Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian Bandra Closes Amid ₹60 Crore Fraud C

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty recently made headlines by announcing the closure of her high-end Mumbai restaurant, Bastian Bandra, scheduled for this Thursday. The news comes at a turbulent time for the actress and her husband, Raj Kundra, who are under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding a Mumbai-based businessman of ₹60 crore. While Shetty did not directly link the closure of her restaurant to the ongoing legal battle, the timing has led to widespread speculation. The controversy revolves around a now-defunct home shopping venture co-owned by the couple, adding a layer of intrigue to the restaurant’s farewell.

Shilpa Shetty’s Emotional Farewell to Bastian Bandra

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Shilpa Shetty described the closure of Bastian Bandra 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 also revealed plans for a special farewell evening to honor the restaurant’s journey, inviting loyal patrons to celebrate its legacy one last time. While Bastian Bandra will no longer operate, the brand itself is not ending. The Shettys will continue their restaurant operations through Bastian At The Top, located on the 48th floor of the Kohinoor Square building in Dadar West, ensuring the Bastian experience continues in a new setting.

The ₹60 Crore Fraud Case: What You Should Know

The closure of Bastian Bandra coincides with a serious legal case against Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra. Deepak Kothari, director of Lotus Capital Financial Services, filed a complaint alleging that the couple defrauded him of ₹60 crore between 2015 and 2023.

According to the complaint:

The funds were invested in Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a company co-owned by Shetty and Kundra.
The investment was ostensibly for expanding the company’s business operations.
Kothari claims the funds were allegedly misappropriated and diverted for personal use instead.
The case has been registered with Mumbai’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW).

The allegations suggest a systematic misuse of funds over a period of nearly a decade, making this case one of the more high-profile financial controversies involving Bollywood personalities in recent years.

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s Legal Response

In response to the allegations, the couple’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, issued a statement rejecting the charges. Patil emphasized that the allegations are unfounded and primarily civil in nature. He stated:

"My clients have been informed by certain segments of electronic and print media that an alleged case has been registered against them at the Economic Offences Wing, Mumbai. At the outset, my clients deny all the allegations, which are purely civil in nature and have already been adjudicated by the NCLT Mumbai on October 4, 2024."

Patil also highlighted that the matter had previously undergone legal scrutiny and was resolved through civil proceedings. According to him, all relevant documents, including cash flow statements and audits, were submitted to the investigating authorities. The legal team has further indicated that they may pursue action against media outlets for misrepresentation and attempts to tarnish the couple’s image.

About Bastian Bandra: A Culinary Icon in Mumbai

Bastian Bandra first opened its doors in 2016, co-owned by Shilpa Shetty and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra. Known for its seafood-centric menu, contemporary multi-level interiors, and celebrity clientele, the restaurant quickly became one of Mumbai’s most popular dining destinations.

In 2023, Bastian relocated to a larger space in Bandra to accommodate its growing popularity. It became synonymous with Mumbai’s nightlife, attracting Bollywood stars, business tycoons, and international guests. Celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Tiger Shroff, and Disha Patani were frequent visitors. The restaurant was not just a place to dine but a hub for glamorous events, exclusive parties, and high-profile gatherings.

With the closure of the Bandra branch, the brand’s attention is shifting to Bastian At The Top, which will continue to serve its signature dishes while building a new chapter in its culinary journey.

Bastian Bandra’s Role in Mumbai’s Nightlife

Since its inception, Bastian Bandra has been an integral part of Mumbai’s nightlife scene. Its vibrant ambiance, carefully curated interiors, and world-class cuisine made it a hotspot for celebrities and socialites. The restaurant’s emphasis on fresh seafood and pan-Asian delicacies earned it a loyal following.

Over the years, it became more than just a restaurant—it was a cultural and social landmark where Mumbai’s elite would gather. The closure, therefore, marks not only the end of a restaurant but also the conclusion of a chapter in the city’s entertainment and dining culture.

