Building homes is what real estate magnate Vikas Oberoi is known for, and his wife, Gayatri Oberoi, a former model and actor who played the character Geeta opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Swades (2004), has always brought a quiet glamour to every world she’s occupied—on or off screen. The couple has finally moved into their dream home located by the sea in Juhu, Mumbai.
Designed by AD100 Italia architect Piero Lissoni, the nine-storey structure that hugs the coast is nothing short of a contemporary mansion, with two entrances and a circular driveway. And, of course, there are two staircases—Lissoni is known for his sculptural staircases—one connects the public areas of the house and the other is reserved for private spaces. As Lissoni says, “It’s a large home but every corner is designed with intention. I’m a bit of a staircase fanatic—there’s one for public use and one for private, each with its own architectural identity.”
Known for his elegant modernism and masterful use of light and space, Lissoni’s portfolio is extensive. The art director of Alpi, Bo, Living Divani, Lualdi, Porro and Sanlorenzo, he has also designed for Cassina, Kartell and Cappellini, among others. His hospitality projects—like the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam and The Middle House in Shanghai—are celebrated for their cool restraint and detailed craftsmanship.
As the vision for the home began to crystallise in 2015, Gayatri and Vikas set out to find an architect whose philosophy aligned instinctively with their own. Lissoni was a natural fit. From the iconic hotels they adored to the refined environments he has shaped for Audemars Piguet, Lissoni’s work had long been an unspoken part of their aesthetic vocabulary. “We’ve always connected with the purity and poetry of his design,” Gayatri says. “His understanding of materiality, light and proportion feels effortless yet deeply intelligent.”
The layout of the house follows a thoughtful flow: the two basement levels are reserved for parking and fitness (there’s a dedicated floor for the gym, spa and a 12-seater private cinema), while the ground floor to the third floor are designed for entertaining. “We hosted a sit-down dinner for 65 people in early 2025 for the Epic Foundation, which supports NGOs in India,” Gayatri shares. “We raised funds for three organisations. It was one of those nights where everything flowed just right.”
The design approach was very collaborative between the couple, with Vikas focusing on the layout and Gayatri focusing on the interiors. “Vikas always said the house should run like a boutique hotel—and initially, I hated that comparison,” she says. “It’s a home, not a hotel! But in function, it truly does run that efficiently.” Gayatri, who is also a design curator within her husband’s company, Oberoi Realty, deeply values the harmony between form, function and aesthetics.
The grand salon, the main entertainment area and one of the focal features of the house, includes a Molteni kitchen in full view—an intentional choice by Vikas. “He was very clear with Piero from day one: ‘I want to invite international chefs. I want to host charity dinners and open great wine’,” Gayatri recalls. From the third floor upwards, the house transitions to private living areas, with a more relaxed family lounge and a rooftop infinity pool that seems to spill into the Arabian Sea. Inside, the interiors reflect their shared aesthetic: a muted palette of woods, marble and textured neutrals with some pop of colour. “Both of us are drawn to natural materials—with the occasional burst of something vibrant,” she says. Despite the scale of the house— approximately 75,000 square feet—it is designed for real family living. Lissoni adds, “I like to say it’s a house designed for life: where private and social spaces coexist, where the interiors don’t shout, but whisper. The idea was not to create a statement house, but a home with soul.”
Some of the walls are still in need of art. “I never wanted to take on that pressure of filling every wall. As the house came along and we travelled, we started picking up pieces we loved. Everything has been collected in the last five to seven years, during our travels as well as auctions.” Among her growing collection are works by artists like Ravinder Reddy, MF Husain and Manjit Bawa. Her contemporary yet eclectic taste is evident in the objects in the house. “I’ve mixed antiques with African artefacts, mid-century Brazilian furniture, even Oriental elements like Chinese porcelain. There’s a lot of contemporary international art, and a bit of Indian art too. It’s a real mix that continues to grow.”
There is a deep sense of pride and joy when Gayatri Oberoi speaks about the home, which stands as a serene testament to the Oberois’ shared vision of meaningful, modern living. Next up? A home in Alibag and another collaboration with Lissoni—this time for the interiors of the upcoming Ritz-Carlton hotel in Worli, Mumbai. “Lissoni has become like a family member,” she concludes.
