There are restaurants that open their doors, and then there are those that open their world. Scarlett House in Juhu belongs to the latter. It doesn’t shout for attention; it draws you in softly; with the glow of its textures, the ease of its atmosphere, and the way it makes you feel part of something familiar yet quietly extraordinary.
Much of that feeling comes from the people behind it. Malaika Arora, known widely as a style icon, fitness enthusiast, and someone who has mastered the art of reinvention, brings more than her name to Scarlett House. She brings a philosophy. Her love for spaces that balance elegance with comfort, indulgence with mindfulness is evident in every detail; from the earthy tones to the little touches of glamour, and even in the thoughtful curation of the menu. Scarlett House isn’t just another business venture for her; it is a reflection of her lifestyle and values.
Dhaval Udeshi, on the other hand, is a storyteller of hospitality. With a track record that spans beloved spaces like Gigi, Donna Deli, and Kaia Goa, he has built his reputation on creating restaurants that don’t just serve meals, but foster belonging. For him, it’s never about chasing trends or building the flashiest room in town. It’s about rhythm, understanding the pulse of a neighbourhood, the culture of a community, and creating spaces that feel like they’ve always been there. At Scarlett House, his instinct for intimacy and authenticity shapes everything from design choices to how guests experience the room.
Together, they both have created something rare: a restaurant that doesn’t position itself as “the next big thing,” but as a place where people can feel at home, and yet, elevated. Scarlett House challenges conventional nightlife with its Hydration Bar, offers the comfort of neighbourhood dining with the edge of innovation, and carries the imprint of family, philosophy, and fearless creativity.
In this conversation, Malaika Arora and Dhaval Udeshi open up about what Scarlett House means to them, the choices that shaped it, and how they see it growing while staying true to its soul. It’s less about business strategy, more about identity, and that’s exactly what makes Scarlett House worth listening to.
Malaika, Scarlett House feels deeply personal, from its menu to its ambience. When you walk through the space, what moments or details make you think, “This is so me”?
Scarlett House really is an extension of me. I’ve always gravitated toward spaces that feel warm, elegant, and effortless, and that’s exactly what I wanted people to experience here. From the earthy tones and textures to the little touches of glamour, it’s all very reflective of my personality. Even the menu has moments where I see myself: wholesome, balanced dishes with just the right indulgence. When I walk in, it feels like home, but also like the kind of place I’d want to dress up and go out to.
Dhaval, from Gigi in Bandra to Donna Deli and Kaia Goa, your career shows a pattern of creating spaces that last because they connect emotionally. How did you capture that ‘community rhythm’ for Juhu with Scarlett House?
Scarlett Juhu was always meant to be more than a restaurant. For me, hospitality is about belonging, not just food and drink. Juhu has its own rhythm, it’s got that old-world neighbourhood charm but also a very modern appetite for culture and nightlife. To match that, we kept Scarlett intimate: conversational tables, smaller corners, and experiences like the supper club and “Scarlett Letters” that make people feel like insiders. It’s not about being the biggest or the flashiest; it’s about moving at the same pace as the neighbourhood and giving people a place where they feel recognised.
Malaika, the Hydration Bar is such a unique, non-alcoholic focal point in a city that loves its cocktails. How much of it came from your own wellness habits, and how much from wanting to shift the way people think about ‘going out’?
Wellness has always been a big part of my lifestyle, but I also wanted to challenge the idea that a great night out has to revolve around alcohol. The Hydration Bar came from both those thoughts; it’s something I would personally enjoy, but it’s also a statement about the kind of experiences we want to create. You can still have a drink that feels sophisticated, celebratory, and fun without it being alcoholic. It’s about giving people choice and showing that mindful living can be just as exciting.
Dhaval, every successful restaurant finds a balance between design, function, and personality. What was the toughest call you had to make to keep that balance here?
The toughest call was restraint. Scarlett sits inside a 60-year-old film studio, and it was tempting to overdesign and make it grand. But we chose to preserve the bones of the building and let its history show through. That meant fewer covers, tighter layouts, and spending on layered textures instead of flashy interventions. In hospitality, you’re often pushed to prioritise function and efficiency, but here we let personality lead, and that’s what makes the space memorable.
Malaika, having Arhaan as part of the Scarlett House journey makes this more than just a business venture; it’s family. How has that shaped the energy and decision-making behind the scenes?
It changes everything. Having Arhaan involved makes Scarlett House so much more than a project, it’s something we’re building together, and that makes it very special. He brings his own perspective and freshness to the table, and it’s wonderful to see him take ownership. Of course, there are disagreements sometimes, but that’s natural with family. At the end of the day, the energy is supportive and full of love, and that’s what drives our decisions. We’re doing this not just for the brand, but for each other.
Dhaval, Scarlett House blends neighbourhood comfort with an edge of innovation. When you were shaping it, what was the single most important feeling you wanted guests to walk away with?
For me, it was all about creating intimate luxury. I didn’t want Scarlett to be “just another” bar or fine-dining room. The idea was that every guest leaves feeling like they’ve stumbled upon a hidden place that still feels like their own. It’s familiar and comforting, but elevated like being at a house party where the food, cocktails, and energy are world-class.
Malaika, you’ve been part of industries that thrive on constant reinvention. In hospitality, too, trends move quickly. How do you plan to keep Scarlett House evolving while staying true to its original identity?
Reinvention is exciting, but for me, authenticity is the anchor. With Scarlett House, the identity is clear: it’s a space that’s warm, inclusive, stylish, and mindful. That won’t change. But yes, we’ll keep evolving through the menu, through collaborations, through seasonal experiences — always listening to what our guests enjoy. I think the key is not chasing every trend, but choosing the ones that naturally align with who we are. That way, we’re always moving forward without losing ourselves.
Dhaval, the F&B industry is often described as unpredictable and high-risk. What gave you the conviction to invest in such an experimental idea like the Hydration Bar?
Conviction came from watching how dining culture is changing. People want balance, they want choice, and they want experiences that feel new. The Hydration Bar was our way of saying that not every memorable night has to be alcohol-led. You can have something sophisticated, exciting, and still walk away feeling good. Of course, the risk is real, but the bigger risk is standing still while culture moves forward. Scarlett’s edge is that we’re willing to experiment, but always through the lens of true hospitality.
