The cinematic juggernaut Dhurandhar has not only dominated the box office but has also turned the spotlight on a stunning piece of real-world heritage. Among the many elements captivating audiences is the formidable residence of Akshaye Khanna's character, the dreaded Rehman Dakait. While fans were mesmerized by his dialogues and style, the sprawling haveli itself became a character. Intriguingly, this on-screen home is not a set; it's a real, historic mansion located in Amritsar, Punjab, known as 'Lal Kothi'.
The Historic Grandeur of Lal Kothi
Lal Kothi is a majestic 19th-century haveli that has stood quietly in Amritsar for nearly 150 years. According to historian and author Peter Bance, the structure was built around 1876. Its architecture is a fascinating tapestry of styles, reflecting a bygone era of cultural fusion. The primary design follows the traditional haveli layout, but it is elegantly layered with distinct European and colonial influences.
Walking through its halls, one can witness a blend of Italian and French aesthetics, particularly evident in the interior layouts and finishing details. The haveli's original grandeur remains remarkably preserved. It boasts marble floors, intricately carved wooden staircases, and open fireplaces. Historian Peter Bance also notes the presence of now-dormant marble water fountains, silent reminders of its opulent past.
A Beloved Bollywood Backdrop
Lal Kothi's cinematic appeal is not a recent discovery. The property has long been a favored location for filmmakers seeking authentic period ambiance. Caretaker Deepak Yadav confirmed to TrueScoop that numerous productions have filmed there over the years. One notable example is the film 'Sadiyaan', which featured veteran stars Rishi Kapoor and Rekha. The ownership of Lal Kothi has changed hands over time, and it is currently maintained by an ashram and managed by a trust.
The haveli's popularity surged again when it was chosen as the pivotal location for the blockbuster Dhurandhar. The star-studded cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Ranveer Singh, and Sunny Deol, filmed key sequences within its walls. Actress Saumya Tandon, who portrayed Rehman Dakait's on-screen wife, unveiled the location to her fans in a December social media post. She shared, "The very first scene I shot for #Dhurandhar, in Amritsar-Rehman Dakait's haveli."
Dhurandhar's Record-Breaking Triumph
The fascination with Lal Kothi is intrinsically linked to the phenomenal success of the film it appears in. Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and based on true events, has cemented itself as one of the biggest box office successes of 2025. Headlined by Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles, the film's performance has been staggering. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, within just 36 days of its release, Dhurandhar has grossed approximately 1240 crores worldwide. Its domestic collection in India alone stands at over 950 crores gross, securing its place among the highest-grossing Indian films in history.
The discovery of Lal Kothi adds a rich, tangible layer to the Dhurandhar experience, connecting the film's fictional narrative to India's tangible historical landscape. It serves as a perfect example of how Bollywood's storytelling can inadvertently promote and preserve awareness of the nation's architectural gems, turning them into destinations of fan pilgrimage and public interest.
