Mumbai’s glitzy culinary scene is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most prominent landmarks. Bastian Bandra, the celebrity-frequented restaurant co-owned by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, is officially closing its doors on Thursday, September 4. The announcement was made by Shetty herself on Instagram, calling it “the end of an era.”

“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,” she wrote in her post.

The closure comes at a turbulent time for Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, who are currently embroiled in a legal controversy. The couple has been accused by Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari of defrauding him of approximately Rs 60.4 crore. The case revolves around investments and loans made between 2015 and 2023 to their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd.

While the timing of Bastian Bandra’s closure and the legal allegations appear to coincide, Shetty maintains that the brand itself is far from finished. “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,” she added.

Launched in 2016, Bastian Bandra quickly earned a reputation as a hotspot for Mumbai’s elite. Its seafood-centric menu, luxurious interiors, and constant stream of Bollywood stars made it a magnet for both the paparazzi and the city’s socialites. Regular visitors included stars like Malaika Arora, Janhvi Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani, Tiger Shroff, and many others.

The restaurant also became known for hosting exclusive events such as the popular “Arcane Affair,” blending fine dining with nightlife in a way few other venues in the city managed to replicate. Its vaulted ceilings, opulent chandeliers, and warm tones reflected a perfect mix of elegance and comfort.

Despite the current legal scrutiny, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s legal team has strongly denied all allegations. Speaking to media outlet ANI, their lawyer Prashant Patil stated, “All allegations are false. We have not received a copy of the FIR so far. When we receive a copy, we would get to know the exact allegations. On that basis, we will adopt the next legal remedy. But this transaction is quite old, 7-8 years old. If someone feels that they have been wronged, cheated, they would not wait 8-10 years to complain. There is documentary evidence for everything…If someone has any objection, they can approach EOW…We too will present our truth before investigating agencies. Truth will be out…”

Patil further noted that the matter had previously been addressed before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in 2024 and maintained that it is of a civil nature, not criminal.

While Bastian Bandra prepares for its farewell event this Thursday, the brand’s future has already been mapped out. Ranjit Bindra, Founder and CEO of Bastian Hospitality, revealed plans for two new ventures under the Bastian umbrella. “Bandra was our beginning, and while that chapter closes, two new stories are waiting to be written,” he said in a media statement.

From mid-October, the Bandra space will be revamped into Ammakai, a South Indian specialty restaurant inspired by the warmth and comfort of a mother’s hand. Meanwhile, the coastal suburb of Juhu will welcome Bastian Beach Club, an upscale extension of the brand’s energetic and indulgent vibe.

“Bandra was where Bastian’s journey began, and it will always remain close to us. As we evolve, it feels right to honour the depth of South Indian cuisine through Ammakai, while also bringing the energy and indulgence of Bastian to Juhu in a fresh new way. We’re closing one chapter, but two new stories are waiting to be written, and we can’t wait to welcome you into them,” Bindra shared.

Although Bastian Bandra’s closure is marked by a cloud of controversy, both its legacy and brand are poised to continue evolving, with Shetty and her team ready to enter a new phase of their hospitality journey.