A Welcoming Entry
Shakti Mohan recently opened the doors to her cherished three-story Mumbai residence, a place brimming with cherished memories shared with her sisters
and parents. While her siblings have since embarked on their own journeys, the house, a harmonious blend of opulence and homeliness, remains a testament to their shared past. The tour begins in the inviting living area, characterized by plush, traditional cabriole sofas in warm brown hues. These comfortable seating arrangements are thoughtfully positioned to face a large television, ensuring easy viewing for everyone. Complementing the setup, an air purifier discreetly maintains the ambiance. At the heart of this space, a vintage, square-shaped coffee table displays a collection of plants, a practical napkin holder, and condiment containers, adding a touch of everyday charm to the elegant setting. The living room also features a serene Buddha artwork and smaller statues placed in each corner, contributing to a sense of peace. A framed photograph of her sister Neeti Mohan with her husband, Nihar Pandya, rests on the TV cabinet, a poignant reminder of family bonds. Behind the sofa, another glass-topped table showcases various wooden artifacts, further enhancing the room's traditional aesthetic. Shakti fondly recalls a special moment when the creative directors of Dance India Dance (DID) gifted her an idol of Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose, a memento deeply connected to her passion. The entire area, as Shakti notes, was designed by her parents with distinctive Indian motifs, making it a repository of invaluable personal experiences and a cornerstone of the home's unique character.
Family Dining Space
The dining area within Shakti Mohan's home is designed to accommodate her extended family, which includes eight members along with her two brothers-in-law. This space features a substantial eight-seater dining table, showcasing a modern aesthetic with a glass top supported by a sturdy wooden base. The accompanying chairs are upholstered in neutral tones and feature elegant wooden legs, contributing to a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere. The perimeter of the dining area is enhanced by wooden frames adorned with intricate, traditional Indian patterns, bringing a touch of cultural richness to the contemporary design. These frames are further embellished with vibrantly colored wall hangings, adding pops of color and visual interest. Shakti reflects on the many meals shared at this table, playfully remarking that her sisters have likely spent more time dining there than she has, underscoring the table's role as a hub for family connection and shared experiences. This space is a testament to how functional design can also be deeply infused with personal history and cultural significance, creating an environment where both everyday meals and special family gatherings feel both comfortable and meaningful.
Shakti's Personal Retreat
Ascending to the first floor reveals Shakti Mohan's personal bedroom, a sanctuary designed with a minimalist yet exceptionally comfortable aesthetic. The room is furnished with a sleek white wardrobe and an array of cabinets, neatly organized with stacks of books, hinting at a life of learning and reflection. Adjacent to this, a dedicated TV area includes a convenient table for various items and a comfortable sofa, creating a cozy spot for relaxation or entertainment. The room seamlessly connects to a beautiful balcony, offering a picturesque and serene view, a perfect escape from the bustle of daily life. Shakti mentions that this was her room prior to moving out, and her father has since made it his own, a subtle nod to the evolving dynamics within the family home. The space embodies a sense of calm and personal order, reflecting Shakti's preference for uncluttered environments that foster peace and rejuvenation. It stands as a private haven within the larger family residence, offering a unique perspective on personal space and familial transitions.
The Verdant Terrace Garden
The undeniable highlight of Shakti Mohan's Mumbai residence is her magnificent terrace garden, a breathtaking expanse nurturing over 400 diverse plants. This lush haven, affectionately named 'Mohan Bagaan,' is a vibrant tapestry of flora, featuring everything from the striking purple bougainvillea to a mature chiku tree. This meticulously curated garden provides an unparalleled tranquil setting, ideal for moments of meditation and profound relaxation. Shakti shares a rather dramatic anecdote about her experiences in this garden: she narrowly avoided an attack by vultures and eagles while practicing Savasana, a yoga posture. The birds, mistaking her stillness for vulnerability, began circling her, prompting a swift reaction to shoo them away with her yoga mat. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the garden embodies the therapeutic benefits of horticulture. As Dr. Krithishree Somanna, a Consultant Physiatrist, explains, engaging in gardening significantly helps in alleviating anxiety, tension, and mood disturbances. The act of nurturing plants fosters empathy and cultivates emotional stability. Achieving small gardening milestones, such as a new bloom or a harvested fruit, instills a sense of accomplishment, bolstering self-confidence and reinforcing positive thought patterns. Dr. Somanna further elaborates that the tactile experience of being close to soil and greenery strengthens an individual's sensory connection with nature, akin to mindfulness practices that aid in detaching from daily stressors. Even a compact balcony garden, she notes, can ignite a sense of responsibility, accomplishment, and a profound connection with the natural world. This engagement not only uplifts mood and diminishes negative thoughts but also sharpens attention span and sparks creativity by directing the mind toward a purposeful endeavor. Over time, such consistent engagement supports cognitive functions and may even offer long-term protective effects against cognitive decline, while simultaneously building self-esteem as individuals witness and take pride in their plants' growth.
