The name Saurabh Luthra has come into the spotlight after a devastating fire at the nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa, which resulted in the loss of lives and raised serious questions about safety compliance in the hospitality sector. Once celebrated for his rapid rise in the restaurant and nightlife space, Saurabh is now facing intense scrutiny from the public, media, and authorities.
This article presents a detailed, balanced profile of the man at the centre of the incident — his background, entrepreneurial journey, and current legal scenario.
Who is Saurabh Luthra?
Saurabh Luthra is an engineer-turned-hospitality entrepreneur, widely known as the founder and chairman of Romeo Lane, a fast-growing chain of restaurants, bars, and nightlife destinations. Before entering the F&B industry, he completed his B.Tech degree in Software Engineering, reportedly graduating as a gold medallist, and later spent about a decade in corporate business development, working with international clients.
His shift into hospitality marked a turning point that transformed him from a corporate professional to a recognised face in India’s modern dining and nightclub ecosystem.
Entry Into Hospitality & Rise of Romeo Lane
Around 2016, Saurabh launched his first major outlet Romeo Lane, in Delhi. The brand quickly gained popularity for its ambience, youthful presentation, music culture, cocktails and social-media-centric aesthetics. Over the years, Romeo Lane expanded across multiple cities.
Following the success of Romeo Lane, Saurabh expanded aggressively:
- Romeo Lane (Flagship nightlife/lounge brand)
- Birch by Romeo Lane (Premium Goa club/restaurant)
- Mama’s Buoi (Casual dining concept)
Brand communication and interviews over the years projected him as a young, ambitious and creative restaurateur, building a network of upscale venues across India and abroad. His work also received recognition in hospitality events and lifestyle platforms, presenting him as a fast-rising entrepreneur in the nightlife space.
The Goa Nightclub Fire — The Turning Point
The tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, Goa, changed the trajectory of Saurabh Luthra’s reputation almost overnight. The incident, which took place during a crowded event, resulted in multiple casualties — including tourists and staff.
Early reports following the accident suggested that many victims were trapped due to limited escape routes. Safety lapses and regulatory non-compliance are being investigated, and a criminal case was registered against the owners and management, including Saurabh Luthra, his associates, and the club staff. Saurabh and the general manager of the property were reportedly detained for questioning and legal procedures are ongoing.
At present, the case continues in the legal system, and final accountability will be determined through investigation and trial outcomes. It is a developing story under public attention.
Past Controversies Linked to the Brand
Even prior to the fire incident, Romeo Lane in Goa had been mentioned in a separate case involving a dispute between customers and staff. Though unrelated to the Birch tragedy, the event resurfaced in public conversation after the nightclub fire, prompting broader discussion about management conduct and safety across hospitality venues.
Public Perception – From Success Story to Scrutiny
For years, Saurabh was introduced as a self-made hospitality name — an engineer who reinvented himself as a nightlife entrepreneur. His spaces became popular Instagram hotspots, attracting influencers, tourists, and partygoers.
However, following the Goa fire, public discourse has shifted. Instead of brand expansion and lifestyle success, the focus is now on:
- Safety norms in nightclubs
- Structural compliance of hospitality venues
- Accountability of business owners
- Need for stronger nightclub regulation in India
The tragedy has sparked a national conversation about nightlife safety, permissions, emergency exits, and legal oversight.
Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Saurabh Luthra |
| Profession | Restaurateur, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Founder of Romeo Lane, Birch, Mama’s Buoi |
| Education | B.Tech Software Engineering (Gold Medallist) |
| Background | Former corporate professional in Business Development |
| In News For | Goa nightclub fire tragedy involving Birch by Romeo Lane |
| Legal Status | FIR registered, investigations ongoing |
Final Word
Saurabh Luthra’s journey reflects the rise of a modern hospitality entrepreneur — but also the heavyweight of responsibility that comes with running large nightlife establishments. As investigations into the Goa fire proceed, the outcome will shape not only his future and his brands, but also the regulatory landscape for restaurants and clubs across India.
For now, the tragedy stands as a stark reminder that in hospitality, luxury and ambience are incomplete without safety and compliance.
