Actor Nutan's son sells her 30-acre Kalwa land

THANE: Spread across 30 acres, legendary film actor Nutan's retreat in the scenic green environment of Parsik Hill near Kalwa has been sold to real estate developer Vijay Khetan of Krishna Ventures.Khetan, who started his own realty business after separating from his brother Kamal Khetan of Sunteck Realty, is said to have purchased the property for an estimated Rs 95 crore, though there is no confirmation about the amount. Khetan did not respond to repeated attempts to seek his comment. While Mohnish Behl, son of the late actor, confirmed the deal, he refused to quantify the sale price. Behl told TOI the decision was part of his ongoing plan to consolidate the family's assets and investments. "For one, it's a huge property and not always easy to maintain and protect from encroachment.''"Secondly, the entire property has been reserved for a public park in the development plan of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in 1991. Since redevelopment is ruled out, and looking at the way real estate prices are appreciating, we thought its best to surrender the property to the TMC in lieu of transfer of development rights (TDR).'' Behl, through Krishna Ventures, has so far submitted an application to surrender 8,000 square metres, roughly four acres, to TMC in lieu of TDR.Behl, himself an actor, said the deal excludes the bungalow plot. "I have a lot of childhood memories attached to the bungalow. Also, the bungalow has a unique design similar to that of a ship with its funnel extending out. I am going to retain it and have requested the TMC to consider my request.''Behl's plan to avail of TDR in lieu of the property has made TMC commissioner Assem Gupta "very happy". Gupta said, "I will send my officers to request Behl to surrender the entire property at one go, instead of in small packets, in lieu of TDR. Once the TMC acquires the property, it will help us prepare a comprehensive plan for a park and cultural centre on the premises,'' Gupta said and added prima facie, he does not see any problem in Behl retaining the bungalow land.