While many assume that the most expensive celebrity homes in India belong to Bollywood megastars residing in Mumbai, the title actually belongs to Saif Ali Khan and his ancestral property, the Pataudi Palace in Haryana, valued at an astounding ₹800 crore. This valuation dwarfs even the most opulent Mumbai residences, including Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat (₹200 crore) and Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa (₹120 crore).

The Pataudi Palace, also known as Ibrahim Kothi, is situated in the town of Pataudi, located on the outskirts of Gurugram. Spanning across 10 acres, the palace is a legacy of the Pataudi family, with Saif Ali Khan nominally holding the title of Nawab. His father and grandfather were the titular Nawabs who governed their domain from this very palace. In the 1930s, Saif's grandfather, the former Indian cricketer Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, commissioned British architect Robert Tor Russell to build the palace in the style of European mansions, as he felt his old home was not suitable for his bride, the Begum of Bhopal. The palace has 150 rooms, including luxurious dining halls, billiards rooms, and expansive gardens.

In contrast, Mumbai, the city of Bollywood glamour, is home to several other iconic celebrity residences. For decades, Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa, valued at approximately ₹120 crore, was considered one of the most expensive celebrity homes in Mumbai. Later, Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat became a symbol of luxury and wealth in Bandra. This six-story mansion, with its sea-facing view and 27,000 sq. ft. area, is estimated to be worth over ₹200 crore. Designed by Gauri Khan, Mannat includes a private auditorium, library, and gym.

Recently, a new contender has emerged in Mumbai: the newly constructed residence of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. This multi-story home, built on the land where Raj Kapoor's Krishna Raj bungalow once stood, is reportedly valued at ₹250 crore. The couple is expected to move into the house with their daughter, Raha, and Ranbir's mother, Neetu Kapoor. The Krishna Raj bungalow is a heritage property passed down through generations of the Kapoor family.

Other notable Mumbai celebrity homes include Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone's opulent flat in Beaumonde Towers, valued at ₹119 crore, and Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s sea-facing Juhu home, Kinara, worth ₹100 crore. Hrithik Roshan owns a luxurious apartment named “Paradise” in Juhu, Mumbai worth approximately 67 crores INR.

It is important to note Mukesh Ambani's Antilia, while not a "celebrity home" in the traditional sense, is the most expensive residence in India. Valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore, this 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai is considered the second most expensive home in the world after Buckingham Palace.

Saif Ali Khan's Pataudi Palace stands as a testament to a different kind of legacy, blending royal heritage with modern celebrity status. The palace has also served as a backdrop for various films and shows, including Ranbir Kapoor's "Animal" and Saif's own series, "Tandav". The Pataudi family spends special occasions at the palace, along with extended family.