Lamakaan

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.


About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: LIEBELEI (Flirtation) | 1933 | 88 Mins | Germany | German with English Subtitles.

About the film: Set in Vienna at the end of the 19th century, the film tells the story of Lieutenant Fritz, a young officer entangled in a dangerous affair with a married woman. When his friend arranges for him to meet Christine, the innocent daughter of a musician, Fritz finds himself torn between fleeting passion and the possibility of true love. Their romance blossoms tenderly, but the shadow of Fritz’s past choices leads to tragic consequences, making the film a haunting meditation on love, honor, and fate.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

Babul ngo spreads Environmental Awareness using Cinema. BEFF Babul Eco Film Festival is their flagship event. Presently BEFF 10th edition (2026) is happening.

City Limits is part of the Rethinking India series, which brings together essays from leading thinkers to critically examine the socio-economic and political trajectories shaping contemporary India and to imagine pathways toward more just and inclusive futures.

The discussion will bring together experts from across the country and ground conversations on Hyderabad’s urban realities, challenges, and possibilities. From questions of housing, livelihoods, planning, inequality, infrastructure, climate, and everyday urban life — this will be an important space to reflect on the future of our cities.

Warmly inviting friends, researchers, students, practitioners, activists, urban enthusiasts, and everyone interested in cities and urban change to join us for the discussion.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there!

On the occasion of the 165th Birth Anniversary of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, an evening of music, dance, and reflection will be hosted at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

The program, titled Remembering Tagore, will feature a soulful presentation of Rabindra Sangeet by Smt. Sanghamitra Malik, with songs rendered in both Bengali and Hindi. Select pieces will be accompanied by English translations, offering audiences deeper insight into Tagore’s timeless anthology. Alongside the music, attendees will be enriched with fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts about the poet’s creative journey.

Adding a visual dimension to the celebration, Smt. Kamalini Srinivas will perform dance in the Rabindrik style, blending grace with cultural authenticity. The evening will be moderated by Dr. R. Shankar, ensuring a thoughtful flow of performances and commentary.

All are Welcome!

Presenting 'Chabutra' by The Deccan Archive Foundation, a informal monthly talk series to learn about everyday 'mundane' histories of the Deccan. The first event is an ode to the courtier Mir Alam, and his complex legacy.

Samahaara Workshop Productions
presents

Sri Sunkara Satyanarayana & Sri Vasireddy Bhaskar Rao`s
MAA BHOOMI
(Telugu Play)

Directed by Rathna Shekar Reddy

MAA BHOOMI
“MAA BHOOMI,” penned by Sunkara Satyanarayana and Vaasireddy Bhaskar Rao, unfolds the harrowing narrative of oppression and injustice inflicted upon the people of rural Telangana by the Zamindars and the autocratic regime of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Set against the backdrop of 1947, this poignant political drama provides a stark portrayal of life in the countryside, marred by the heavy burden of taxation and the ruthless exploitation orchestrated by the Deshmukhs.

Through its narrative, the play sheds light on the plight of the peasants and the indignities they faced under the oppressive regime. The forced grain levy, the exploitative practice of vethi, and the unlawful seizure of lands emerge as the primary targets of condemnation, echoing the collective grievances of the marginalized populace.

Read A Kitaab is an unbiased community of Readers, Booklovers, writers and artists. We strive to provide the community an ecosystem with an online library, book discussions, author meet, book of the month, monthly meets, newsletters & much more...

Read A Kitaab is a calm & comfort space to be yourself, to discuss books and life with no bars on age/gender/ethnicity/political views etc.

For this Mother’s Day, step into a space of warmth, creativity, and connection with our Pen Kalamkari Scarf Making Workshop. More than just an art session, it’s an invitation to slow down and create something deeply personal—handcrafting a beautiful scarf using the timeless Kalamkari technique. Sit beside your mother, or create for her, as you draw, design, and bring stories to life on fabric, stitch by stitch and stroke by stroke. Celebrate the bond you share by making not just a gift, but a memory—one that she can wear, cherish, and carry with her always.

This session is part of my ongoing personal research around body cues how the body stores, signals and expresses experiences beyond words.

While I come from a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) practice, this is not a therapy session. It is a simple, guided movement space an introduction to sensing the politics of the body through movement under my own initiative THE ERA OF MOVEMENT

We’ll explore how control, conditioning and expression live in the body and how movement can become a way to notice, question and shift them.

No prior experience needed. Just a willingness to move and observe.

The Man Who Planted Trees (France) is a quiet, deeply moving animated short film based on the story by Jean Giono. It follows the life of a solitary shepherd who, through years of patient and selfless effort, transforms a barren landscape into a thriving forest. With minimal dialogue and powerful visuals, the film reflects on perseverance, hope, and the lasting impact one individual can have on the environment and future generations.

