Story Content

Sanjay Dutt and his new constellation-themed restro-bar Alta Stella in Andheri, Mumbai, which opened on March 11, 2026, in association with an entrepreneur named Abhimanyu Jakhar, has landed in trouble. The use of a live Betta fish as part of a viral cocktail, which involves the use of a fish swimming inside the glass, elicited worldwide indignation on social media networks as netizens and animal welfare organizations called it sick and inhumane.

Videos and posts depicted the fish being put in a straight-up position in the drink, with some even claiming that the glass was even set on fire with the fish inside. The luxury establishment was criticized for commodifying cruelty to animals as an Instagram aesthetic and zodiac-themed creativity (purportedly in honor of Pisces).

Under severe criticism, not even spared by celebrities such as Jacqueline Fernandez, who described it as disgusting, the management has now chosen to pull out the cocktail in question off the menu. The bar clarified that caution has been exercised previously, but now customer feedback is being given a priority. The episode has created wider discussions on hospitality ethical practices.