Shilpa Shetty's popular Bastian restaurant in Bandra, Mumbai, is closing its doors, with its final day of operation slated for this Thursday. The closure coincides with allegations of financial fraud exceeding ₹60 crore against Shilpa Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra.
The restaurant, co-owned by Shetty and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, first opened in 2016 and quickly gained popularity for its contemporary cuisine, artistic décor, and celebrity clientele. It was later relocated and reopened in Bandra in 2023. Bastian became a hotspot in Mumbai's dining scene, known for its lively atmosphere and specially curated events like the Thursday night ritual, Arcane Affair.
Shetty announced the closure on her social media, describing it as "the end of an era" for one of Mumbai's most iconic destinations. She reminisced about the "countless memories, unforgettable nights, and moments that shaped the city's nightlife" that Bastian Bandra provided. To commemorate the space, a special farewell evening is planned for close patrons, filled with "nostalgia, energy, and magic, celebrating everything Bastian has stood for one last time".
While Bastian Bandra is closing, Shetty clarified that the Thursday night ritual, Arcane Affair, will continue at Bastian at the Top, another outlet from the chain. She assured patrons that the legacy would continue with a new chapter and new experiences.
The closure comes amidst legal troubles for Shetty and Kundra, who have been booked after businessman Deepak Kothari accused them of cheating him of over ₹60 crore. The allegations involve a loan-cum-investment deal between 2015 and 2023 for their company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. Kothari claims the funds were misused for personal expenses instead of business expansion. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is now investigating the case. The couple's lawyer, Prashant Patil, has refuted the charges as baseless, stating the matter was already addressed by the NCLT in October 2024.
Bastian Bandra temporarily closed for redevelopment and reopened on September 16, 2023. The restaurant was known for its seafood, cocktails, and celebrity sightings. The Bastian Hospitality group also has a Worli outlet that was relocating as of August 2023.
The closure of Bastian Bandra marks the end of an era in Mumbai's dining and nightlife culture. The restaurant leaves behind a nearly decade-long legacy. For Shetty, the closure signifies both an end and a new beginning, as she aims to guide the brand into new territory while navigating personal and legal challenges.
