A Welcoming Living Area
The heart of Shakti Mohan's Mumbai home begins with a cozy living area, designed with a touch of traditional charm. Plush, brown cabriole sofas create
an inviting atmosphere, perfectly positioned for enjoying entertainment on a large television. An air purifier ensures a fresh environment, enhancing the comfort of the space. At the center of this area, a vintage, square-shaped table serves as a functional centerpiece, adorned with a selection of plants and everyday necessities like a napkin box and condiment containers. Adding to the spiritual ambiance are a prominent Buddha frame and small statues placed in each corner, fostering a sense of peace. Family memories are visibly present, with a photograph of Neeti Mohan and her husband, Nihar Pandya, displayed on the TV cabinet. Further enhancing the traditional aesthetic, the area behind the sofa features another glass table complemented by intricately carved wooden pieces. The home's design, a collaboration between Shakti's parents, showcases Indian patterns throughout, making this space a repository of significant family moments. Notably, the living area also holds a special memento for Mukti Mohan, a dancing Lord Ganesha idol gifted by the creative team of 'Dance India Dance' (DID), representing a cherished memory.
Elegant Dining Space
The dining area in Shakti Mohan's home is a testament to understated elegance, designed to accommodate the entire family. It features a spacious eight-seater glass-topped dining table, supported by a robust wooden base. The accompanying chairs are upholstered in neutral tones and rest on sleek wooden legs, embodying a minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic. The sides of the dining space are further enhanced by wooden frames showcasing intricate Indian patterns, a recurring motif that highlights the home's cultural roots. These frames are beautifully complemented by vibrant, colorful wall hangings, adding a lively contrast to the predominantly neutral palette. Shakti fondly recalls the many meals shared at this table, humorously noting that her sisters likely spent more time eating there than she did, underscoring the area's role as a central hub for family connection and shared experiences.
Shakti's Personal Sanctuary
Ascending to the first floor reveals Shakti Mohan's personal den, a room that embodies a minimalist and comforting design philosophy. The space is characterized by a pristine white wardrobe and accompanying cabinets, thoughtfully arranged with a collection of books, reflecting her intellectual pursuits. Adjacent to this, a dedicated TV area features a table for miscellaneous items, accompanied by a comfortable sofa, creating a relaxed zone for leisure. This personal sanctuary extends to a beautiful balcony, offering a picturesque view that provides a serene escape. Shakti shared that this room was originally hers before she moved out, and it has since been occupied by her father, indicating a thoughtful redistribution of space that respects family needs while retaining a sense of personal history within the home.
The Lush Terrace Garden
The undeniable highlight of Shakti Mohan's residence is her expansive terrace garden, affectionately known as 'Mohan Bagaan.' This verdant oasis is home to an astonishing collection of over 400 plants, ranging from vibrant purple bougainvillaea to a mature chiku tree, creating a truly immersive natural environment. This lush space is intentionally cultivated as a tranquil area for meditation and relaxation, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life. Shakti recounted a memorable and slightly alarming incident that occurred while she was practicing savasana, a yoga posture, in the garden. She was almost attacked by vultures and eagles, who, mistaking her stillness for incapacitation, began circling overhead. Reacting quickly, Shakti stood up and used her yoga mat to shoo them away, a testament to the wildness and authenticity of her urban sanctuary. The therapeutic benefits of such a garden are further emphasized by Dr. Krithishree Somanna, a Consultant Physiatrist, who notes that gardening significantly reduces anxiety and mood disturbances. Nurturing plants fosters empathy and emotional stability, while small achievements like blooms or harvests build confidence and reinforce positive thoughts. Connecting with soil and greenery enhances sensory engagement with nature, serving as a form of mindfulness that alleviates daily stress. Even a small balcony garden can cultivate responsibility, a sense of accomplishment, and a deeper connection with nature, improving mood, reducing negative thoughts, and boosting attention span and creativity. This engagement supports cognitive function and may have long-term benefits in preventing cognitive decline, simultaneously building self-esteem as individuals take pride in nurturing growth.
