It was supposed to be a celebration.
A glamorous evening, curated menus, soft jazz playing in the background, and celebrities toasting to a luxurious life.

But when the bill arrived—something else began.

Whispers.
Memes.
Rage.

Because a pizza cost ₹1100.
And a bottle of champagne? A jaw-dropping ₹1,88,555.

Yes, you read that right.
Welcome to MERCÉS, the ultra-luxurious fine-dining restaurant in Mumbai’s Santacruz West, proudly co-owned by Arpita Khan Sharma—the sister of Bollywood’s very own Salman Khan.

But instead of applause, Arpita’s culinary venture is now facing a storm of criticism. And it’s not about the food. It’s about what the menu represents.

Arpita Khan has always been in the limelight—not as an actress, but as the cherished youngest sibling of Bollywood’s most famous bachelor. Known for her lavish lifestyle, high-profile wedding, and elite inner circle, Arpita has never shied away from luxury.

But her new avatar—as a businesswoman with a fine-dining restaurant—has drawn more attention than she expected.

In December 2024, Arpita opened Mercés, a European-themed high-end restaurant designed to deliver a “world-class culinary experience.” With a grand interior, private dining lounges, a glamorous bar, and a DJ console to match, the place was built to scream exclusive.

And it certainly does—especially when you look at the prices.

When photos of Mercés’ menu began circulating on social media, reactions came in faster than reservations.

A Four Cheese Pizza priced at ₹1100?
A Truffle Pasta on Wheels costing ₹8,500?
And the crown jewel: A dish called Herb Lab listed for ₹10,000.

Even the Salmon Carpaccio—a favorite among regulars—sits at ₹4,000.
Cocktails start at ₹900 and climb higher.
And if you’re planning to sip on fine wine, better bring a thick wallet. Bottles start at ₹500 and go all the way to ₹70,000. The most expensive French champagne is priced at ₹1,88,555.

Suddenly, even ordering tea felt like a financial decision.

Within hours, the internet was ablaze. Netizens did what they do best: roast.

“Can’t even afford a starter here without taking a loan!” one user wrote.

“Arpita’s restaurant is a robbery wrapped in table linen,” said another.

But the outrage didn’t stop at jokes. Many began questioning the ethics of luxury in a country where even a basic meal is out of reach for millions.

“While the common man is struggling to afford onions, celebrity siblings are selling ₹10K pasta,” one tweet read. “This isn’t fine dining—it’s fine looting.”

Some even claimed Arpita is funding her lavish lifestyle through overpriced dishes, calling it “luxury marketing gone rogue.”

To be fair, Mercés isn’t your average eatery. It’s positioned as a luxury experience. The décor is extravagant, the ambiance meticulously curated, and the chefs are globally trained. Arpita and her business partners didn’t open a roadside café—they opened a space meant for elite clientele.

For some, it’s aspirational.
For others, it’s offensive.

Because while the rich toast champagne at ₹1.8 lakh a bottle, many in the same city sleep hungry.

So the real question isn’t whether a pizza should cost ₹1100.
It’s whether public sentiment has finally hit a breaking point with celebrity excess.

Adding fuel to the fury, Arpita recently celebrated her birthday at the very same restaurant. Photos of her cutting cake in a glittery dress, with celebrity guests sipping wine under chandeliers, circulated while many users were still debating how much they paid for their last home-cooked meal.

The timing was unfortunate.
The internet doesn’t take kindly to flaunted wealth during economic downturns.

Suddenly, Arpita wasn’t just a proud restaurateur—she was a symbol of everything that feels wrong with celebrity privilege.

Despite the outrage, one can’t deny that Mercés is stunning.
A private lounge for 30 guests.
Custom lighting.
Imported cutlery.
A curated wine room with temperature-controlled walls.

Sources close to the family say that most of the Khan family parties are now hosted at Mercés. Salman Khan himself has been spotted dining there, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to for Bollywood’s elite.

But is exclusivity enough to justify such steep pricing?

The problem is not just price—it’s the perception.

In a city like Mumbai, where skyscrapers overlook slums, showing off wealth has always been a tightrope walk. And with social media amplifying every menu, every bottle, and every decorative plate, it’s a walk that can quickly turn into a fall.

For many middle-class Indians, a meal at Mercés is more than just expensive—it’s unreachable. And that’s where the resentment lies.

When food becomes a status symbol, what does that say about the culture we’re cultivating?

So far, Arpita Khan has not addressed the backlash publicly. Her Instagram still features glowing images of parties, selfies with family, and glimpses of her luxe life.

But the storm is growing.
And so is the conversation around wealth, class, and whether celebrities need to be more conscious of what they represent.

Arpita Khan’s Mercés is more than a restaurant.
It’s a mirror—reflecting both India’s growing appetite for luxury and its lingering discomfort with inequality.

Whether Mercés survives the backlash or thrives despite it remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—this is not the last time a celebrity’s version of “living the high life” will trigger a low blow from the public.

In the end, maybe it’s not about the pizza.
Maybe it’s about who can afford to eat—and who can only watch.