New Delhi: Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has bought a plot in Mumbai-based developer The House of Abhinandan Lodha's (HoABL) seven-star mixed-use Ayodhya development, The Sarayu. Due to client confidentiality, HoABL declined to comment on the deal's size or value; nevertheless, real estate industry insiders stated that the 10,000 square foot plot Bachchan plans to build a residence on the plot valued at ₹14.5 crore.
The Sarayu, which spans 51 acres, is scheduled to be officially unveiled on January 22, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
According to a report in Hindustan Times, Amitabh Bachchan spoke about his investment in the project. The megastar said, "I am looking forward to embark on this journey with The House of Abhinandan Lodha for The Sarayu in Ayodhya, a city that holds a special place in my heart. The timeless spirituality and cultural richness of Ayodhya have forged an emotional connection that transcends geographical boundaries."
He continued, "This is a start of a heartfelt journey into the soul of Ayodhya, where tradition and modernity seamlessly co-exist, creating an emotional tapestry that resonates with me deeply. I am looking forward to building my home in the global spiritual capital.”
It takes four hours to get to the actor's birthplace of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) from Ayodhya via National Highway 330.
The chairman of HoABL, Abhinandan Lodha, described it as a "milestone moment" for his company and expressed his excitement at welcoming Bachchan as the "first citizen" of The Sarayu, which is roughly 15 minutes from the Ram Temple and 30 minutes from the Ayodhya international airport. He remarked, "His investment in our Ayodhya project reflects confidence in the city's economic potential and deep appreciation for its spiritual heritage." The project would become "a symbol of Ayodhya's global spiritual significance" as a result of Bachchan's association.
Bachchan has invested in the planned development of the enclave, which will also have a five-star palace hotel operated in collaboration with Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, a company owned by the Brookfield group. The goal is to have the project finished by March 2028.
Since the Supreme Court granted the Hindus ownership of the site that once housed the Babri Masjid in 2019, Ayodhya has seen tremendous infrastructure development. This has coincided with an increase in land values both within the city and on its outskirts towards Lucknow and Gorakhpur.