WHISPERS OF ANALOG takes you back to a time when sound had soul. This documentary explores the story of the last surviving radio shop.

The Centre for Development Policy and Practice (CDPP) presents Ek Shaam Allama Iqbal Ke Naam, an evening dedicated to the life, thought, and poetry of Allama Iqbal, in association with Bazm-e-Sukhan. The programme brings together reflections on Iqbal’s literary and intellectual legacy through discussions, poetry, and music. Featuring Prof. Syed Mahmood Kazmi and Zaheer Baig, the evening explores the continuing relevance of Urdu literature and poetic traditions in contemporary society.

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.

About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN | 1948 | 86 Mins | USA| English with English Subtitles.

About the film: A celebrated pianist receives a letter from a woman he barely remembers, only to discover she has loved him obsessively since her youth. Her recollections unfold as a tragic tale of devotion, fleeting encounters, and missed opportunities, capturing the poignancy of love that remains unnoticed until it is too late.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

Raatrulu modalyyE vELa (The hour at which the nights begin…) :
An evening with the celebrated post-modernist Telugu poet SIDDHARTHA.

Siddhartha is known for his highly complex and symbolic poetry rooted in the rural and folk culture of Telangana, as well as the glory and muck of living in the metropolitan urban reality of Hyderabad, while also charged with a unique modernist and post-modernist awareness of the great traditions of music, art, cinema and so on of the east and the west. His poems generally run in the form of monologues dealing with the existential questions of birth, death, love, time, deception and the conflicts of heart and soul. The complex imagery and original phraselogy of his poems springs from the need to encapsulate his extraordinary sharp engagement with the exasperatingly fleeting nature of lived reality and the inevitable burden of eternal philosophic questions of life and existence. His poetry often begs the question of the limits of language in expressing what the poet ambitiously attempts to burden it with.

Bhumi volunteer orientation to recruit volunteers for projects and programs we run in the organisation such as Civic volunteering and Teaching volunteering in Hyderabad

A Cultural Experience in Creativity, Sound & Sacred Art

What happens when sound becomes visible? When an ancient geometric form
meets a modern mind carrying too much noise?

This is an evening of live Cymatics, mandala art, and meditative colour —
a cultural exploration of how frequency, pattern, and creative expression
have been used across civilisations to regulate the human mind and unlock
artistic flow.

Participants will witness Cymatics live — the science and art of sound
organising itself into sacred geometric patterns, a phenomenon that bridges
physics, music, and ancient visual traditions. They will then engage in a
guided mandala gaze rooted in contemplative art practice, followed by a
meditative colour-filling session using mandala forms — one of humanity's
oldest creative rituals.

This is not a class. It is a collective cultural experience — part
demonstration, part participation, part quiet revelation.

Rooted in the intersection of sound art, visual culture, and contemplative
tradition, this 90-minute experience is an open invitation to anyone who
makes things, thinks about things, or simply needs to remember what it
feels like to create without pressure.

Suitable for artists, writers, musicians, designers, educators, and anyone
curious about the relationship between sound, form, and human creativity.

Entry: ₹99 | Duration: 90 minutes | Capacity: 35

Dalit Christians: Faith, Resistance, and the Ongoing Struggle for Justice

This discussion brings together four women speakers from diverse professional and experiential backgrounds to critically engage with the historical and contemporary struggles of Dalit Christians in India. The event foregrounds lived experiences, structural discrimination, and the ongoing movement for dignity, equality, and constitutional justice, while situating these within an Ambedkarite framework. It creates a space to examine how caste continues to shape social, religious, and institutional realities despite conversion.

At the core of this issue lies a constitutional contradiction: while Dalit Christians continue to face caste-based discrimination, they are excluded from Scheduled Caste (SC) status and the associated affirmative action policies in education, employment, and political representation. This exclusion originates from the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which restricts SC recognition to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, effectively rendering Dalit Christians invisible within the legal framework of caste-based justice.

Recent developments have intensified this debate. A 2026 Supreme Court position reaffirmed that individuals who convert to Christianity lose SC status and cannot access reservation benefits, even if caste discrimination persists in their lived realities. This has renewed mobilisations, protests, and policy advocacy across the country, with Dalit Christian groups demanding inclusion in the SC category or alternative mechanisms to ensure equitable access to rights and opportunities.

