Shilpa Shetty Performs Puja for New Bastian Outlet in Goa Amid ₹60 Crore Fraud Case
Bollywood actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has once again stepped into the spotlight — this time for a reason that beautifully blends faith and business. The actress recently performed a traditional puja ceremony to inaugurate a new outlet of her popular restaurant chain Bastian in Goa, even as she continues to face an ongoing ₹60 crore fraud case.
A Traditional Start to a New Venture
Shilpa Shetty took to her Instagram Stories to share glimpses of the inauguration ceremony. Dressed in a graceful white printed salwar-kameez, the actress was seen performing a yagna (holy ritual) alongside her team members. The ceremony, held at the new Bastian property in Goa, marked the auspicious beginning of the restaurant’s operations in India’s favourite coastal state.
The Goa outlet is a significant addition to Shetty’s expanding hospitality brand, which has already made waves in Mumbai with its signature locations. Despite her ongoing legal troubles, Shetty’s calm demeanour during the ritual reflected her belief in positivity, spirituality, and hard work — values she often emphasizes in interviews and public appearances.
Expanding the Bastian Legacy
The opening of the Goa outlet comes amid speculation about the fate of the original Bastian restaurant in Bandra, Mumbai. Many fans believed the popular eatery was shutting down, leading to widespread confusion across social media.
To clarify, Shilpa Shetty personally addressed the rumours in a heartfelt video message, assuring patrons that Bastian is not shutting down but rather transforming. She explained that the Bandra property will soon be reimagined as “Ammakai”, a fine-dining restaurant specializing in authentic South Indian Mangalorean cuisine, paying tribute to her cultural roots.
Meanwhile, the beloved Bastian brand will continue under a new avatar — Bastian Beach Club, set to open in Juhu. This transition marks a new phase for her hospitality business, combining innovation, tradition, and a deep connection to her heritage.
Shilpa’s Message to Fans and Food Lovers
In her announcement, Shilpa Shetty expressed her gratitude to loyal patrons, saying:
“No, I am not shutting down Bastian, I promise. I have received numerous calls, and I can definitely feel the love for Bastian. But don’t turn this love into something toxic. We are so excited to announce not one but two new places — Ammakai and Bastian Beach Club.”
She further added,
“Bandra Bastian was the root of our tree called Bastian Hospitality. Like a tree blooms new fruits, our favourite Bandra restaurant is giving way to a new one — Ammakai. Your favourite Bastian is going to Juhu with the name Bastian Beach Club. So Bastian is staying… going nowhere!”
Her words highlighted her optimism and business resilience, showing how she continues to focus on growth and creativity despite external challenges.
The Legal Storm: ₹60 Crore Fraud Case
While her restaurant business flourishes, Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra remain entangled in a legal dispute involving an alleged ₹60 crore fraud case. Businessman Deepak Kothari has accused the couple of misleading him into investing in Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, a now-defunct home shopping company where both Shetty and Kundra served as directors.
According to reports, Kothari claims that the invested amount was diverted for personal use, and the case is currently under review in the Bombay High Court. Although the proceedings are ongoing, neither Shetty nor Kundra has made public statements about the specifics of the case, maintaining their focus on professional commitments and family.
Balancing Business and Challenges
The launch of the new Bastian outlet in Goa during such a turbulent period is seen by many as a bold and strategic move. It reflects Shilpa Shetty’s ability to separate her business pursuits from personal controversies. Industry insiders have praised her for continuing to expand her brand and staying dedicated to her entrepreneurial vision despite the challenges.
Shilpa’s presence in the hospitality industry has been widely appreciated for bringing glamour, authenticity, and global appeal to Indian dining. Her ventures often blend luxury aesthetics with curated culinary experiences, positioning Bastian as a leading lifestyle brand in India’s restaurant scene.
A Symbol of Strength and Resilience
As Shilpa Shetty performed the puja in Goa, the serene images of her seeking divine blessings spoke volumes about her mindset. For her, the ritual wasn’t just about inaugurating a restaurant — it symbolized new beginnings, faith, and resilience.
Despite ongoing scrutiny and public attention, Shetty continues to maintain her composure, choosing to let her work and actions speak louder than the headlines. With Ammakai in Bandra, Bastian Beach Club in Juhu, and now Bastian Goa, the actress-entrepreneur seems determined to write a new chapter — one that blends success, spirituality, and self-belief.
The Goa launch proves that Shilpa Shetty’s entrepreneurial journey is far from over; in fact, it’s evolving stronger than ever. Amidst the controversies and challenges, her unwavering focus on business expansion shows a side of her that’s both fearless and inspiring — a modern woman balancing grace, grit, and growth.