Lamakaan – The Heartthrob of Artists

Quite recently, there was a lot of hue and cry to close down Lamakaan.  However, many youngsters took to roads with placards saying it must exist. Their will prevailed - at least, for the time being. 

For those who aren’t aware, Lamakaan is an interesting hangout for youngsters and an awesome place for art and theatre lovers. It’s an independent bungalow nestled in the posh Banjara Hills vicinity. What adds a touch of spice to this hangout is its nonchalant existence. It’s a quaint joint quietly hidden in one of the by lanes. Unless one distinctly knows the interiors of Banjara Hills, the chances of missing it are huge.  

Interestingly, the building in itself takes an informal shape, free flowing spaces that effortlessly blend with the environment. The stage for theatre performances at the ground floor seamlessly merges with the jutting rocks and plants surrounding it. The loosely spread tables and chairs add a rustic yet a classic look to the ambience, lending a feeling of complete serenity. 

I still can’t place my finger on as to who owns this awesome place and why is it being given away for an hangout when the owner can easily spin loads of money out of it? 

Nevertheless, it’s an idyllic site that sets the ball rolling for chats, snacking, and reading or for that matter simply indulging in small talk with friends. The canteen almost resembles the ones you have within the college premises, stocked with all goodies you nonchalantly love to ransack from time to time. Yes, reminisces hit quite hard.

Fascinatingly, the tea, served in glasses, gives a feeling of having it on a highway to a faraway destination. The assorted dishes include; piping hot Samosas, Dhai Wada, Bread Omelet, Nimbu Paani, and all those appetizing delicacies. All dishes are dirt cheap yet tantalizingly appealing and satiating. 

The crowd encompasses a wide spectrum of ages. You find all sorts here. The moustaches, the beards, the completely bald and of course how can we forget the pony tails. Hey, hang on; we haven’t started talking about the girls. Not yet.  

The girls are often spotted here in groups stealing glances at spicy food laid out on the table or at the pony tails or moustaches across. Some of the bold ones even sport a cigarette on their lips while discussing movies and directors. Many budding talented movie directors as well as music directors make a stopover before they climb on to the top of the success ladder. Of course, you have all sorts buzzing around the joint. 

If you have the itch for good paintings, trust me, this is one of the best places. Whoever you are - an artist or an admirer - your thirst would be quenched. The bungalow hosts art shows quite frequently. The same goes for the theatre too! Screening of plays happens at the drop of a hat. 

The last time I read of a joint resembling this place was when I read about Shantiniketan.  Of course, Ravindranath Tagore exists in his full breath here.All said and done, this is an awesome place to let one’s hair down without really feeling out of place. Youngster or an oldie you can have all the fun you desire by simply stepping into this out-of-this –place.