Beyond the legal question, the issue raises deeper concerns about the nature of caste itself, whether it is confined to religion or operates as a broader socio-historical structure. The discussion will therefore explore caste within Christian communities, the political struggle for affirmative action, grassroots resistance, and the intersection of caste, gender, and faith. By bringing together perspectives from art, activism, scholarship, and community work, the event aims to reflect on what meaningful equality and dignity could look like for Dalit Christians today.

SPEAKERS:

Percy Kaki
A visual artist based in Hyderabad, Percy works across mediums exploring memory, gender, and marginalisation. She is part of the Yakshi Constitutional Values in Praxis programme, collaborating with marginalized women through art to engage with the Constitution. Her work has been exhibited at international and national platforms including Arles Photo Festival, Vanam Art Festival (Chennai), and Conflictorium (Ahmedabad). Her recent work focuses on community-based art practices centered on dignity, self-respect, and collective belonging.

Ravali Pidaparthi
A social entrepreneur and co-founder of Esther, Ravali works with young women graduates from marginalized castes in rural Telangana, supporting their transition into careers. With experience across institutions such as Teach For India, Indian School of Development Management, SRIJAN India, and Udhyam Vyapaar, her work lies at the intersection of caste and gender. She brings a strong commitment to building equitable systems and amplifying representation.

Sr. Manjula Devarapalli
A Carmelite nun and the National Secretary of the National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW), Sr. Manjula has decades of grassroots experience working with Dalits and Adivasis. A lawyer and social worker, her work spans education, human rights, rural development, and advocacy for Dalit Christian rights within church and society. She has received multiple recognitions, including the Archbishop Oscar Romero Award and the Mother Teresa Award for her contributions to social justice.

Vennela Mocherla
A doctoral scholar in Sociology at the University of Hyderabad, Vennela’s research focuses on the lives, faith, and socio-political realities of Dalit Christians in Telugu regions. A former president of the Ambedkar Students’ Association (UoH), her academic work critically engages with religion, charisma, and neoliberalism, bringing a rigorous sociological lens to the discussion.

I am an educator planning to conduct a small children's reading activity called **“The Bookworm’s Haven.”** The purpose of this workshop is to encourage students to develop a healthy reading habit through interactive and engaging activities.

The session will be a 3-hour educational reading workshop for a small group of around 15–20 students (ages 8–13). During the workshop, students will participate in quiet reading, vocabulary-building activities, storytelling discussions, and a simple creative bookmark-making activity.

The program is designed to be **calm, educational, and interactive**, with no loud equipment or disturbances. The aim is to create a positive reading environment where children can explore books, learn new words, and build confidence in expressing their ideas.

We are looking for a quiet and safe space where children can sit comfortably and participate in this reading-based learning activity.

A Comedy Play in Telugu
Written by - Sankaramanchi Parthasarathy
poojaku velaayera - blends humor, emotion, and social insight. Set in a middle-class household, the story gently reveals that true devotion lies not in rituals alone, but in the love, respect, and compassion we show to one another. With witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a timeless message, this play continues to captivate audiences of all generations.

Directed by - Sriram Vader

Delimitation remains one of the most significant constitutional and political questions facing India today, with important implications for democratic representation, regional balance, and federal governance. As debates around population change and parliamentary seat distribution intensify, concerns regarding equity between states and the future of political representation continue to emerge.

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.

About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE… | 1953 | 105 Mins | France & Italy | French with English Subtitles.

About the film: A Parisian aristocrat sells her earrings to cover debts, setting off a chain of events that entangles her in a passionate love affair. The earrings pass through multiple hands, becoming symbols of deception, longing, and fate. Ophüls’ graceful camera work and emotional depth turn this story into a devastating study of love, honor, and tragic inevitability.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

mustafashareef313@gmail.com and mustafashareef414@outlook.com will be conducting a meetup to recruit artists for the manpower prototyped project under Prometheus Patent Services supervision and guidance as US Students of BSE-VC and ISB-GMP soon to be and others as well as pr@siib.ac.in ONLY

Maruvan, in association with Lamakaan invites you to an engaging Book discussion on

You Me & the Gig Workers: The sly comforts Of an APP economy
DISCUSSION with VANDANA VASUDEVAN
author of the book OTP Please!


Vandana Vasudevan is the author of the much discusssed and appreciated book published last year dealing with the great shift in the business and consumption paradigm brought in by the App ecology.

The discussion will focus especially on the lives and working conditions of gig workers.

