Beyond the Spotlight: Inside ‘Toxic’ Star Akshay Oberoi’s Serene Karjat Sanctuary
In the high-octane world of Bollywood, where the pace is relentless and the spotlight rarely dims, actor Akshay Oberoi and his wife, Jyothi Vynatheya, have carved out a different kind of life. Seeking a reprieve from the constant energy of Mumbai, the couple has developed a stunning, tranquil retreat nestled in the verdant landscape of Karjat, Maharashtra.
Rather than opting for a flashy, pre-designed vacation villa, the couple has chosen a more organic approach to home ownership—one that prioritizes slow living, sustainability, and personal history.
A Home That Evolves in “Chapters”
The couple collaborated with acclaimed interior designer and architect Nishita Kamdar to establish the architectural framework of their Karjat home. However, the true personality of the space is not found in luxury catalogs, but in the family’s personal journey.
The property is purposefully designed to evolve in “poetic chapters.” Because the family visits the retreat only a few times a month, they treat the interiors as a canvas that is never truly finished. Every trip to Karjat brings new additions—be it a new addition to Akshay’s extensive vinyl collection, a stack of books, or the intricate Lego sculptures built by the actor and his son, Aviyaan. This intentional “unfinished” state allows the home to accumulate memories, warmth, and character over time.
Architecture Rooted in Nature
The home’s design philosophy is firmly anchored in its environment. A central open courtyard serves as the heartbeat of the residence, blurring the lines between the indoors and the sprawling green outdoors. Large windows provide expansive, “sleepy” views of the surrounding hills, offering the family a much-needed mental and physical escape from city life.
Plans for the property suggest that this connection to nature will only deepen. An avid gardener, Oberoi has ambitious goals for the land surrounding the house. He is currently working on integrating sustainable infrastructure, including rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation systems. The vision for the future includes tilling the land to plant mango and jackfruit trees, and creating a meditative, quiet corner beside an existing stream.
“It would be nice to build a little bench to sit by the stream too,” the actor shared, perfectly capturing the slow, contemplative rhythm he hopes to instill in the property.
Art and Identity
Beyond the greenery and the structure, the family plans to weave the local culture into the walls of their home. Future decor will feature works by homegrown artists, blending Indian creativity with the home’s contemporary aesthetic. By curating art and personal objects that have meaning, the Oberois are ensuring their sanctuary remains a deeply personal reflection of their family life.
A Career in Bloom
While he finds peace in the quietude of Karjat, Akshay Oberoi’s professional life continues to soar. The actor was recently seen in the massive cinematic project Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The film, which features a powerhouse ensemble including Yash, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, and Kiara Advani, has made waves at the box office, crossing the Rs 285 crore mark globally.
For Oberoi, the contrast between the intensity of a blockbuster film set and the serene silence of his Karjat courtyard is vital. It is a balance that keeps him grounded, allowing him to return to the screen with renewed focus while his “dreamy retreat” continues to grow, one Lego brick and one fruit tree at a time.
