Bollywood actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has announced the closure of her celebrated Mumbai restaurant, Bastian Bandra, marking the end of a glittering chapter in the city’s nightlife.
The decision, shared via an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, comes just weeks after Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, were embroiled in a high-profile ₹60 crore fraud case, raising speculation about the timing of the shutdown.
In a heartfelt note to her fans and patrons, Shetty described the closure as “the end of an era,” reflecting on the unforgettable memories created at Bastian Bandra since its inception in 2016. The restaurant, a magnet for Bollywood stars and Mumbai’s elite, will serve its final customers on Thursday, September 4, with a special farewell event planned for its loyal patrons. While the Bandra outlet is closing, Shetty assured followers that the Bastian legacy will continue at its rooftop venue, Bastian At The Top, in Dadar West.
A Storied Legacy Comes To An End
Launched in partnership with restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, Bastian Bandra quickly became a cornerstone of Mumbai’s dining and nightlife scene. Renowned for its seafood-centric menu and chic, multi-level interiors, the restaurant was a favourite haunt for celebrities, hosting events like the wedding reception of actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal. Its relocation to a larger space in Bandra in 2023 further cemented its status as a city hotspot.
In her Instagram story, Shetty wrote, “This Thursday marks the end of an era as we bid farewell to one of Mumbai’s most iconic destinations – BASTIAN BANDRA. A venue that gave us countless memories, unforgettable nights, and moments that shaped the city’s nightlife now takes its final bow.” She added that a “special evening filled with nostalgia, energy, and magic” is being curated to honour the restaurant’s legacy, with the popular Thursday night event, Arcane Affair, set to continue at Bastian At The Top.
Shadow Of The Fraud Case
The closure has inevitably drawn attention due to its proximity to allegations of financial misconduct against Shetty and Kundra. Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, has accused the couple of defrauding him of ₹60.4 crore through their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. The complaint, filed with Mumbai’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), alleges that funds provided as loans and investments between 2015 and 2023 were misappropriated for personal expenses rather than business expansion.
The couple’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, has dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” asserting that the matter is a civil dispute already adjudicated by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in October 2024. “This is an old transaction, and there is no criminality involved. All necessary documents and cash flow statements have been submitted to the authorities,” Patil told media outlets. Despite these denials, the timing of Bastian Bandra’s closure has fuelled speculation about its connection to the legal troubles.
A New Chapter Awaits
While the shuttering of Bastian Bandra marks the end of a beloved institution, Shetty remains optimistic about the brand’s future. The shift to Bastian At The Top, located on the 48th floor of Kohinoor Square in Dadar West, promises to carry forward the restaurant’s legacy with new experiences and panoramic views of Mumbai. The transition also coincides with plans for two new ventures, including Ammakai, a restaurant focused on South Indian cuisine, and a new Bastian outlet in Juhu.
For Mumbai’s foodies and nightlife enthusiasts, the closure of Bastian Bandra is a bittersweet moment, tinged with nostalgia for its star-studded evenings and vibrant ambiance. As Shetty navigates this challenging phase, both personally and professionally, the spotlight remains on how she and Kundra will address the ongoing legal scrutiny while steering their business ventures into the future.