SOLEUS, SOUTH MUMBAI'S FAVOURITE FITNESS STUDIO, IS A HIDDEN GEM IN THE HISTORIC ART DECO BUILDING OF DHANRAJ MAHAL.

Of all the art deco buildings in Mumbai, Dhanraj Mahal in Colaba stands out for its size and scale.

- TEXT: GAYATRI RANGACHARI SHAH

Originally a royal residence built for Maharaja Narsingir Dhanrajgir Gyan Bahadur of Hyderabad between 1935 and 1938, the building reflects the curved façades, geometric patterns and spacious interiors typical of the art deco style. Designed by prominent Mumbai-based architects Thomas Gregson, Claude Batley and Henry Foster King of Gregson, Batley & King, the building is striking due to its pink stone, grand entry and vast internal courtyard surrounded by residences and offices. Today, it houses tenants like Jaipur's The Gem Palace and the auction house Christie's alongside spacious homes. Descendants of the royal family still live there. The building functions as a major landmark in the historic Colaba area.