What began as a functional necessity for actors shooting in remote locations has now evolved into a status symbol in Bollywood. From multiple vans on a single set to luxury interiors that rival five-star suites, the culture of vanity vans has become a talking point in the industry.Vanity van vendor Ketan Raval explained the shift, “It started as a functional thing, now it’s more about the optics of who has what in their van.”
Ranveer Singh ’s three-van entourage
Ranveer Singh reportedly uses not one but three vanity vans while on a shoot. A source close to the actor told The Hollywood Reporter India, “Ranveer Singh requires three vanity vans when he’s on a shoot schedule. One for his personal use, one is a gym van, one is for his private chef.”
Shah Rukh Khan ’s massive super van
If Ranveer’s entourage impresses, Shah Rukh Khan’s vanity van defines scale. According to Raval, “Shah Rukh sir’s van is so big that sometimes, he can’t take it to those remote locations. I send my van whenever he has to shoot in tight spaces.” Designed with expansive features, his van is considered one of the most luxurious in the industry.
John Abraham ’s all-black interiors
John Abraham has taken a bold approach to design with his floor-to-ceiling window paired with stark black interiors. “John wanted a floor-to-ceiling window so he could look out and let natural light flood the space. But he also insisted on everything being black – the floor, the walls, the sink, even the toilet. Nothing that isn’t black,” Raval shared.
Kangana Ranaut ’s sheesham wood choice
Kangana Ranaut’s vanity van, designed by Prateek Malewar and Apurva Deshmukh, is distinct for its natural finish. “She wanted solid sheesham wood interiors. It’s not only difficult to source but also extremely hard to maintain,” Malewar revealed.
The cost of maintaining luxury
Reports suggest that maintaining a vanity van costs around Rs 10–15 lakh annually. The price of a van itself depends on the level of customization:A top-tier ‘super van’ with multi-room setups and expandable living space can cost Rs 2–3 crore.A high-end van with Italian marble, luxury recliners and gym equipment costs Rs 75 lakh–1 crore.A mid-range van with sofas, pantry, TV and modest washroom comes at Rs 35–50 lakh.A basic van, with just air conditioning and a dressing space, ranges from Rs 15–20 lakh.
