Ustad Rashid Khan classical singer Joyita Basu Khan

Living in a three-storeyed house, which has five bedrooms and terrace gardens on each floor, means we aren’t lacking for space.

One thing my husband and I are completely in sync with is the need to preserve and showcase our glorious heritage and lineage. We aren’t too fond of the modern look as we feel it doesn’t exude warmth.

The living room is about 1,000 sq ft. On the walls are priceless paintings, handed down through generations, that are 100 to 150 years old. One may feel the drawing room has a periodic feel reminiscent of the Mughal era.

Next year, however, we will be remodelling a part of it by giving a slight slope to the floor and creating a small cosy den, which we plan to use for private and intimate gatherings.

The dining and kitchen area is on the mezzanine level. Antique chandeliers and glass panelling dominate the setting here. Our dining table, with an Italian marble top, belonged to the Maharaja of Burdwan.

On the next floor is the children’s playroom, which has wall-to-floor cabinets stocked with their toys. On the floor above the playrooms are the bedrooms. The master bedroom has huge doors, French windows and an attached bathroom. All the furniture is made of mahogany and match the bed.

The top floor has the riyaz room, which is Rashid’s space. In fact, there have been occasions when he’s cleaned and dusted the room himself! It does not have an AC. This is solely because of three Neem plants that have a cooling effect.

Recounted by Rashid Khan’s wife Joyita Basu Khan