The Yash Birla Group, one of India’s most prominent conglomerates, has established itself across multiple industries, from steel pipes and textiles to electrical appliances and property development. Leading this vast empire is Yashovardhan Birla, who took over at the young age of 23, following the tragic passing of his parents in 1990. Beyond his business acumen, Yash is known for his lavish lifestyle, and among his many prized possessions, his majestic Malabar Hill mansion in Mumbai stands out as an architectural marvel.
In a 2023 episode of Mashable India’s Gate Crashes, Yash Birla gave viewers an exclusive look inside this opulent home, offering a glimpse of its rich history, spiritual significance, and timeless design.
The Birla House, constructed in the 1930s by Rameshwar Das Birla, Yash Birla’s great-grandfather, is located in Malabar Hill, one of Mumbai’s most elite neighbourhoods. The property spans approximately 5,412 square meters and boasts mythological paintings, grand statues, and antique pillars at the entrance.
Yash revealed that this mansion has been a historical landmark, hosting some of India’s most influential leaders. A special room in the house is dedicated to these political icons, filled with framed pictures and memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and other key figures. According to Yash, the freedom movement often saw prominent leaders gathering at his home, making it more than just a place of residence—it’s a living legacy of India’s past.
One of the most striking rooms in the mansion is a preserved space with century-old artifacts, including a carpeted floor and 90-year-old sofas. This room serves as a spiritual retreat for the Birla family, who use it for satsangs (prayer gatherings) and poojas. The walls are adorned with pristine white decor and framed portraits of Yash’s late family members, including his grandmother Gopikumari Birla, father Ashok Birla, mother Sunanda Birla, and sister Sujata Birla.
As Yash takes viewers further into the house, he shares an intriguing revelation—the space now used as a living room was once occupied by Mahatma Gandhi and was where Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away.
A significant part of the mansion is its sprawling lawn, which features a white marble temple at the centre. The temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu and a Narmadeshwar Shivling, reflecting Yash’s deep-rooted belief in spirituality. The Birla family has long followed traditions where they gathered for prayers and meals in the adjacent dining area, he said.
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Despite its rich history, the Birla House is not without modern amenities. Yash, known for his fitness enthusiasm, has a fully-equipped gym on the terrace of the mansion. Interestingly, some of the gym equipment is over 20 years old, he revealed.
The mansion also boasts an intricately designed lift, with Gods carved on its entrance, reflecting the fusion of luxury and devotion that defines Yash’s home.
