Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun/Mussoorie: Former Deputy Army Chief Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retd), along with his wife Sabiha Shah, have received international recognition for their homestay venture, ‘Moonwind’, which is being run from their ancestral house in Mussoorie. The property, which also holds historical and emotional significance for the family, is the same residence where acclaimed Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah, a member of the extended family, spent his formative years.
The couple recently paid a courtesy call on Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) during which discussions were held on promoting tourism in the hill state. During the interaction, emphasis was laid on the need to provide first-rate homestay accommodation to tourists visiting Uttarakhand. It was in this context that ‘Moonwind’, an old bungalow owned by the Shah family with adequate space and facilities, has emerged as a suitable property for conversion into a premium homestay.
The efforts of the couple have now borne fruit, with ‘Moonwind’ receiving the prestigious ‘Traveller Review Award’ from Booking.com, reflecting its growing popularity among visitors and consistently high guest ratings. The recognition underscores the appeal of personalised hospitality and well-maintained heritage properties in boosting tourism in the region.
The bungalow also carries a slice of cinematic history, as it was here in the mid-1980s that Naseeruddin Shah, at the peak of his film career, worked on building his physique for his superhit film ‘Jalwa’. He is regarded as one of the earliest actors in Indian cinema to focus on physical fitness, well before it became a widespread trend in the industry.
Located in Mussoorie, ‘Moonwind’ Homestay offers a well-appointed two-bedroom apartment complete with a sitting room and a fully equipped kitchenette. The property has earned consistent praise from guests for its exceptional hospitality, serene surroundings and homely ambience, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking both comfort and scenic beauty.
Speaking to Garhwal Post, Mohammad Ali Shah, son of Zameer Uddin Shah and an actor himself, shared that the family has been running the homestay at the property for the past six to seven years.
The accommodation features modern amenities including high-speed WiFi, comfortable and contemporary furnishings, and thoughtfully designed interiors. Large windows in the rooms provide ample natural light and ventilation, while also offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The drawing room window opens to a mesmerising view of snow-clad peaks, while the bedrooms overlook the picturesque Doon Valley. The well-equipped kitchenette includes modern cooking appliances, and the carefully selected crockery and cutlery enhance the overall dining experience for guests.
Strategically located, the property lies in close proximity to well-known landmarks such as Waverly Convent School, Guru Nanak Fifth Centenary School and Company Garden, and is situated en route to popular tourist spots including Cloud’s End and Everest House. With its blend of heritage charm, modern comfort and personalised care, ‘Moonwind’ stands out as an example of how homestay initiatives can contribute meaningfully to the tourism ecosystem of Uttarakhand.
