Actor and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has announced the closure of her iconic Mumbai restaurant, Bastian Bandra, citing the end of an era. The announcement comes amidst a ₹60-crore fraud allegation involving Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra.
Closure of Bastian Bandra
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shetty shared, “This Thursday marks the end of an era as we bid farewell to one of Mumbai’s most iconic destinations – BASTIAN BANDRA.” Shetty expressed gratitude to patrons for their support over the years and mentioned that the Bandra outlet would be closing its doors. However, she confirmed that Bastian at the Top, located in Worli, would continue operations with new experiences and events. The popular Thursday night event, Arcane Affair, will now be hosted at the Worli property.
Fraud Allegation
The closure coincides with a serious legal issue. Businessman Deepak Kothari has accused Shetty and Kundra of misusing ₹60 crore intended for business expansion nearly seven to eight years ago. Kothari alleges that the funds were diverted for personal use.
In response, their lawyer, Prashant Patil, has denied the allegations, stating, “All allegations are false. We have not received a copy of the FIR so far. When we receive it, we would get to know the exact allegations. On that basis, we will adopt the next legal remedy. But this transaction is quite old. If someone feels wronged, they would not wait 8–10 years to complain. There is documentary evidence for everything.”
Legacy of Bastian Bandra
Bastian Bandra has been a staple in Mumbai’s dining and nightlife scene, known for its celebrity clientele and luxurious ambiance. The restaurant has hosted numerous high-profile events and has been a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Its closure marks a significant change in the city’s culinary landscape.
Future Plans
While the Bandra location is closing, Shetty has assured patrons that Bastian at the Top will continue to operate. Shetty’s commitment to providing new experiences at the Worli property indicates her intent to maintain the brand’s presence in Mumbai’s competitive hospitality industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of Shetty and Kundra’s business ventures remains uncertain. The closure of Bastian Bandra, coupled with the serious allegations, has drawn significant attention to the couple’s business dealings. The coming weeks will likely provide more clarity on the situation.
By – Sonali