By Sajila Saseendran www.khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI – He doesn’t need an introduction. But he now has a new address that his fans need to be introduced to. Malayalam matinee idol Mohanlal is set to be the latest Indian celebrity to add the Burj Khalifa tag to his address.
Popularly known as Lalettan, the versatile actor, who already has a villa at Arabian Ranches, is finalising the purchase of a luxury apartment at the world’s tallest building, Khaleej Times has learnt.
Though the deal is still being worked out, we heard that the one-bedroom, 940-square-feet apartment will be bought in the name of his wife Suchitra. Apparently, the luxury villa at Arabian Ranches is also in her name.
Lal’s Burj Khalifa apartment is said to be housed on the 29th floor and has a picturesque view of the dancing fountain. As per the market rates, it would cost nearly Dh2.8million (Rs35 million).
Though sources close to him would not come on record with details, one person at least denied the perception that it was linked to Mohanlal’s 51st birthday that fell on May 21 and said the purchase was an impromptu decision.
According to media reports, members of an online fans association with nearly 200,000 members celebrated the superstar’s birthday with a host of charity programmes in Kerala. In October 2010, Mohanlal had secured a UAE driving licence while he was shooting for the movie Casanova, dubbed to be the most expensive Malayalam film. The yet-to-be-released film also featured Burj Khalifa among other iconic buildings and locations here.
Mohanlal is currently in Dubai with his family and will be attending a star-studded celebrity cricket match in Ras Al Khaimah today. Bollywood actress and reality TV star Shilpa Shetty was gifted a similar apartment in Burj Khalifa by her husband Raj Kundra on their first wedding anniversary in November last year. Several prominent Indian businessmen also in the UAE have also made the tallest skyscraper their home.