On the book:
A great shift is underway in how we buy, eat, move, work and sell owing to technological intervention. Tech platforms―whether a Swiggy, Amazon or Uber in India, a Foodpanda in Pakistan or a Pathao in Bangladesh or Nepal―have eased the pressures of modern life. They have freed up our time, provided jobs to grateful millions and delivered guilty pleasures and last-minute necessities to online buyers.
But behind the dazzle of the digital, much is opaque. Gig workers live a precarious life while internet retailers cope with the oppressive rules of global behemoths. Consumers wonder if there are are consequences to instant gratification and the extreme ease of living.
OTP Please delves into the wondrous new world of electronic commerce by connecting diverse stories and perspectives gathered across South Asia, from Peshawar to Patna and Colombo to Kathmandu. It explores the emotional dynamics between the different actors on this stage, the workings of tech companies and the implications for policy. Deeply researched and breezily narrated, it is essential reading to understand this extraordinary digital age that we inhabit.

On the author
Vandana Vasudevan has written extensively for mainstream newspapers and has been a columnist for several years for Mint and DNA. She studied in the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and has worked in the corporate sector for many years. She shifted career tracks and became a development sector professional, consulting for various national and international organizations after obtaining a PhD in urban development from the University of Grenoble, France. Besides OTP Please, she is also the author of Urban Villager: Life In An Indian Satellite Town and Tough Customer.
Despite these serious pursuits, she is a fun person, paranoid of being boring and hence always strives to be interesting and entertaining.

All are Invited!

The White Library is back with a new 3-part chapter: Translating Palestine. For the months of May, June, and July 2026, we'll be gathering at Lamakaan to attempt to translate select bits and pieces of Palestinian fiction, and have conversations about the process of translating. This isn't a reading circle, but a creative writing one. Do join in, even if you've never read Pal. literature before, or have never translated before. :')

An Evening of Manto
A powerful theatrical production based on the works of Saadat Hasan Manto.
Through sharp storytelling, dark satire, and haunting human moments, this production brings Manto’s world alive on stage. Exploring themes of identity, borders, morality, and the fragile truths of society, the performance reflects on questions that remain deeply relevant today.
Presented by a committed ensemble of actors, the evening promises an intense, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant experience.
Raw. Relevant. Uncompromising.
Join us for a theatre experience that revisits Manto not as history — but as a voice that still speaks urgently to our times.

🚗 *GRIDLOCKED*
Bring your questions. Bring your ideas. Your voice matters.

This is the forum where questions get answered — what's really happening with KBR, why it matters, and what we can all do about it. Walk away able to talk about it with anyone. 💚

Chalam Literary Universe/ చలం-రచనాప్రపంచం:
This event is a tribute to the timeless literary legacy of Gudipati Venkata Chalam, one of Telugu literature’s most revolutionary voices. Known for his bold exploration of human emotions, individuality, and social constraints, Chalam’s works continue to challenge and inspire readers across generations.

The session will delve into the layered complexity of his characters—individuals caught between desire and duty, freedom and societal expectations. Through thoughtful discussions, we will explore how his characters transcend time and how their inner conflicts remain deeply relevant even today.

A unique highlight of the event is the imaginative concept of a “Chalam Character Universe,” where characters from different works come together, interact, and question each other’s choices and beliefs. This creative exploration opens new perspectives on Chalam’s literary world and its philosophical depth.

The event will also examine Chalam’s profound impact on gender equality. Long before it became a widespread discourse, he fearlessly wrote about women’s autonomy, identity, and emotional freedom, challenging patriarchal norms and redefining the role of women in society.

Blending literary analysis, creative interpretation, and tribute, this event invites participants to engage with Chalam not just as a writer, but as a thinker whose ideas continue to resonate in contemporary times.

WHISPERS OF ANALOG takes you back to a time when sound had soul. This documentary explores the story of the last surviving radio shop.

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.

About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: LOLA MONTÈS | 1955 | 114 Mins | France and West Germany | French, English & German with English Subtitles.

About the film:

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

Lateef Miya Bol!’
An Antidote for Hatred : Telugu writer Skybaba’s stories
An evening with five of the best short stories written by Skybaba (Yusuf Sheikh)
4th edition of DHWANI, an immersive performative rendition.
: a collaborative production of MARUVAM (Forum for intelligent conversations in Telugu) and LAMAKAAN (Hyderabad’s open cultural space).
This programme will be a performative audio rendition of five of Skybaba’s highly appreciated, intense and explorative stories, which are entwined with complex personal, social, political ideologiocal and existential issues.

About Skybaba :
Skybaba has been a celebrated Telugu short-story writer (6 volumes), poet (4 volumes), novelist , and essayist, His creative writings focus radically on the personal, social and cultural life of the Muslim community in Telangana.
In addition to this, he has done significant work in bringing together Muslim writers writing in Telugu, as well as writers from other parts of the country, and bringing many volumes –- poetry, stories, essays – in eight published volumes.
Skybaba has been a very involved activist and campaigner in the movement for a separate Talangana state, for various issues of the Bahjans and Muslims, and in campaigns and agitations for their rights and development, and many secularist agitiations.

