Sanjay Dutt's Mumbai Restaurant 'Alta Stella' In Trouble Over Cocktail With 'Live Betta Fish'; Bar Faces Backlash After Video Goes Viral On Social Media (Via Instagram)
A luxury restro-bar in Mumbai has landed in controversy after a video surfaced online showing a live fish being used in a cocktail presentation. The visuals quickly spread across social media, triggering sharp criticism and raising concerns over animal cruelty.
The bar, ‘Alta Stella’, launched by actor Sanjay Dutt along with entrepreneur Abhimanyu Jakhar, had initially grabbed attention for its unique constellation-inspired theme and premium experience. Influencers and guests had been sharing posts praising its aesthetic setup and concept.
However, the buzz took a negative turn after multiple videos began circulating online. The clips appeared to show a cocktail served with a live fish inside the glass as part of the presentation. In one of the widely shared videos, the drink was even set on fire while the fish remained inside, intensifying the backlash.
The incident has drawn strong reactions, with many calling the act inhumane and irresponsible. Critics pointed out that taking fish out of water, even briefly, can cause severe stress and suffocation.
An Instagram post that amplified the issue read, “This is not creativity, this is cruelty made Instagrammable,” questioning why such practices are being normalised in the name of innovation. Animal welfare voices also highlighted that fish can suffer for several minutes when deprived of oxygen, making such presentations deeply problematic.
Users across platforms did not hold back. Many accused the bar of using shock value to attract attention, while others questioned the ethics of luxury establishments.
One user wrote that such “cheap tricks” to pull in customers were unacceptable, while another called the act “absolutely sick” and demanded it be stopped immediately. Several others urged the management to rethink their approach, stressing that no aesthetic or theme should come at the cost of a living creature’s suffering.
The controversy has now put the spotlight on the responsibility of hospitality businesses, with growing calls for stricter accountability when it comes to the treatment of animals in public-facing spaces.
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