When big dreams drive a man's imagination, it reflects in his works and all little things he does. This is the case with Roshan Andrews, Malayalam film director, who has a number of good films under his kitty. The same splendour that Andrews imparts into his films is also visible in his 7,500- square-foot home in Kochi. Similar to big-budget films that the director is known for, this house too is a celebration of sights. Considering that the house is Roshan Andrews', one can safely say that his house, like his films, is full of value.
Roshan did not start building his dream home with lots of money in hand. Reminiscing the days when he started building his home, Andrews says, “The encouragement to build this home came from actor Jayasurya. He advised me to start building my home even before funds were ready in full. When he told me that he too had started building his home even before he had the required funds in hand, I too followed suit”. Going by his experience, Roshan has the same advice for those who are setting out to build their homes. "Start building your home because the first step is the most difficult one to take. When you start, all will fall into place", he says.
Andrews started his dream-home project with the money that he got from four of his films, awards and loans. He completed his home in stages. Obviously, it took four years to complete the project. Construction had to be even stopped for a year. Roshan says, "Nothing is simple and easy and one has to be determined to complete one's dream even in the face of adversities. You might have to face a lot of challenges, but dream on, your home project will be completed on its own when it is time."
While Roshan was busy with his tight schedule, the work on his home was supervised by his father. However, Roshan is sad that he could stay along with his father in the new house only for six months.
The brook is the star
Roshan had purchased 20 cents, on which the house stands now, with the money he got by selling the rights of "Udayan aanu thaaram". He had always wanted a house by the river and lady luck smiled on him when he could purchase a piece of land that is both close to the road and the river. On one side of the plot is the river and on the other side, thick mangrove forests provide a steady stream of pure air to the house. What more can one ask for?
Roshan started work on his home after he came into contact with architect Prashant, who was introduced to him by director Siddique. Roshan had only one requirement for Prashant to execute: "The house must be missed whenever I go out and I would always want to come back to my home, wherever I go." Then, the challenge was on Prashant to create a house that would match the abstract, but deep-rooted, need of the Roshans.
When work started on the structure, quality of construction was constantly monitored by PCM, a quality management company. The interiors of the house were set by R K Interiors with inputs from the family. Roshan did have a big say in deciding the colours of curtains to the position of switchboards.
Roshan shares his experience, "It is good to share experiences with friends because that helps one to search for quality materials at a lower price. One also needs to visit newly-built houses in order to experiment and inculcate successful designs."
One outstanding feature of the three-storied house is the verandas and corridors that connect rooms while ensuring privacy. It was Roshan who had insisted that the house had to have very good cross ventilation and big rooms.
The dining room has a view to the river and the bedroom has two verandas leading to the home theatre room. This ensures that the home theatre room has enough privacy and seclusion so as not to affect other parts of the house. The home theatre that he is building in his home right now has been inspired by a similar one in "Udayan aanu thaaram."
Roshan did not forget potential guests and has therefore built special pathways for them to enter the house from various directions. The master bedroom is in the second floor and attached to it is a spacious balcony. There are also a music room, special rooms for kids, library etc. The floor in this level is made of wood, which exudes charm.
The third floor houses a gym, Jacuzzi etc. Here is where the 'creativity room' of Roshan is situated. He also calls it the 'view gallery,' and it is this room that he uses to write and read. It is a view gallery in all respects because from here, one can enjoy the beauty of the river for hours.
The Roshans have not invested much in furniture because there are three kids in the house. Some of the furniture was purchased from Dubai, while some were built by interior decorators. As of now, gifts and souvenirs adorn the house. Roshan has an advice here too: buy curious and decorative pieces only after the house warming, because most of the gifts that one receives would be such items.
Roshan has a fad for plants and whenever he travels, he purchases them. He has six types of mango trees among the many other trees that he has planted in his house. He even has a date palm that he brought from Dubai.
Ask Roshan about comments he receives for the house and pat comes the reply, " All people do not like all of my films. The same applies to my house too. We are very happy with our house." What more does a house and its occupants need other than happiness?