His works have been much discussed, and have been translated into English, Hindi, Marathi, Malaylam and Kannada.

Programme

From 6.45 to 7.00 pm :
Short opinions on Skybaba’s stories and their importance by (videos or live)
Dr. Sabira Begum (translator)
Dr. Benazir Tamboli (translator)
Dr Jilukara Srinivas (writer and scholar)
Naresh Kumar Sufi (writer and publisher)
Dr Uma Bhrugubanda (translator, scholar, academician)
From 7.00 pm to 8.15 pm
Perfromative reading the best of five stories Skybabba by
Mercy Margaret
Sumanaspati
Skybaba
From 8.15 to max 8.45 pm : Q and A with the author

Driving factors of an individual. Describes Defining Movements in professional endeavors. Learn what to learn. A story which helps relate the disappointments of profession and overcoming them. What makes a right choice and what kind of persons could take such right stand and make them happen!

Project Ninaivu is a space for remembering.
Derived from the Tamil word for memory, Ninaivu explores the quiet, intimate ways we hold onto people, places, and moments. As an initiative for discovering and exploring Home Bound Archival practices, we are planning to initiate more conversations around Archiving in domestic spaces. This workshop will be part of a three-series, the first one to be conducted on the 30th of May. Starting from exploring one's own personal history, we slowly move forward to practical methods to conserve our stories.

History is not just for “winners”, we all carry bits of our ancestors within us, so why not preserve the items of the past! Remember that photo albums, the embroidered handkerchief, the great aunt's cookbook, and so on, can be cherished for next generations. It's an initiative to pause the long gone days and see beyond the digital world. Let's join in this journey of archiving, preserving and also creating personal histories. Bring an object with a memory and let's share the story together!

Hosted by Telugu Collective, this intimate literary evening features writer V. Mallikarjun discussing his latest book Oka Endakalapu Madyanam.

This is a Mani Sir’s Magic & Maestro Music – Fans Meet is a heartfelt celebration dedicated to two legends of Indian cinema born on the same unforgettable day — June 2nd — Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja. This special gathering is more than just a fan event; it is a tribute to the magic of storytelling and music that has shaped generations of audiences across languages and cultures.

For decades, Mani Ratnam’s cinema has given us unforgettable emotions, visually poetic storytelling, layered characters, and timeless moments, while Ilaiyaraaja’s music has become the soundtrack of love, heartbreak, nostalgia, longing, and life itself. Together, they created an artistic universe that continues to inspire millions even today.

This fans meet brings together cinema lovers, readers, musicians, writers, and passionate admirers to celebrate their creative legacy through engaging discussions, debates, memories, and music. One of the key highlights of the event is a unique discussion on women characters in Mani Ratnam films, presented by a male speaker, exploring the emotional depth, strength, and individuality of the women in his cinematic world. In contrast, a female speaker will discuss men characters in Mani Ratnam films, examining the vulnerability, complexity, and emotional conflicts of his male protagonists.

The event will also feature individual talks on favourite Mani Ratnam films, where participants share personal memories, emotional connections, and cinematic experiences associated with his movies. Another discussion titled “What We Love in Mani Ratnam Movies” will celebrate the elements that make his films unforgettable — the storytelling, silences, visuals, music, romance, realism, and emotional intensity.

Adding a bold and thought-provoking perspective, the session “I Hate Mani Ratnam – Reality vs His Movies” will encourage open conversations about criticism surrounding his films, exploring the contrast between cinematic beauty and real-life realities. This segment creates space for healthy debate and deeper engagement with cinema beyond fandom.

Music lovers will especially enjoy the sessions dedicated to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. “What Makes Ilaiyaraaja Different from Other Music Directors” explores his unmatched musical genius, emotional orchestration, folk influences, background scores, and timeless melodies that continue to touch hearts across generations. Another nostalgic tribute titled “Timeless Ilaiyaraaja – Raja Raja Dhaa” celebrates songs that remain evergreen regardless of time, trend, or generation.

The event concludes with an energetic and emotional Jamming Session, where fans, singers, and musicians come together to sing, perform, and relive iconic songs and cinematic memories. It is a space filled with nostalgia, passion, and shared love for cinema and music.

On the occasion of June 2nd — the birthdays of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja — this event stands as a celebration of art that continues to inspire, comfort, and connect people beyond generations. Join us for an unforgettable evening of conversations, music, memories, and magic dedicated to two timeless legends.

