Mumbai’s vibrant nightlife is set to lose one of its crown jewels as Bastian Bandra, co-owned by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, prepares to close its doors on September 4, 2025. The announcement comes amid swirling allegations of a Rs 60 crore fraud case involving Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, casting a shadow over the restaurant’s legacy. Known for its delectable seafood and star-studded clientele, Bastian Bandra has been a beloved fixture in Mumbai’s social scene since 2016. As the city bids farewell to this iconic venue, questions linger about the intersection of celebrity entrepreneurship and financial accountability.
An Emotional Farewell to Bastian Bandra
Shilpa Shetty took to Instagram Stories on September 2, 2025, to share a heartfelt message about the closure of Bastian Bandra, describing it as the “end of an era.” The restaurant, which relocated to Bandra in 2023 after its initial launch in 2016, has been a magnet for Bollywood celebrities and Mumbai’s elite, celebrated for its artistic decor and culinary excellence. Shetty announced a special farewell event for loyal patrons on Thursday, promising “a night filled with nostalgia, energy, and magic” to honor the venue’s legacy. While Bastian Bandra shuts down, Shetty assured fans that the brand’s signature Thursday night event, Arcane Affair, will continue at Bastian At The Top, another outlet in Dadar, signaling a new chapter for the brand.
Fraud Allegations Surface Against Shetty and Kundra
The closure coincides with serious legal challenges for Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra, who face accusations of defrauding Mumbai businessman Deepak Kothari of Rs 60.4 crore. The allegations, filed with the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in August 2025, center on a loan-cum-investment deal linked to the couple’s now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, claims he invested the funds between 2015 and 2023 for business expansion, only for the money to be allegedly misused for personal expenses. The EOW is currently investigating the case, which also names an unidentified individual, adding to the couple’s legal troubles following earlier controversies, including a 2024 money laundering probe.
Legal Defense and Industry Context
In response to the fraud allegations, Shetty and Kundra’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, issued a statement dismissing the claims as “baseless and malicious.” He argued that the matter is civil in nature, having been adjudicated by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai on October 4, 2024, and emphasized that all necessary financial documents, including cash flow statements, have been submitted to the EOW. The couple’s legal team insists the transaction, dating back nearly a decade, was part of a business that faced financial distress and entered liquidation. This case highlights the challenges faced by celebrity entrepreneurs, where high-profile ventures often attract scrutiny amid financial disputes.
Bastian’s Legacy and Mumbai’s Culinary Scene
Since its inception, Bastian Bandra has been more than just a restaurant; it was a cultural landmark that redefined Mumbai’s nightlife. Its seafood-focused menu, coupled with a chic ambiance, made it a favorite haunt for celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Katrina Kaif. The restaurant’s closure marks a significant loss for Bandra, a hub for Mumbai’s dining and entertainment culture. However, the continuation of the Bastian brand at its Dadar location offers hope that its legacy will endure, albeit in a new form. The closure also reflects broader trends in India’s hospitality sector, where economic pressures and legal challenges can impact even the most celebrated ventures.
What’s Next for Shetty and Mumbai’s Nightlife?
As Shilpa Shetty navigates this turbulent period, her focus appears to be on preserving the Bastian brand’s spirit through its Dadar outlet. The upcoming GST Council meeting on September 3–4, 2025, could influence the hospitality sector with potential tax slab rationalizations, offering relief to businesses facing financial strain. Meanwhile, the ongoing EOW investigation into the fraud allegations will likely shape public perception of Shetty and Kundra’s business dealings. For Mumbai’s diners, the closure of Bastian Bandra is a poignant reminder of the fragility of even the most iconic establishments, while the city’s nightlife continues to evolve with new venues stepping into the spotlight.
(India CSR)
