IT seems after IT sector, now celebs are gung-ho about Pune. With Pune developing rapidly, the city is no longer the pensioner’s paradise as it used to be; Pune has become a new hot spot for property buyers.  

As compared to Mumbai, where buying property seems a mammoth task, not only the common man but also celebrities from tinsel town are buying properties in Pune. Availability of huge space at reasonable rates, pleasant climate and Pune’s small town charm and its connectivity to Mumbai are the plus points, which are attracting the celeb buyers.  

For instance, Shobhaa De purchased a designer apartment in Pune sometime back. So while actor Padmini Kolhapure has bought a flat her parents in a project specially designed for senior citizens, actor Aryan Vaid has bought two flats. Other Celebes who have also bought properties in the city include Pooja Bhatt, Rajiv kapoor, Rati Aghnihotri, Ranjita, Zahir Khan, Azharruddin, Kadar Khan, Nana Patekar, Amol Palekar, Bindu and Tinu Anand. In fact, according to grapevine, even dream girl Hema Malini and actor properties here while Amitabh Bachchan is in the process of buying land on the outskirts of Pune.  

So, why is Pune attracting celebrity buyers? Actor Aryan Vaid says, “I have recently bought two bedrooms flat in Koregaon Park and a four bedroom flat in Kalyani Nagar. I think, with lots of multinationals coming in, Pune has become a happening place. The way Pune is developing is amazing. In fact, I hadn’t planned to buy property in Pune, but I found the rates very reasonable. I liked the construction and what attracted me most was its huge area. One rarely gets such huge space at such reasonable rates in Mumbai. Also, as in Pune rates of rents are high, if you want to give the property on rent, you can get good returns. In fact, I have already given one flat on rent and I am going to keep the four bedrooms flat for myself.” Pune’s old world charm and the cosmopolitan culture is one of the reasons properties are selling like hot cakes here. Elders, who find themselves lost in the big metros, find Pune ideal place to settle down.

Actor Padmini Kolhapure says, “Pune is my parents’ favourite place and we have close friends in Pune. Also, thanks to the expressway, which has given Mumbai close proximity to Pune. This is the reason we bought a flat for my parents in Pashan, which is customized according to the needs of elder people. Now we come to Pune very often and stay for ten to fifteen days a month. We love the climate of Pune and even typical Puneri eateries. But, what I appreciate the most is that though Pune is a cultural and educational hub, at the same time has a very Cosmo character.  

Some of the celebs, who had properties here earlier are also buying more property in Pune. Actress Rati Agnihotri who has had a house in Pune for long time has bought two stores on East Street recently. “Our connection to Pune extends to over forty years. As my husband is from Pune, we already had a house in Pune and as my husband is in construction business. We have developed some more properties in Pune. Recently, I have started a candle store on East Street . We used to visit Pune earlier too but now we love it,” says Rati.  

Even builders are happy way real estate market is developing in the city. Rohit Gera, a city based developer says. “In Pune one gets very affordable property at prime locations, no wonder celebrities are buying properties in Pune right, left and centre. Also, Pune is no lon