An intimate evening of storytelling, cinematic short films, mountain journeys and soulful conversations from the Himalayas.
Featuring 5 emotionally driven short films and a live storytelling session by Ritwik Bhattacharyya. This is a non-commercial independent storytelling and film screening event intended to encourage emotional connection, artistic dialogue and meaningful community interaction.

Performing Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam)

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.


About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: LIEBELEI (Flirtation) | 1933 | 88 Mins | Germany | German with English Subtitles.

About the film: Set in Vienna at the end of the 19th century, the film tells the story of Lieutenant Fritz, a young officer entangled in a dangerous affair with a married woman. When his friend arranges for him to meet Christine, the innocent daughter of a musician, Fritz finds himself torn between fleeting passion and the possibility of true love. Their romance blossoms tenderly, but the shadow of Fritz’s past choices leads to tragic consequences, making the film a haunting meditation on love, honor, and fate.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

Babul ngo spreads Environmental Awareness using Cinema. BEFF Babul Eco Film Festival is their flagship event. Presently BEFF 10th edition (2026) is happening.

City Limits is part of the Rethinking India series, which brings together essays from leading thinkers to critically examine the socio-economic and political trajectories shaping contemporary India and to imagine pathways toward more just and inclusive futures.

The discussion will bring together experts from across the country and ground conversations on Hyderabad’s urban realities, challenges, and possibilities. From questions of housing, livelihoods, planning, inequality, infrastructure, climate, and everyday urban life — this will be an important space to reflect on the future of our cities.

Warmly inviting friends, researchers, students, practitioners, activists, urban enthusiasts, and everyone interested in cities and urban change to join us for the discussion.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there!

On the occasion of the 165th Birth Anniversary of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, an evening of music, dance, and reflection will be hosted at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

The program, titled Remembering Tagore, will feature a soulful presentation of Rabindra Sangeet by Smt. Sanghamitra Malik, with songs rendered in both Bengali and Hindi. Select pieces will be accompanied by English translations, offering audiences deeper insight into Tagore’s timeless anthology. Alongside the music, attendees will be enriched with fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts about the poet’s creative journey.

Adding a visual dimension to the celebration, Smt. Kamalini Srinivas will perform dance in the Rabindrik style, blending grace with cultural authenticity. The evening will be moderated by Dr. R. Shankar, ensuring a thoughtful flow of performances and commentary.

All are Welcome!

Presenting 'Chabutra' by The Deccan Archive Foundation, a informal monthly talk series to learn about everyday 'mundane' histories of the Deccan. The first event is an ode to the courtier Mir Alam, and his complex legacy.

Samahaara Workshop Productions
presents

Sri Sunkara Satyanarayana & Sri Vasireddy Bhaskar Rao`s
MAA BHOOMI
(Telugu Play)

Directed by Rathna Shekar Reddy

MAA BHOOMI
“MAA BHOOMI,” penned by Sunkara Satyanarayana and Vaasireddy Bhaskar Rao, unfolds the harrowing narrative of oppression and injustice inflicted upon the people of rural Telangana by the Zamindars and the autocratic regime of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Set against the backdrop of 1947, this poignant political drama provides a stark portrayal of life in the countryside, marred by the heavy burden of taxation and the ruthless exploitation orchestrated by the Deshmukhs.

Through its narrative, the play sheds light on the plight of the peasants and the indignities they faced under the oppressive regime. The forced grain levy, the exploitative practice of vethi, and the unlawful seizure of lands emerge as the primary targets of condemnation, echoing the collective grievances of the marginalized populace.

Read A Kitaab is an unbiased community of Readers, Booklovers, writers and artists. We strive to provide the community an ecosystem with an online library, book discussions, author meet, book of the month, monthly meets, newsletters & much more...

Read A Kitaab is a calm & comfort space to be yourself, to discuss books and life with no bars on age/gender/ethnicity/political views etc.

For this Mother’s Day, step into a space of warmth, creativity, and connection with our Pen Kalamkari Scarf Making Workshop. More than just an art session, it’s an invitation to slow down and create something deeply personal—handcrafting a beautiful scarf using the timeless Kalamkari technique. Sit beside your mother, or create for her, as you draw, design, and bring stories to life on fabric, stitch by stitch and stroke by stroke. Celebrate the bond you share by making not just a gift, but a memory—one that she can wear, cherish, and carry with her always.

This session is part of my ongoing personal research around body cues how the body stores, signals and expresses experiences beyond words.

While I come from a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) practice, this is not a therapy session. It is a simple, guided movement space an introduction to sensing the politics of the body through movement under my own initiative THE ERA OF MOVEMENT

We’ll explore how control, conditioning and expression live in the body and how movement can become a way to notice, question and shift them.

