The Mysterious Influence of Vastu and Feng Shui

Believers of vastu and feng shui swear by the notion that the construction and layout of a house can significantly impact one’s fortune. While some dismiss these beliefs as mere superstitions, many still hold firm to their convictions. A peculiar tale from Mumbai sheds light on this debate, revolving around a bungalow that allegedly brought misfortune to not one, but three Bollywood superstars.

The Origin of Aashirwad

Nestled in the posh locality of Carter Road in Mumbai were two illustrious bungalows that had been home to Bollywood royalty since the 1950s. While one was named Aashiyana and belonged to the legendary composer Naushad, our focus lies on the second one – Aashirwad. Originally owned by an Anglo-Indian family, the bungalow’s original name has been lost to time. In the early 1950s, it caught the eye of Bharat Bhushan, the reigning box office king of that era. With a string of successful films like “Baiju Bawra” and “Mirza Ghalib,” Bharat Bhushan was the epitome of Bollywood stardom. However, by the 1960s, his fortunes took a downturn. Film failures and mounting debts forced him to part ways with the house, thus sparking rumors of a curse surrounding the property.

The Curse Unfolds

But the saga of Aashirwad didn’t end there. It soon became the residence of two other Bollywood luminaries – Rajendra Kumar and Rajesh Khanna – both of whom met a similar fate. Rising star Rajendra Kumar, also known as Jubilee Kumar, purchased the bungalow in the early 1960s for a modest sum of Rs 60,000 and named it Dimple, after his daughter. Initially, luck seemed to favor him as his career soared with successive hits. However, by the late 1960s, his fortunes reversed, leading to financial turmoil and the eventual sale of the bungalow.

Rajesh Khanna’s Tryst with Aashirwad

Next in line was the charismatic Rajesh Khanna, who acquired the bungalow and christened it Aashirwad. At the peak of his career, Rajesh Khanna was hailed as the country’s reigning superstar. Aashirwad, much like Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa and Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat in later years, became a symbol of his stardom. Yet, by the early 1970s, the tides turned against him. Film failures, personal setbacks, and a dwindling career marked the twilight years of his reign. In 2014, the bungalow changed hands once more, fetching a staggering sum of Rs 90 crore, only to be demolished in 2016 to make way for a new development.

A Tale of Intrigue and Superstition

The story of Aashirwad serves as a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between reality and superstition. While skeptics may attribute the misfortunes of its occupants to mere coincidence, believers find resonance in the idea of a cursed abode shaping the destinies of its inhabitants.