Inside Nayanthara And Vignesh Shivan’s ₹183-Crore World: A 7,000 Sq. Ft Chennai Bungalow, Private Jet, And Luxury Cars

Situated

in the leafy bylanes of Chennai's Venus Colony, is a luxurious mansion that’s less of a house and more of a statement.You read that right! Spread over 7,000 square feet, this colonial bungalow has been given a new look by actor Nayanthara and her husband Vignesh Shivan. What could have been a relic of the past is now a blend of modern elegance and heritage charm. It is a space where carved teakwood pillars hold their own against sleek glass panels, and where sunlit studios spill seamlessly into courtyards.This is not simply a star couple’s house but it is a creative sanctuary that reflects their personalities.

The 40-Day Transformation

The mammoth task of reimagining the colonial gem was entrusted to designer Nikhita Reddy of The Storey Collective. In what could only be described as a design sprint, Reddy and her team conceptualised, sourced, and executed the makeover in just 40 days. “It was essentially a remodelling project,” she explains, “with new terraces added to enhance the functionality while retaining the bungalow’s historic façade.”

For Nayanthara, the emphasis was always on balance. “I wanted to retain the essence of the bungalow while enhancing it with light and openness,” she says. The result is a home that feels as breezy as it does timeless.

Inside the House

Step indoors, and the interiors instantly set a mood—earthy, tactile, and warm. There’s an orchestra of rattan chairs, linen fabrics, woven rugs, and generous teakwood details. Terraces catch the breeze, sunlight comes through wide windows, and the house seems to breathe with the rhythm of the day.

Every corner whispers of South Indian craftsmanship. Hand-carved wooden artefacts, bespoke sculptures, and pottery sourced with care are placed not as decoration, but as part of a larger narrative. Architectural Digest India, which offered a sneak peek, described it aptly: curated, but lived-in.

Not Just a Home, But a Studio

Unlike many celebrity residences that serve as little more than retreats, this bungalow is also a bustling workspace. There are private offices, conference rooms, and meeting areas—spaces that support the couple’s production ventures.

A highlight is Vignesh Shivan’s studio, which opens onto a terrace café lounge. “My most favourite part is Vignesh’s studio along with the terrace café lounge where we host guests regularly,” Nayanthara shares. Glass structures rise dramatically here, adding a modern contrast to the rustic bones of the bungalow.The design sensibility is eclectic yet precise: Bohemian cushions spill across sofas, traditional rugs sit comfortably under chairs, and brass planters add beauty. Even repurposed doors double up as coffee tables. Outdoors, Moroccan-style seating create the perfect ambience for gatherings that last long into the evening.

Furniture With a Story

Nothing in this house is arbitrary. A live-edge dining table from Auroville rests on a stone boulder base with brass inlay, while the entrance to the office is marked by a striking jewel-green door with carved balusters. The lounge wall is an artwork in itself, dressed with Shreenathji Pichwai paintings, wooden collectibles, and antique panels sourced by Nayanthara.It’s a house that doesn’t just showcase design; it tells stories through every object.

Embracing the Outdoors

True to its tropical setting, the bungalow refuses to draw sharp lines between indoors and outdoors. Terraces double as viewing decks, bamboo decks host conversations, and a chikoo tree under a Mangalore-tiled cutout becomes a focal point of calm. As the day unfolds, the house transforms: golden beams filter through in the afternoon, casting a warm, theatrical glow before slipping into the softness of twilight.

The Lifestyle That Complements the Home

Of course, a house this refined mirrors the lifestyle of its owners. Nayanthara, one of South Indian cinema’s most bankable stars, has an estimated net worth of $22 million (approx. ₹183 crore), according to India Today and ABPLive. She reportedly earned ₹10 crore for her role in Jawan.Private Jet: Like Allu Arjun and Chiranjeevi, she owns a jet to keep up with her hectic schedules.Brand Endorsements: Charging about ₹5 crore per brand, she has partnered with Tata Sky, Kay Beauty, and Tanishq.Business Ventures: In 2019, she launched The Lip Balm Company, invested in Chennai-based Chai Wale, and even poured ₹100 crore into the UAE oil sector.Production House: Alongside Shivan, she co-owns Rowdy Pictures, which has backed films like Koozhangal (2021) and Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal (2022).Luxury Cars: Her collection includes a BMW 5 Series, Mercedes GLS 350D, and a BMW 7 Series.