Moving to Mumbai straight out of college can be terrifying. Beyond the immediate alienation from everything familiar, the city presents endless possibilities that are, in themselves, overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, Laju Bhatia became a personal Yoda. A voice of steady calm and consistent welcome among the unfamiliar. Co-founder of the iconic Toto's in Bandra alongside the late Ashok Totlani, Laju evolved into a friend and confidant to the pub's many regulars, always ready to offer advice, kindness, and his unwavering anti-establishment wisdom to anyone who needed it. Laju Bhatia passed away on 19th January 2026, but his legacy - and the lives he touched - will endure far beyond his loss.
Toto's Garage Pub – that's the full legal name. And it’s origins from an actual garage were emphasised by its half-Fiat DJ console, a VW Beetle loitering precariously overhead, overall clad staff, and license plates brought by adoring customers from around the world. Yes it’s pub, but it’s also a refuge. Built on the foundations of rock and roll and the idea that everyone was welcome. It began its journey in 1992, but Laju Bhatia kept that promise until his very end.
The History
When it first opened, it may not have been anything out of the ordinary, but as the years wore on, Toto’s stood unchanged... almost. In 2017, it underwent a severe "dismemberment" courtesy of the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), as the front section of the beloved pub, along with a dozen other Pali Naka establishments, were demolished for "infringing on the pavement." Walls were smashed, and the stately neon sign was destroyed to the dismay of all involved, especially Laju Bhai. Yet, even as the walls fell, loyal customers preserve those bricks to this day. It was a setback, but not an end.
They rebuilt. And not at the usual Mumbai construction pace. Within months, their license plates were zip tied in place and the doors opened, even as they tried to work out how to recoup the physical damage and emotional losses of the past few months. But they persevered, and that’s the main message Laju always imparted to his guests - it's always worth fighting for what you believe in.
Laju Bhatia's Legacy
Whether it was discussing the worrying impact of e-commerce and delivery service demands on restaurants like his, the steady sidelining of pub culture or more recently the impact of Bandra’s creator culture on the revival of ‘dive bars’, Laju was not one to be behind the times or subtle about his opinion on them. But through it all, his vision for Toto’s was unwavering, and that’s what keeps people coming back. He, the staff that welcomes everyone with a smile and zero pretence, the music that spans from 60’s rock to 2000’s trash, the beer that always tastes the same. In the ever-changing Bandra, Toto’s is the immovable force.
It was on one of my many visits, disillusioned by the trappings of the media world, that he told me something I will never forget. “If you don’t like it, leave. You are what's stopping you.” Direct, yet unforgettable. That was Laju on most days. As he moved between tables in his dark glasses and his perpetually patterned button-downs, he had kind words and advice for everyone. He doled out handshakes, hugs and advice like water, and even when his eyesight wasn't what it was, he could always spot the people ready for a chat.
For me, Toto's is home. It witnessed my worst defeats and greatest triumphs. The breakups, the birthdays, the old friends and new, the promotions, and the partings. It welcomes without fuss or illusion. It was how Laju envisioned it to be, built on the love and trust of the people who poured life into it on a daily basis. There’s a reason people still yearn for the dive bar culture, it’s not for its grime, for its prices or even for its music. It's for patrons like Laju who turned what could have been simple after-work drinks into moments worth remembering.
It works because Toto’s wasn’t built on a modern template of success. Laju and staff never cared for chasing the latest trends or the visibility of influencer reels. Their job was simple. Welcome people with their whole heart, serve good food, good beer and send them on their way with the knowledge that their day was better for having been at Toto’s. Without him, the experience will seem incomplete, but his spirit is etched into every fibre of that bar and no doubt, he's going to make himself known should anyone venture to disturb the peace of his legacy.