Deccani Tehzeeb

In Hyderabad, when someone speaks to you in bold Urdu with a laid back attitude, donned in a fine silk kurtha, which renders the immediate vicinity with the sweet smell of musk, remember you could be talking to a direct descendant of Salar Jung Bahudur Shah Jafar or someone of similar royal standing. Though the link may not be obvious, you could still put a finger on his lineage to some extent. You see, Nizam had lot of wealth and wives. Of course, what followed was sons, grandsons, great-grandsons and great, great grandsons. So, somewhere down the line, the count got lost. But who is blaming?!  Definitely not me!

On a  more solemn timbre, the disarming charm of Hyderabad is so enticing, no matter which part of the globe you totter to, Hyderabad memories are bound to restively haunt. But what’s so gripping about this place? To begin with, ‘Hyderabad Biryani’, a dish that has made inroads into the kitchens of culinary gods of the likes of Gordon Ramsays. Michael Jackson and other celebrities have not indulged in this delicacy for nothing. They found in ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’ a delectable and succulent dish which they thought was worth carrying across seas in their tummies. As for me, a Hyderabadi food freak, if a foreigner doesn't tickle his taste buds with this delicacy during his brief stay in Hyderabad, he is an imbecile. An ignoramus. An abomination. An imbecalupamopus…whatever that means!

‘Irani Chai’ is another equally alluring feature of the city. A true blue Hyderabadi would resist anything but chatting with friends over a cup of chai. That he simply can’t.  Endless hours of chatting is followed by endless cups of chai. Sometimes, its hours, before the shop owner realizes that you pocketed more money than you spent on chais by overusing the overhead fan. That’s when he decides to blast you off the premises with his blaring radio, which is kept handy by his side. Wonder where these record players or radios have disappeared these days?

‘Osmania Biscuit’ - another delicacy that takes its name from the erstwhile Nizam himself. Fortunately, he doesn't complain. That’s because he is no more. But, tell me honestly, who actually complains against this melt-in-the-mouth delicacy that warms its way to your heart when partially dipped in pipping Irani Chai. Definitely, not me. Neither the shop owner. Of course, Nizam, as we know, won’t, since he can’t.

‘The Narrow Lanes’. Have you ever been to Charminar?! Well, if you haven’t. Let me warn you not to bring your car …because there are enough slow-moving, cud-chewing rides dominating the roads. Not that I am suggesting a ride on these rides. But these rides could come in the way of your ride. As it is the  roads are not made for any of these rides. Somehow both manage all the time. What the heck, it is Hyderabad… Dekh ke chelo bhai!

‘Laad Baazar’ – of course the only criteria that would make you love this place is: if you are a woman or if you have a girl friend and you are mad enough to gift her, gifts. Bangles of this place are colourful and come at a price that make you jump up and clap your feet together in glee. Even if you are here with wife, and she is buying dozens and dozens of these bangles, you can still keep a straight face and smile from ear to ear. That’s because it’s all going to be an ‘invaluable’ experience!

Frankly, Hyderabad has lot more interesting things to talk about. Since it’s a Hyderabadi writing, who has this laid back attitude about everything, you can’t keep your expectations high. 

Kya Correct bola na mein?!