No prior experience needed. Just a willingness to move and observe.

The Man Who Planted Trees (France) is a quiet, deeply moving animated short film based on the story by Jean Giono. It follows the life of a solitary shepherd who, through years of patient and selfless effort, transforms a barren landscape into a thriving forest. With minimal dialogue and powerful visuals, the film reflects on perseverance, hope, and the lasting impact one individual can have on the environment and future generations.

WHISPERS OF ANALOG takes you back to a time when sound had soul. This documentary explores the story of the last surviving radio shop.

The Centre for Development Policy and Practice (CDPP) presents Ek Shaam Allama Iqbal Ke Naam, an evening dedicated to the life, thought, and poetry of Allama Iqbal, in association with Bazm-e-Sukhan. The programme brings together reflections on Iqbal’s literary and intellectual legacy through discussions, poetry, and music. Featuring Prof. Syed Mahmood Kazmi and Zaheer Baig, the evening explores the continuing relevance of Urdu literature and poetic traditions in contemporary society.

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.

About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN | 1948 | 86 Mins | USA| English with English Subtitles.

About the film: A celebrated pianist receives a letter from a woman he barely remembers, only to discover she has loved him obsessively since her youth. Her recollections unfold as a tragic tale of devotion, fleeting encounters, and missed opportunities, capturing the poignancy of love that remains unnoticed until it is too late.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

Raatrulu modalyyE vELa (The hour at which the nights begin…) :
An evening with the celebrated post-modernist Telugu poet SIDDHARTHA.

Siddhartha is known for his highly complex and symbolic poetry rooted in the rural and folk culture of Telangana, as well as the glory and muck of living in the metropolitan urban reality of Hyderabad, while also charged with a unique modernist and post-modernist awareness of the great traditions of music, art, cinema and so on of the east and the west. His poems generally run in the form of monologues dealing with the existential questions of birth, death, love, time, deception and the conflicts of heart and soul. The complex imagery and original phraselogy of his poems springs from the need to encapsulate his extraordinary sharp engagement with the exasperatingly fleeting nature of lived reality and the inevitable burden of eternal philosophic questions of life and existence. His poetry often begs the question of the limits of language in expressing what the poet ambitiously attempts to burden it with.

Bhumi volunteer orientation to recruit volunteers for projects and programs we run in the organisation such as Civic volunteering and Teaching volunteering in Hyderabad

A Cultural Experience in Creativity, Sound & Sacred Art

What happens when sound becomes visible? When an ancient geometric form
meets a modern mind carrying too much noise?

This is an evening of live Cymatics, mandala art, and meditative colour —
a cultural exploration of how frequency, pattern, and creative expression
have been used across civilisations to regulate the human mind and unlock
artistic flow.

Participants will witness Cymatics live — the science and art of sound
organising itself into sacred geometric patterns, a phenomenon that bridges
physics, music, and ancient visual traditions. They will then engage in a
guided mandala gaze rooted in contemplative art practice, followed by a
meditative colour-filling session using mandala forms — one of humanity's
oldest creative rituals.

This is not a class. It is a collective cultural experience — part
demonstration, part participation, part quiet revelation.

Rooted in the intersection of sound art, visual culture, and contemplative
tradition, this 90-minute experience is an open invitation to anyone who
makes things, thinks about things, or simply needs to remember what it
feels like to create without pressure.

Suitable for artists, writers, musicians, designers, educators, and anyone
curious about the relationship between sound, form, and human creativity.

Entry: ₹99 | Duration: 90 minutes | Capacity: 35

Dalit Christians: Faith, Resistance, and the Ongoing Struggle for Justice

This discussion brings together four women speakers from diverse professional and experiential backgrounds to critically engage with the historical and contemporary struggles of Dalit Christians in India. The event foregrounds lived experiences, structural discrimination, and the ongoing movement for dignity, equality, and constitutional justice, while situating these within an Ambedkarite framework. It creates a space to examine how caste continues to shape social, religious, and institutional realities despite conversion.

At the core of this issue lies a constitutional contradiction: while Dalit Christians continue to face caste-based discrimination, they are excluded from Scheduled Caste (SC) status and the associated affirmative action policies in education, employment, and political representation. This exclusion originates from the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which restricts SC recognition to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, effectively rendering Dalit Christians invisible within the legal framework of caste-based justice.

Recent developments have intensified this debate. A 2026 Supreme Court position reaffirmed that individuals who convert to Christianity lose SC status and cannot access reservation benefits, even if caste discrimination persists in their lived realities. This has renewed mobilisations, protests, and policy advocacy across the country, with Dalit Christian groups demanding inclusion in the SC category or alternative mechanisms to ensure equitable access to rights and opportunities.

