Startup Originals Team
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra has announced the closure of her iconic Mumbai restaurant, Bastian Bandra, as she and her husband Raj Kundra face serious fraud allegations involving a ₹60 crore legal dispute.
The End of an Era for Bastian Bandra:
Opened in 2016, Bastian Bandra quickly became one of Mumbai’s top celebrity hotspots, famed for its seafood and vibrant nightlife. On social media, Shilpa Shetty called its closure “the end of an era,” reflecting on the countless memories and special moments the venue created in the city’s party scene. She announced a final farewell night for patrons, while confirming that “Bastian At The Top” (the brand’s outlet in Dadar) will continue to operate with new experiences.
Fraud Case Clouds Restaurant’s Legacy:
The closure comes weeks after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) booked Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra for allegedly cheating Mumbai-based businessman Deepak Kothari of ₹60.4 crore in a loan-cum-investment deal. Kothari claims he invested the funds over several years under the impression they would be used for business expansion through Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a company now facing insolvency. Instead, Kothari alleges the funds were diverted to personal expenses.
Legal Response from the Kundra Family:
Representatives for Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have refuted the criminal accusations, insisting the matter is purely civil and has already been examined by NCLT Mumbai. According to their lawyer, all required documents were submitted to regulators, and the couple plans to pursue action against what they call a “malicious” campaign.
Bastian Bandra’s Cultural Impact:
In less than a decade, Bastian Bandra became synonymous with Mumbai’s elite social scene. Co-owned with restaurateur Ranjit Bindra, the eatery hosted numerous celebrities and business leaders. While its Bandra location bids farewell, the Bastian legacy is set to continue at other venues across the city.
