Post by : Raman

Photo : Instagram / @theshilpashetty

Bollywood actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has announced the closure of her upscale Mumbai restaurant, Bastian Bandra, amid allegations of financial wrongdoing by her and her husband, Raj Kundra. While Shetty has not explicitly linked the restaurant’s closure to the ongoing legal dispute, the timing has drawn attention as the couple deals with a cheating case filed against them.

Farewell Message from Shilpa Shetty

In an emotional post on social media, Shilpa Shetty described the restaurant’s closure as “the end of an era.” She 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.”

Shetty added that the restaurant will host a special farewell evening for its regular patrons to celebrate the restaurant’s journey before it officially closes.

Bastian Brand Will Continue

Although Bastian Bandra is shutting down, the brand will continue its operations through its second outlet, Bastian At The Top, located on the 48th floor of the Kohinoor Square building in Dadar West. This outlet will carry forward the legacy of the Bastian brand, focusing on its signature seafood menu and premium dining experience.

Legal Case Background

The closure comes amid a cheating case filed by Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services. Kothari has alleged that Shetty and Kundra defrauded him of ₹60 crore between 2015 and 2023. According to the complaint, the money was invested in Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a now-defunct home shopping company co-owned by the couple, under the pretext of expanding its business operations.

Kothari claims that the funds were misused for personal expenses rather than business purposes. The complaint has been registered with Mumbai’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and is under investigation.

Response from Shetty and Kundra

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, has strongly denied the allegations. Patil stated that the claims are unfounded and purely civil in nature. He added that the matter had already been addressed through legal proceedings at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, on October 4, 2024.

“My clients deny all the allegations, which are purely civil in nature and have already been adjudicated by the NCLT Mumbai,” Patil said.

About Bastian Bandra

Bastian Bandra, co-owned by Shilpa Shetty and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, first opened its doors in 2016. Known for its seafood-focused menu, contemporary multi-level interiors, and celebrity clientele, the restaurant quickly became one of Mumbai’s most popular fine-dining destinations. In 2023, the restaurant relocated to a larger space in Bandra to accommodate growing demand.

Over the years, Bastian Bandra became more than a restaurant; it was a landmark in Mumbai’s nightlife, hosting events, celebrity parties, and gatherings that attracted locals and tourists alike. Its closure marks a significant change in the city’s culinary scene.

Looking Ahead

With Bastian Bandra closing, the brand will focus on Bastian At The Top, which continues to offer its signature dishes and luxurious dining experience. The management aims to carry forward the legacy built over years, ensuring that loyal patrons continue to enjoy the high-quality food and service the brand is known for.

Despite the legal challenges, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian brand continues to hold a strong reputation in Mumbai’s hospitality industry, with plans to maintain excellence and innovation in dining experiences

Shilpa Shetty, Bastian Bandra, Mumbai restaurant news, Restaurant closure, Raj Kundra