Shilpa Shetty Shuts Down Bastian

The glitzy world of Bollywood and the dynamic hospitality industry have long shared a close relationship. From actors stepping into the role of restaurateurs to star-studded eateries becoming paparazzi hotspots, celebrity-owned restaurants have become a significant part of India’s urban landscape. The latest news to make headlines in this space is the closure of Bastian Bandra, a high-end Mumbai restaurant co-owned by actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra and restaurateur Ranjit Bindra.

Shetty announced the closure on her Instagram, sharing an emotional note that called the occasion “the end of an era.” The restaurant, which first opened its doors in 2016 and was relocated to a larger, multi-level space in 2023, quickly established itself as a go-to destination for fine dining and a celebrity haunt. Known for its artistic decor, sophisticated ambiance, and a menu that centered around seafood, Bastian Bandra was a fixture in Mumbai’s social scene. While the specific reasons for the closure were not mentioned in her post, the timing coincides with recent legal troubles for the actress and her husband, Raj Kundra, who are currently facing allegations of financial fraud. The couple’s legal team has denied the accusations, stating they are “baseless.”

Despite the closure of the Bandra location, the legacy of the brand will continue, as its sister outpost, Bastian at the Top, located in Dadar, will remain operational. The news has turned the spotlight on the growing trend of Bollywood celebrities entering the food and beverage industry, often with varying degrees of success.

Beyond the Silver Screen: The Rise of Celebrity Restaurateurs

Shilpa Shetty is by no means the first or only Bollywood personality to venture into the world of hospitality. This trend reflects a smart business move, leveraging their immense brand value and fan following to attract a loyal clientele. These ventures are not just about food; they are about curating an experience that mirrors the celebrity’s persona and taste.

• Gauri Khan’s Torii: A celebrity in her own right, interior designer Gauri Khan recently launched Torii in Bandra. The restaurant is celebrated for its progressive Asian cuisine and breathtaking interiors, which Gauri herself has designed, showcasing her signature style and aesthetic.
• Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune: Cricket icon Virat Kohli has proven his business acumen with the widespread success of his restaurant chain, One8 Commune. With multiple outlets across several cities, the brand has become synonymous with a trendy, youthful vibe, much like the cricketer himself.
• Karan Johar’s Neuma: Known for his directorial flair and penchant for all things luxurious, filmmaker Karan Johar co-owns Neuma in Mumbai’s Colaba. The fine-dining restaurant, with its colonial-era decor, has become a hot spot for Sunday brunches and exclusive gatherings.
• Priyanka Chopra’s Sona: Taking the Indian culinary experience to an international stage, Priyanka Chopra Jonas co-founded Sona in New York. The restaurant, which celebrates authentic Indian flavors with a modern twist, is a testament to the actress’s roots and global appeal.
• Dharmendra’s Garam Dharam: Veteran actor Dharmendra has brought his rustic, larger-than-life image to life with his chain of restaurants, Garam Dharam. The eateries, with their dhaba-style decor and homage to the actor’s iconic dialogues and films, offer a nostalgic and hearty dining experience.
• Suniel Shetty’s H2O: One of the pioneers in this space, Suniel Shetty’s H2O – The Liquid Lounge was a popular nightclub and bar in Mumbai for years. The actor, who was in the business even before his acting career took off, has demonstrated a long-standing interest in the hospitality sector.

The closure of Bastian Bandra highlights the challenges and risks inherent in the restaurant business, even for celebrity-backed ventures. However, it does little to dampen the ongoing trend. For many celebrities, these restaurants are more than just a source of income; they are passion projects that allow them to connect with their audience in a new way, blurring the lines between art, fame, and entrepreneurship. As the culinary scene continues to evolve, so too will the celebrity-owned establishments that shape it, each telling a unique story of star power meeting a passion for food.