The Tragic Fire at Romeo Lane
Days after a devastating fire at an upscale nightclub in Goa club fire, India, which killed 25 people, attention has focused on the two brothers who co-owned the venue. Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra were deported from Thailand to India, where they fled hours after the incident on 7 December. A third partner, Ajay Gupta, was detained in Delhi last week.
Until recently, the brothers were known primarily within India’s hospitality and nightlife circles. They grew up in Delhi and are described as coming from ordinary beginnings, with a paralysed father, a religious mother, and a strong entrepreneurial drive that eventually led them to co-own some of the country’s most recognizable nightlife venues.
Early Life and Family Background
Born into a middle-class family in northern Delhi, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra grew up far removed from the glamour associated with the venues they would later own. Their mother was deeply religious, and their father, largely bedridden after a paralytic attack, ran a boutique clothing store to support the family. Education was a priority, with Saurabh earning an engineering degree from a university in Gujarat, and Gaurav also reportedly holding an engineering qualification.
Entrepreneurial Journey
The Luthra brothers began their venture in hospitality with a café in Hudson Lane, Delhi, in 2016. Its popularity among university students allowed them to open another casual diner, Dramebaaz. Their major breakthrough came with Romeo Lane, an upscale nightclub combining luxury, entertainment, and social media-friendly events. The venues featured sleek design, handcrafted cocktails, loud Bollywood music, and themed events, appealing to urban youth.
Expansion Across India and Beyond
Following the success of Romeo Lane in Delhi, the brothers expanded into smaller cities such as Noida, Meerut, Lucknow, and Dehradun, even opening a property in Dubai last year. The venues were known for being flamboyant yet affordable, giving a wider audience their first exposure to a lively nightlife scene.
Birch by Romeo Lane, opened in 2024 in Goa, was designed as a luxurious tropical escape with open spaces, ponds, and fresh air. However, the venue would tragically become the scene of one of the deadliest nightclub fires in India.
Public Life and Social Media Presence
Saurabh Luthra took on a public-facing role as chairman, sharing glimpses of the business on Instagram. His profile featured ribbon-cutting ceremonies, celebrity photos, and updates on their expanding empire, earning him recognition in Economic Times’ “40 under 40” list and a recent feature in Forbes India. Gaurav, meanwhile, maintained a quieter online presence, focusing on operations and management Goa club fire.
Controversies and Legal Issues
The brothers’ rapid rise was not without scrutiny. In Goa, Romeo Lane faced multiple complaints regarding loud music, illegal construction in ecologically sensitive zones, and improper sewage discharge. While some cases were closed, portions of their properties were demolished under orders from the chief minister following the deadly fire.
Despite their public profile in Delhi, they remained largely unknown in Goa. Local protests highlighted concerns about compliance and oversight, and during court proceedings, the brothers were often absent, sending managers instead. Court filings argue they were “licensees, not operators” of the venue, disclaiming direct control over day-to-day safety measures.
Current Situation and Investigation
As investigators continue to examine the events leading to the fire, the Luthra brothers face serious allegations including culpable homicide. The public and media have intensely scrutinized their rapid rise, business practices, and the tragic consequences of the fire. Their story has become a cautionary tale of ambition, regulatory oversight, and the responsibilities of hospitality entrepreneurs.
