Shilpa Shetty has addressed the buzz surrounding the closure of Bastian Bandra, one of Mumbai's most iconic restaurants co-owned by the actress and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra. News of the restaurant's closing on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, circulated rapidly, especially in light of recent fraud allegations against Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra.
In a recent statement, Shetty acknowledged the end of an era for Bastian Bandra. She expressed gratitude for the countless memories and unforgettable nights the venue provided, shaping the city's nightlife. However, the story doesn't end there. Shetty clarified that this isn't a permanent goodbye but rather a "short pause for renovations," hinting at a "fresh new beginning".
While Bastian Bandra is closing its doors at its current location, the restaurant's legacy will live on. Shetty announced that their popular Thursday night ritual, Arcane Affair, will continue at Bastian At The Top in Dadar West, promising brand new experiences. This suggests that while the Bandra location is undergoing changes, the Bastian brand is very much alive and evolving.
Bastian Bandra first opened in 2016 and later moved to a larger space in Bandra in 2023. The restaurant quickly became a favorite among Mumbaikars and Bollywood celebrities, known for its warm ambiance, artistic interior design, and mouthwatering cuisine. Some of their popular dishes include Animal Prawns, Lobster Bomb, Truffle Mac and Cheese, and Korean Fried Chicken.
The closure announcement coincides with allegations of a ₹60 crore fraud against Shetty and Kundra. Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, alleges that the couple defrauded him between 2015 and 2023 by misappropriating funds invested in their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. Kothari claims the funds were meant to expand business operations but were instead used for personal expenses. The complaint has been registered with Mumbai’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW). However, Shilpa and Raj Kundra's prosecutor has called the allegations "baseless".
Despite the ongoing legal issues, Shetty and her team are focused on the future of the Bastian brand. The decision to renovate the Bandra location suggests a commitment to revitalizing the space and offering patrons an enhanced dining experience. Furthermore, continuing Arcane Affair at Bastian At The Top ensures that fans can still enjoy the Bastian experience.
To honor the Bandra location, a special farewell evening was planned for its closest patrons, celebrating Bastian's journey. This final gathering aimed to encapsulate the nostalgia, energy, and magic that Bastian Bandra represented.
In 2019, Shilpa Shetty joined hands with Aallia Hospitality to form Bastian Hospitality Private Limited (BHPL) to further expand the brand portfolio. Aallia Hospitality Private Limited was founded in 2010 by Ranjit Bindra, Kinal Jani, and Tina Ranjit Bindra.