors. The kitchen too has direct access to a staff entrance on one side while connecting to a dining room on the other, keeping in mind quick service. Strategically placed, closer to this side of the house lies the make-up room that doubles as the workspace for the star. At the heart of the home is a cosy den and formal living room, with bedrooms flanking the other side of the house, to ensure complete privacy.

MF Husain's painting forms a backdrop for the baby grand piano. Photo by Danish Hurzook

The living room is designed as an amalgamation of colour. A green veneer wallpaper (by Elementto Lifestyle) offsets the blue suede sofa (furniture is by Defurn, Scarlet Splendour, Viya Home and Sources Unlimited) that sits on a very colourful Manchaha rug by Jaipur Rugs. This contrast in hues is tied together by a round teak centre table, while a tall Burman sculpture defines a quiet corner of the room. (Furnishings are by Embellish.) Antique wood panels balance the gold- studded console sitting adjacent to it in the dining room, creating an opulent but elegant ambience. Artwork by MF Husain and artefacts by Beyond Design embellish this space.

The private TV den. lyth Design. Photo Danish Hurzook

For a family bustling with talent, a corner of the home is dedicated to celebrating the arts. A wall with a collection of musical instruments is set up to look like a stage, forming the backdrop of the den. It has a soft blue textured wallpaper that sets the mood, all the while balancing the room's acoustics in case of an impromptu performance. (Asian Paints colours adorn the walls.)

Madhuri Dixit Nene and her husband Dr Nene. Photo Danish Hurzook

The home was skillfully executed in a challenging span of 45 days and reflects the couple’s glamorous yet elegant persona. As a result, the home is an array of colours and textures that co-exist together, holding their own, yet not screaming for attention.

(All photographs of Ms Madhuri Dixit Nene’s house by Danish Hurzook)