Bollywood & Wildlife
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s famous Bandra bungalow, Mannat, made headlines this week — not for a film promotion or a fan gathering outside its gates, but for an unexpected wildlife visitor. On the night of August 17, 2026, two snakes were spotted on the property, triggering a rescue operation that kept staff and security personnel on edge late into the night.
01 What Happened at Mannat
According to reports, the sighting was flagged around 8 PM, shortly after which the Forest Department and local snake rescuers were alerted. Interestingly, the incident took place just a day after Nag Panchami, the Hindu festival dedicated to snake worship, adding an unusual coincidence to the story.
Snake rescuer Vicky Dubey (also referred to in some reports as Zuber Shah) reached the property after being contacted by staff. A search of the grounds led the team to one of the reptiles hiding beneath a staircase in the courtyard area.
02 The Snake Was Non-Venomous
The rescued snake measured approximately 8 feet long and was identified as a Dhaman, also known as the Indian rat snake — a common, non-venomous species found across India. Officials confirmed there was no danger to anyone at the property, and the snake was safely captured without incident.
The second snake, however, slipped away as people gathered near the area during the search. Despite an extensive search that continued late into the evening, the second reptile could not be located, leaving some lingering unease among the household staff.
03 What Happened to the Rescued Snake
In line with standard Forest Department guidelines, the captured Dhaman was later released back into its natural habitat away from the residential property, ensuring the animal’s safety as well as that of the people at Mannat.
04 Mannat Renovation: The Bigger Picture
This snake scare comes at a time when Mannat is already in the news for a different reason — its ongoing renovation. Shah Rukh Khan, along with wife Gauri Khan and children Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam, are reportedly not currently residing at the bungalow, having temporarily moved to a rented property in Mumbai’s Pali Hill, Bandra, while renovation work continues.
Notably, the renovation itself had faced legal hurdles earlier this year. A petition challenging the approvals granted for the renovation was filed in court, but it was dismissed, with no stay imposed on the ongoing construction work.
05 Why This Story Is Trending
Mannat is one of Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks, drawing hundreds of fans and tourists from across the country and the world who gather outside its gates hoping for a glimpse of the actor. Any unusual incident at the property tends to go viral almost instantly given the sheer public fascination with the residence and its famous owner.
This isn’t the first time a Bollywood star’s home has seen a snake scare either; earlier this year, a snake was similarly rescued from the ground floor of Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments, highlighting how such sightings aren’t entirely uncommon in Mumbai’s densely built residential pockets, especially during the monsoon season. Shah Rukh Khan, meanwhile, is preparing for his next major release, King, slated for December 2026.
— Quick Recap
- Location
- Mannat, Bandra West, Mumbai
- Date
- August 17, 2026 — a day after Nag Panchami
- Snakes spotted
- 2
- Snake rescued
- 1 — 8-ft Dhaman (Indian rat snake), non-venomous
- Snake missing
- 1 — search ongoing as of last report
- Rescue team
- Local snake rescuer with Forest Department officials
- Mannat status
- Under renovation; family staying in Pali Hill, Bandra
06 FAQs
Q1. Was the snake found at Shah Rukh Khan’s house venomous?
No. The rescued snake was identified as a Dhaman, or Indian rat snake, which is a non-venomous species commonly found across India.
Q2. Is Shah Rukh Khan currently living at Mannat?
No, reports suggest the Khan family is temporarily staying in a rented property in Pali Hill, Bandra, while Mannat undergoes renovation.
Q3. Was the second snake ever found?
As of the latest reports, the second snake had not been located despite an extensive late-night search.
Q4. What happened to the rescued snake?
It was safely released back into its natural habitat, following Forest Department protocol.
— Sources
