Kundapura, Karnataka—where the sea breeze from Maravanthe meets coastal mystique—is home to one of India’s most unique celebrity residences: the Rs 12-crore mansion of actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty. Famed for his cinematic powerhouse Kantara, Shetty has created a living space that mirrors his deep-rooted storytelling—where every detail, from ancient bells to Dolby Atmos sound, is a scene in itself.
The Address: A Story Begins at the Gate
Located in Kundapura, Udupi district, the plot once housed areca palm plantations owned by Shetty’s ancestors. A single palm still stands in the backyard like a silent family flagpole—symbolic, sacred, and stubborn.
Architectural Soul: Rustic Meets Regal
Stepping into the house is like entering a living screenplay. Wide laterite steps, Burma-teak doors, and a temple bell welcome guests. Directors are often asked to ring it—a quirky initiation Shetty calls his “script alarm.”
The central atrium showcases a massive granite tulasi katta, surrounded by collectibles including:
- Yakshagana headgear
- A cricket bat autographed by Yuvraj Singh
- The rifle prop from Kantara
Secret Easter egg? Step on a black stone in the northeast corner, and for seven seconds, the Bhoota Kola chant plays in surround sound.
Screening Room with Spiritual Tech
The living room transforms into a screening hall with a 150-inch retractable screen, Italian leather recliners, and a Mangalorean-tile chandelier. The projector? It’s nicknamed Seleyaraya after a spirit from Kantara—“the guardian of every frame.”
Garage Goals: Tradition on Wheels
Rishab’s vehicle collection includes:
- Audi Q7 (Rs 83 lakh): A gift to his wife, affectionately called the “cloud-car”
- Mahindra Thar (2021): His off-roading beast for location scouting
- Jeep Compass Trailhawk (2020): His city commuter
- Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: A long-cherished dream bike
Quirky detail: Each vehicle’s horn is tuned to a folk rhythm—the Q7 plays Bhoota Kola, and the Thar belts out tiger-dance beats. Traffic cops are confused—and entertained.
The Earning Engine
- Film Fees: Rs 4 crore per acting role
- Directorial Profits: Confidential but substantial
- Kantara Back-End Bonus: Rs 20 crore reportedly
- Brand Deals: From Karnataka Bank to local jaggery—only brands with “regional soul”
- Eco-Homestays: Weekend “Kantara Trails” packages on ancestral land
Net worth estimate: Around Rs 12 crore, rising fast with ongoing projects.
Office Vibes: Creative Chaos Meets Coconut Water
His production house, just 10 km away, is in a renovated rice mill with:
- Hammocks instead of office chairs
- Birdcall “sound walks” to start meetings
- Open-plan jali walls and brick textures for natural light and inspiration
Room Highlights
- Kitchen: Black-stone counters seasoned with homemade coconut oil
- Awards Alley: Trophies hidden across the house—Filmfare next to the washbasin is a guest favorite
- Library Loft: 1,200+ books, from folklore to Stephen King thrillers
- Rain Room: A glass-walled monsoon-view zone for scriptwriting during storms
Security Meets Sentiment
- Facial recognition cameras guard the home
- “Yaksha,” a retired police dog, roams the estate
- Visitors must deposit phones in brass lockers—rewarded with betel-nut candy
Fun Facts
- Wi-Fi password changes monthly to a Kantara dialogue
- Roof tiles are numbered to trace monsoon leaks
- Every Sunday, Rishab cooks kori gassi for his team
Final Frame
More than a luxurious mansion, Rishab Shetty’s home is a cinematic homage to his roots—every wall whispers a story, every gadget echoes a myth. It’s proof that when a storyteller builds his sanctuary, every stone can become a scene.