The Controversial Timeline: Fraud Allegations and Restaurant Closure

The controversy surrounding Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s business dealings has intensified in recent months. Key points include:

Investment Period (2015–2023): Deepak Kothari alleges that he invested ₹60 crore in Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, expecting the money to be used for business expansion.
Alleged Misuse: According to Kothari, the funds were allegedly diverted for personal expenses by Shetty and Kundra.
EOW Investigation: The Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai registered the case following Kothari’s complaint.
Legal Defense: Patil, representing the couple, insists the matter was already adjudicated by the NCLT Mumbai on October 4, 2024, and should not be considered a criminal case.
Impact on Bastian Bandra: While no official reason has been provided for the restaurant’s closure, speculation suggests the ongoing legal issues may have influenced the decision.

This timeline highlights the complex intersection between celebrity business ventures and legal scrutiny, illustrating how public figures navigate financial and reputational challenges.

Why Did Bastian Bandra Shut Down?

The closure of Bastian Bandra has prompted curiosity and concern among fans and patrons. Officially, Shilpa Shetty has not linked the closure to the fraud case. Instead, her Instagram note emphasized the emotional significance of the restaurant and its contributions to Mumbai’s dining and nightlife scene.

She shared:

"To honour this legendary space, we're curating a very special evening for our closest patrons—a night filled with nostalgia, energy, and magic, celebrating everything Bastian has stood for one last time. While we say goodbye to BASTIAN BANDRA, our Thursday night ritual Arcane Affair will continue next week at BASTIAN AT THE TOP, carrying forward the legacy in a brand-new chapter with brand-new experiences."

Despite speculation, it appears that the closure is a strategic and sentimental decision, ensuring the Bastian brand continues to thrive in a new location while paying tribute to its history in Bandra.

Bastian At The Top: Continuing the Legacy

While Bastian Bandra bids farewell, the Shettys’ newer venture, Bastian At The Top, promises to carry forward the brand’s legacy. Located in Dadar West, on the 48th floor of the Kohinoor Square building, the restaurant offers:

Panoramic views of Mumbai
Signature seafood and pan-Asian dishes
A contemporary and luxurious ambiance
Continuation of exclusive events like the Thursday night Arcane Affair

Bastian At The Top ensures that the Shettys’ culinary vision continues to cater to both celebrity patrons and general diners, sustaining the prestige and reputation Bastian Bandra established over nearly a decade.

Celebrity Favorites and Public Response

Over the years, Bastian Bandra became synonymous with celebrity sightings in Mumbai. The paparazzi often lined up outside the restaurant, hoping to spot stars like Kareena Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Tiger Shroff, and more. With the closure, fans and media alike have expressed mixed emotions:

Some mourn the loss of an iconic dining and social hub.
Others are curious about how the closure ties into the ongoing legal issues surrounding Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra.
Many are excited for Bastian At The Top, anticipating a new era of luxury dining experiences in Mumbai.

Shilpa Shetty’s emotional farewell note on Instagram, coupled with a special celebration night for loyal patrons, reflects a thoughtful approach to ending one chapter while beginning another.

The End of an Era, the Start of a New Chapter

The closure of Bastian Bandra marks the end of a significant era in Mumbai’s nightlife and culinary history. While the restaurant itself is closing, the Bastian brand lives on through Bastian At The Top, promising new experiences, spectacular views, and the same high-quality cuisine that made the original Bandra location a city favorite.

At the same time, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra remain under public scrutiny due to the ₹60 crore fraud allegations. Their legal team continues to defend them, stating that the matter is civil and already adjudicated.

For Mumbai diners, celebrities, and fans of Shilpa Shetty, Bastian Bandra will be remembered as a landmark destination that redefined luxury dining and nightlife, while Bastian At The Top aims to carry forward that legacy, blending glamour, gastronomy, and unforgettable experiences into the future.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies