It’s the end of an era for Mumbai’s nightlife as actress Shilpa Shetty announces the closure of her famous seafood restaurant, Bastian Bandra. Known for its chic ambiance, star-studded guest list, and culinary delights, the restaurant is shutting its doors this Thursday. The announcement comes amidst serious allegations that Shilpa and her husband, Raj Kundra, duped a businessman of ₹60 crore—a development that’s cast a shadow over the beloved brand.
A Nostalgic Goodbye
On Instagram, Shilpa shared an emotional farewell message: “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 also invited loyal patrons to a special evening filled with nostalgia, energy, and magic to celebrate the restaurant’s legacy before closing.
Legacy of Bastian Bandra
Co-founded with restaurateur Ranjit Bindra in 2016, Bastian Bandra quickly carved out a niche as a go-to destination for Bollywood celebrities and food enthusiasts. With its artistic décor, multi-level layout, and seafood-focused menu, it earned a reputation for offering refined fine dining in the heart of Bandra. In 2023, the restaurant moved to a revamped, larger space, reinforcing its glamorous status in Mumbai’s culinary map.
Arcane Affair Rises from the Ashes
Although Bastian Bandra is closing, Shilpa assures fans that the brand’s spirit lives on. The popular Thursday night ritual, “Arcane Affair,” will now move to another outlet, Bastian At The Top, located atop a high-rise in Dadar West. This rooftop venue promises to carry forward Bastian’s legacy with fresh experiences and energy, offering a new chapter for loyal patrons.
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The ₹60 Crore Fraud Case
A few weeks prior to the announcement, Shilpa and Raj Kundra were booked by Mumbai’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with allegations of cheating a businessman, Deepak Kothari—accused of duping him of over ₹60.4 crore through a loan-cum-investment scheme tied to their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, spanning from 2015 to 2023.
Kothari’s complaint claims the funds intended for business expansion were diverted toward personal usage. The EOW is currently probing the matter.
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Speak Out
Shilpa and Raj’s legal counsel have vehemently denied wrongdoing. Advocate Prashant Patil called the allegations “baseless,” emphasizing their civil nature and that the case was already adjudicated by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in October 2024. He cited comprehensive financial documentation and cash-flow statements submitted to investigators, and stated that there was no criminal intent involved.
An Era Ends, A Legacy Continues
The closure of Bastian Bandra is both a heartfelt farewell and a strategic pivot. While legal controversies swirl in the background, the restaurant’s legacy and its emotional connection with patrons remain undiminished. Shilpa’s message suggests this isn’t the end, but rather a pause to reimagine where Bastian can go next.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Fans & Industry
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Patron Sentiment: Devotees of Bastian Bandra are undoubtedly mourning its closure. But the continuation of Arcane Affair at Bastian At The Top may soften the blow for many regulars.
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Brand Resilience: Despite the ₹60 crore fraud allegations, the brand remains intact. The transition to a new venue could inject new creative energy into the Bastian legacy.
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Public Fate of Celeb-Owned Ventures: With the legal case unfolding, the closure showcases how personal controversies can ripple into business ventures—even those rooted in hospitality and lifestyle.
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Bastian Bandra, co-owned by Shilpa Shetty and Ranjit Bindra |
| Opened | Inception in 2016; moved/revamped in 2023 |
| Closure Date | This Thursday marks its final day |
| Farewell Plan | Special evening for patrons to honor the restaurant’s legacy |
| Ritual Moves | Arcane Affair to continue at Bastian At The Top |
| Legal Issue | ₹60.4 crore fraud allegations, EOW investigation |
| Defense | Lawyer denies criminality, cites NCLT ruling and documentation |
| Next Steps | Brand continuity via rooftop outlet despite legal pressures |
Final Thoughts
The closure of Bastian Bandra is a bittersweet moment for Mumbai’s nightlife and food aficionados. While the restaurant’s doors may close, its legacy—endowed with glamour, flavor, and countless memories—doesn’t vanish. As the spotlight now shifts to Bastian At The Top, patrons can hold onto hope that Bastian’s signature hospitality shines bright in its new avatar, even in times of turbulence.
