Remember these houses from ’90s Bollywood films?

It is impossible for anyone following ’90s Bollywood to not recognize these familiar-looking houses that pop up in several movies from that era.

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House No. 1

This bungalow’s well-ventilated, spacious hall — with two sets of winding wooden stairs on either side connecting to its first floor — has been a part of many memorable scenes. Spotting this room in movies joins my list of favourite filmi quirks.

It’s a witness to Amar-Prem & Co’s mad antics in Andaz Apna Apna (1994).

Raju’s reward for his professional success in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992).

With a little — sometimes significant — change(s) to its decor, the room transforms each time to host a new story and players.

In Chandni (1989), soft lighting with lamps lends intimacy to it.

In Saajan (1991), Akash (Salman Khan) sees Pooja (Madhuri Dixit) in his house and goes berserk.

The dramatic wedding sequence in Deewana (1992).

It also became Dr Asthana’s residence in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003).

Called the Poonawala Bungalow, this is a famous filming location in Madh Island, Mumbai and continues to be in demand for feature and ad films. It’s also known as the Asija Bungalow post a change in ownership some years ago.

You can read more about the Poonawala Bungalow and other popular filmi houses in and around Mumbai in this lovely, detailed Indian Express article.

House No. 2

This massive bungalow with an intricate spiral staircase and water fountain at its entrance was seen in Dil Tera Aashiq (1993) and Shola Aur Shabnam (1992).

Though the most recognized scene against this backdrop would be Satish Kaushik’s introduction as the goofy gangster, Pappu Pager in Deewana Mastana (1997).

This sprawling 6-BHK bungalow called Mayur Mahal is located in Juhu, Mumbai and is considered a premium property in the real estate market.

House No. 3

This house with a patterned wood partition at its entrance was my favourite villain ka ghar from the Nineties.

In Swarg (1990), all the machinations by Paresh Rawal’s Dhanraj happen in this house.

Ishrat Ali witnessing something sinister in Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1994).

I couldn’t locate any details about this house. Since most movies it features in credit Filmistan Studio as the shooting location, it’s possible that this could be a film set. Of course, a confirmation would be great.

House No. 4

This bungalow from Khiladi (1992) can be identified by its distinct staircase design.

A roomier view of the same hall in Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1994).

Going by its expanse, it’s likely this is also one of the resorts / holiday homes around Mumbai.

Update: As reader Qasim Ali rightly points out in the comments, it’s the BB Nair Bungalow in Madh Island.

The mansion’s characteristic stairs are a giveaway.

House No. 5

The house with the running horses artwork.

Recently, a discussion on Twitter about random animal posters seen in Hindi films led to some brainstorming about this bungalow which was a familiar sight in multiple Hindi films of the early ’90s.

As seen in Yalgaar (1992) | Krantiveer (1994) – h/t @rajitsingh | Chamatkar (1992) – h/t @PrernaRupani

Chandivali Studios, Essel Studios, and Nadiadwala Bungalow are the names in common that have been credited as shooting locations in most of the films this ‘ghodon waala ghar’ features in, it looks unlikely to be a film set. So in all probability this could be the Nadiadwala Bungalow.

Anyone objecting to this conclusion, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Screen grabs from Veergati (1995)

House No. 6

The Hum Aapke Hain Koun bungalow.

The exterior of this sprawling bungalow has been a familiar sight in several Hindi films of the ’80s and ’90s—most famously as Prem, Rajesh, and Tuffy’s house in Hum Aapke Hain Koun! (1994).

In the previous decade it was best remembered as the famed Verma mansion in the reincarnation-revenge drama, Karz (1980).

The property happens to be the Arranmore Palace in Ooty. Built by Maharaja of Jodhpur as his summer home, it now happens to be government guesthouse called Tamizhagam. The place continues to be a popular shooting location and enjoys wide curiosity among cine fans.

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