The Billionaire’s Address Book

By: Pooja Prabbhan Srijith

There’s often an unspoken spark of intrigue associated with the lives and homes of India’s billionaires. If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: What do they do differently from us? In the world of design, that curiosity translates into a rather noteworthy question—what goes into designing the tranquil spaces that some of India’s uber-wealthy call home? 

“Designing for public figures is always an immersive experience because their homes are both private sanctuaries and public symbols,” shares Gauri Khan, Founder of Gauri Khan Designs, adding, “One of my fondest memories is working on a project where the brief was deeply personal—full of childhood references, travel memories, and a deep love for art. The client wasn’t just looking for luxury; they wanted the space to reflect their journey.” 

The celebrated designer’s studio—credited with designing the homes of some of India’s biggest stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, besides her husband Shah Rukh Khan —follows a bespoke, holistic model. “The idea is to offer clients a personalised and focused design journey—from concept to execution. We take on select projects each year, allowing us to maintain the level of customisation and creative attention that defines our work.” Khan’s Experience Centre in Delhi offers a glimpse into her studio’s curated luxe aesthetic and serves as an inspiring starting point for clients to envision their own spaces. “Timelines and project scopes vary, but our priority is always to create thoughtful, refined spaces that reflect the client’s individuality,” she says. 

Customisation Reigns Supreme 

Beyond aesthetics, objets d’art, and the bells and whistles of modern-day luxury, most elite homes are crafted with a signature appeal—mirroring a design language inspired by the homeowners’ personalities. Ashiesh Shah, Principal and Founder of Atelier Ashiesh Shah, echoes this philosophy. “Signature is important, but most HNIs have one request in common—customisation. We keep our work private. It’s never personalised. For our actor clients, for instance, every home we’ve designed includes a digitised walk-in wardrobe and a separate dance studio tailored to their fitness routines,” he shares. The atelier, which operates as a mid-sized boutique firm, is private up to capacity. “We work on homes and spaces that are 5,000 sq.ft. and upwards. The pricing is as sweet as it gets!” 

Reminiscing about one of his favourite projects—Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan’s residence in Mumbai—Shah adds, “He’s very friendly and easy-going but knows exactly what he wants. Our rapport goes beyond the usual client equation. I believe offering a creative professional freedom goes a long way in making a design successful. In this case, Hrithik’s warm and accommodating nature made the entire process feel seamless. The home isn’t maximalist—it’s deeply customised, memory-filled, and energetic.” 

While the rich and famous may not think too differently from the rest of us when designing their dream homes, a few specific features consistently appear: intimate corners despite the grand scale, custom Italian recliners for reading nooks, wellness zones that double as spa retreats, and hidden screening rooms with advanced acoustic engineering. 

Echoing this is Nikunj Shah, Promoter at Sources Unlimited, who recalls a sprawling Mumbai penthouse designed for a Bollywood star. “The brief was clear: contemporary minimalism with a nod to Indian heritage. We collaborated with a local architect to blend sleek European pieces—think Minotti sofas and Flos pendant lights—with intricate Indian antiques. The standout was a dining area with a Rimadesio glass table and a vintage F&C Osler chandelier. It blended European precision with old-world Calcutta charm. The client loved how the space felt both global and deeply personal—an elegant sanctuary that didn’t scream ‘celebrity.’” Falgun Shroff, Co-founder and Promoter at Sources Unlimited, further adds, “We’ve even been asked to create a ‘no-screen zone’—a completely analog residence with zero digital interference. Everything from lighting to music was mechanical or analog, and we sourced bespoke audio equipment from a niche Swiss brand. These challenges push us to reimagine what luxury means in today’s digital world.” 

Celebrity Briefs? Expect the Unexpected! 

“Designing for high-net-worth clients always brings unique—and sometimes surprising—briefs. Whether it’s a soundproof meditation room, a private screening lounge with customised acoustics, or an in-bedroom bar carved from rare marble, every request reflects a deeply personal vision of luxury,” shares Gauri Khan. 

Ashiesh Shah recalls one of the most unusual client requests he’s ever received: a mini apartment for the family’s dog. “There are many interesting stories, but one of the quirkiest was a client who wanted a dedicated spa area and a full mini pad for their dog—it became a family favourite!” 

Falgun Shroff remembers an equally niche request: “A climate-controlled walk-in humidor that doubled as a tasting room for Cuban cigars and rare whiskies!” he laughs. “Another client requested a floating meditation room suspended over a koi pond—entirely soundproof, with Zen-inspired furniture custom-made in Japan and assembled on-site by artisans flown in especially for the project.” 

Beyond Spaces—Curating Experiences 

Think: integrated scent diffusers, bespoke lighting moods for different times of day, or concealed tech that reveals itself only when needed. Opulin signature corners are gaining momentum in luxury homes. “Our accessories brand allows us to create vignettes that clients can instantly visualise and own—making luxury both tactile and accessible,” says Shroff. 

Legacy integration is another key mandate for the design studio’s high-end clientielle who would want to incorporate heirlooms or legacy pieces. “We often build narratives around them—be it through custom cabinetry, story-driven installations, or materials that honor generational memories. Our signature lies in merging European sensibility with Indian ethos. Whether sourcing a limited-edition armchair from Milan or commissioning an artisanal wall finish from Rajasthan, every element contributes to a larger narrative,” he adds. 

Business Models, Ticket Sizes, and Waiting Lists 

“We’re a boutique firm with a medium-scale office, working on homes that are 5,000 sq. ft. and above. As an atelier, our focus has always been on offering high personalisation to select clients. We prioritise quality over quantity—and only take on as much as we can privately manage. The price is as sweet as it gets!” laughs Shroff. 

“At Sources Unlimited, we work at the intersection of luxury sourcing and design consultancy. Our model includes everything from curating the world’s most exclusive brands to delivering turnkey interior services in collaboration with top architects and designers,” he adds. “We typically work on 12–15 homes a year, and often have a 6–9 month waiting list for full-scale interior projects. Our accessories division, Opulin, helps bridge that gap by offering quicker access to high-end accents.” 

For Sarah Sham, Principal Designer of Essajees Atelier, the business model is equally streamlined. “We follow a strict zero-commission policy. We only take on a limited number of projects—of a certain size and budget—and we’re highly selective about what we take up.” 

Ultimately, the goal remains the same: to craft emotionally resonant, visually spectacular spaces—homes that feel deeply personal yet universally elegant. 

Read the decor issue here.