Kangana Ranaut recently sold her controversial Pali Hill bungalow in Bandra, Mumbai, for ₹32 crore. Originally purchased in 2017 for ₹20.7 crore, the property came under scrutiny in 2020 when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) partially demolished it, citing illegal construction. The demolition was stopped by a court order, and Kangana later dropped her legal claim against the BMC. The bungalow was used as the office for her production company, Manikarnika Films, and was sold to Shweta Bathija of Kamalini Holdings. Kangana also took a ₹27 crore loan against the property in 2022. The sale occurred amid delays in her upcoming film “Emergency”. Kangana’s bungalow gained significant media attention in 2020 when the BMC accused her of unauthorized structural changes. This incident occurred at the height of her public dispute with the Maharashtra government and Bollywood personalities, which was marked by her vocal criticism of Mumbai police and the administration. The controversy escalated when the BMC demolished parts of her office without prior notice, prompting a legal battle. Kangana alleged that the action was politically motivated, given her ongoing disputes with the Shiv Sena-led government at the time.
Kangana filed a case against the BMC, demanding ₹2 crore as compensation for the damages. However, the legal process was protracted, involving several court hearings where Kangana’s team argued that the demolition was unjust and carried out with malicious intent. The Bombay High Court initially stayed the demolition, stating that the BMC’s actions appeared to be more of a reaction to Kangana’s outspoken criticism of the government rather than a standard procedure for unauthorized construction. The court also criticized the BMC for not following due process and failing to issue a proper notice. After several months, Kangana decided to withdraw her compensation claim in May 2023, citing her desire to move past the conflict and focus on her work. Financially, Kangana’s sale of the property was a strategic move, considering the legal troubles and the mortgage she took against it. In December 2022, she secured a ₹27 crore loan from ICICI Bank, leveraging the property as collateral. The bungalow itself covered a built-up area of 3,075 sq ft with an additional 565 sq ft allocated for parking. The property’s prime location in Pali Hill, one of Mumbai’s most sought-after neighborhoods, contributed to its high market value despite the previous controversies. The transaction was finalized on September 5, 2024, with a stamp duty of ₹1.92 crore and a registration fee of ₹30,000. The buyer, Shweta Bathija, a partner at Kamalini Holdings, became the new owner of this high-profile property. Kangana’s decision to sell the bungalow comes at a time when she is heavily invested in her upcoming film, “Emergency.” This political biographical drama, which she wrote, directed, and stars in, has faced delays due to certification issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The sale of the property might also signify her intention to distance herself from past controversies and focus on her future projects. Kangana has often been in the spotlight for her outspoken nature, and the sale of this bungalow marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in her life. It also serves as a reminder of the intersection of personal, professional, and political realms in the lives of public figures like her. The controversy surrounding Kangana’s bungalow is emblematic of larger issues involving celebrity rights, government actions, and the use of public office for perceived personal vendettas. The incident has sparked debates on freedom of speech, the role of the state in regulating private property, and the impact of political biases on governance. Kangana’s legal battle against the BMC is seen as a significant case that tested the limits of municipal powers and underscored the need for impartiality in government actions, especially against high-profile individuals. For Kangana, the sale of the property for ₹32 crore not only brought closure to a contentious issue but also allowed her to move forward without the lingering burden of past conflicts. This sale could potentially pave the way for new investments by Kangana, possibly aligned with her expanding roles as an actress, producer, and director in the Indian film industry. Real estate portal Zapkey. ₹1.92 crore was paid towards stamp duty and another ₹30,000 for registration silence her (for her political remarks). The actress, however, did not claim compensation from the civic body, claiming she did not want to use taxpayers’ money.