13 Ways to Do Mumbai Like a Bollywood Celebrity

More than the elegant interiors and coveted location of this sea-facing hotel in Bandra West, it is its famous neighbor that keeps it in the news. Heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan, fondly addressed by his initials SRK and hailed as the “King of Bollywood,” occupies the large, grand mansion nearby with his family. Which means that, be it for conferences or power lunches, he’s likely to be at the hotel. In fact, he’s said to dine with his wife and kids once a month at Ming Yang, the in-house Chinese restaurant. The steamed fish and dim sums have also reportedly found a fan in Greek god Hrithik Roshan. In addition, savor Masala Bay’s glorious Indian fare, which has passed muster with Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, among others.

If you’re staying here to be close to Lower Parel’s business hub, you’re in for a great deal. Located in the South Mumbai area of Worli, the hotel boasts one of the city’s highest rooftop bars, which attracts its share of cognoscenti. Right on the property’s 34th floor, Aer offers trendy seating and furniture, with dramatic views of the city’s coast. But the fabulous cooking and clever mixology make it even more special. The bar is best visited in the evenings for sunsets and sundowners. If the idea of a terrace perch sounds too dizzying, you could partake in the several lower-level experiences on offer, including a pan-Asian meal at San:Qi. Wherever you are at the hotel, rest assured it has seen footfalls by the likes of recently married power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who live nearby.

If real-life Bollywood drama was a thing, then this posh resto-bar in the suburb of Khar has seen quite a bit of it. SRK and his arch-rival Salman Khan brawled here in 2008, and the latter once had a scuffle with “coming-of-age” idol Ranbir Kapoor in his younger days at this very place. Nonetheless, Olive continues to be the industry’s favorite dining and party zone. Maybe it’s due to the Mediterranean-style whitewashed walls that give the illusion of Mykonos in Mumbai. Maybe it’s the consistent food that delivers memorable results, such as the signature pizzas, pastas, and Sunday brunches. Maybe it’s because the restaurant boasts one of the city’s most well-stocked cellars. Or maybe it’s just PR and connections. All these factors and more have made Olive one of the hottest addresses for showbiz networking (do note the dress code), never mind the splurge.

Swarming with celebrity homes, including the abodes of Bollywood’s top three Khans, Bandra West is truly the Beverly Hills of Mumbai. And guess where these celebs head for a treat? With offerings including the wholesome watermelon and feta salad, flavorful pastas, and refreshing sangrias, no wonder popular names like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Arjun Rampal make a beeline for this European-bistro-style restaurant. Show up for breakfast, where healthy fare in the form of quinoa upma, buttermilk pancakes, and oatmeal porridge await you. Who knows you might end up hobnobbing with the elite!

Dessert brand Le15 is credited with introducing the city to French macarons and reinventing the art of baking. No wonder it boasts a discerning clientele, including movie stars. (Owner–chef Pooja Dhingra, a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus, also created a six-tier cake for actor and fashionista Sonam Kapoor’s wedding last year.) In 2016, the experimental patisserie opened its first café in Colaba near the Gateway of India, designed with a Parisian vibe. Current-generation celebrities such as Parineeti Chopra and Shraddha Kapoor are among those who have heaped praises on this place. Understandably so, when it’s difficult to resist ordering seconds of the croissants, poached-egg waffles, or anything else. And when the oozy chocolate and salted caramel tart named Lucie is just one delightful way to conclude a great meal with. Don’t forget to bring a box (or ten) of macarons home.