Shilpa Shetty has put an end to swirling rumours about the closure of her iconic Bandra restaurant, Bastian Bandra, emphatically stating it is not shutting down. In a much-watched video, she reassured fans, “No, I am not shutting down Bastian, I promise,” emphasizing that the café’s temporary transformation is part of a broader, exciting evolution, not an end.
What’s Changing And What’s Staying
Instead of shutting its doors for good, Bastian Bandra is being reimagined as a South Indian Mangalorean restaurant named Ammakai. Meanwhile, the Bastian brand will make a stylish move to Juhu, reopening as Bastian Beach Club, preserving the original legacy while exploring fresh culinary horizons.
Fan Frenzy & A Caution Against “Toxic Love”
Shilpa opened up about the emotional response this news triggered, sharing that she received thousands of calls from concerned patrons. Appreciative of the affection, she pleaded for it not to turn “toxic,” calling for positivity as she ushers in new chapters.
A Tribute to Heritage and Hospitality
Bandra was the seed of the “Bastian Hospitality” tree. Shilpa described Ammakai as a soulful return to her roots through authentic South Indian flavors, while Bastian Beach Club will carry forward the brand’s spirit, with all the glamor her Bandra venture was known for, into a new locale.
She extended heartfelt recognition to her longtime business partner, Ranjeet Bindra, acknowledging his “vision of transforming the hospitality business with his expertise and passion at this scale”.
Shadows of Controversy
This announcement comes against the backdrop of the actress and her husband, Raj Kundra, facing ₹60-crore fraud allegations by businessman Deepak Kothari, claims they have categorically denied, stating that the legal process is underway and they have yet to receive the FIR.
What Lies Ahead
As the curtain falls on the Bandra chapter, anticipation builds for what’s to come:
- Ammakai is expected to showcase Shilpa’s love for her Mangalorean heritage, a South Indian culinary venture with heart.
- Bastian Beach Club in Juhu promises to preserve the brand’s iconic charm and upscale flair in a fresh beachfront ambiance.
With both projects, Shilpa signals that her hospitality journey is far from over, it’s simply evolving, blossoming into something new and rooted in tradition.
By – Sonali