Beyond the legal question, the issue raises deeper concerns about the nature of caste itself, whether it is confined to religion or operates as a broader socio-historical structure. The discussion will therefore explore caste within Christian communities, the political struggle for affirmative action, grassroots resistance, and the intersection of caste, gender, and faith. By bringing together perspectives from art, activism, scholarship, and community work, the event aims to reflect on what meaningful equality and dignity could look like for Dalit Christians today.

SPEAKERS:

Percy Kaki
A visual artist based in Hyderabad, Percy works across mediums exploring memory, gender, and marginalisation. She is part of the Yakshi Constitutional Values in Praxis programme, collaborating with marginalized women through art to engage with the Constitution. Her work has been exhibited at international and national platforms including Arles Photo Festival, Vanam Art Festival (Chennai), and Conflictorium (Ahmedabad). Her recent work focuses on community-based art practices centered on dignity, self-respect, and collective belonging.

Ravali Pidaparthi
A social entrepreneur and co-founder of Esther, Ravali works with young women graduates from marginalized castes in rural Telangana, supporting their transition into careers. With experience across institutions such as Teach For India, Indian School of Development Management, SRIJAN India, and Udhyam Vyapaar, her work lies at the intersection of caste and gender. She brings a strong commitment to building equitable systems and amplifying representation.

Sr. Manjula Devarapalli
A Carmelite nun and the National Secretary of the National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW), Sr. Manjula has decades of grassroots experience working with Dalits and Adivasis. A lawyer and social worker, her work spans education, human rights, rural development, and advocacy for Dalit Christian rights within church and society. She has received multiple recognitions, including the Archbishop Oscar Romero Award and the Mother Teresa Award for her contributions to social justice.

Vennela Mocherla
A doctoral scholar in Sociology at the University of Hyderabad, Vennela’s research focuses on the lives, faith, and socio-political realities of Dalit Christians in Telugu regions. A former president of the Ambedkar Students’ Association (UoH), her academic work critically engages with religion, charisma, and neoliberalism, bringing a rigorous sociological lens to the discussion.

I am an educator planning to conduct a small children's reading activity called **“The Bookworm’s Haven.”** The purpose of this workshop is to encourage students to develop a healthy reading habit through interactive and engaging activities.

The session will be a 3-hour educational reading workshop for a small group of around 15–20 students (ages 8–13). During the workshop, students will participate in quiet reading, vocabulary-building activities, storytelling discussions, and a simple creative bookmark-making activity.

The program is designed to be **calm, educational, and interactive**, with no loud equipment or disturbances. The aim is to create a positive reading environment where children can explore books, learn new words, and build confidence in expressing their ideas.

We are looking for a quiet and safe space where children can sit comfortably and participate in this reading-based learning activity.

A Comedy Play in Telugu
Written by - Sankaramanchi Parthasarathy
poojaku velaayera - blends humor, emotion, and social insight. Set in a middle-class household, the story gently reveals that true devotion lies not in rituals alone, but in the love, respect, and compassion we show to one another. With witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a timeless message, this play continues to captivate audiences of all generations.

Directed by - Sriram Vader

Delimitation remains one of the most significant constitutional and political questions facing India today, with important implications for democratic representation, regional balance, and federal governance. As debates around population change and parliamentary seat distribution intensify, concerns regarding equity between states and the future of political representation continue to emerge.

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.

About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE… | 1953 | 105 Mins | France & Italy | French with English Subtitles.

About the film: A Parisian aristocrat sells her earrings to cover debts, setting off a chain of events that entangles her in a passionate love affair. The earrings pass through multiple hands, becoming symbols of deception, longing, and fate. Ophüls’ graceful camera work and emotional depth turn this story into a devastating study of love, honor, and tragic inevitability.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

mustafashareef313@gmail.com and mustafashareef414@outlook.com will be conducting a meetup to recruit artists for the manpower prototyped project under Prometheus Patent Services supervision and guidance as US Students of BSE-VC and ISB-GMP soon to be and others as well as pr@siib.ac.in ONLY

Maruvan, in association with Lamakaan invites you to an engaging Book discussion on

You Me & the Gig Workers: The sly comforts Of an APP economy
DISCUSSION with VANDANA VASUDEVAN
author of the book OTP Please!


Vandana Vasudevan is the author of the much discusssed and appreciated book published last year dealing with the great shift in the business and consumption paradigm brought in by the App ecology.

The discussion will focus especially on the lives and working conditions of gig workers.

On the book:
A great shift is underway in how we buy, eat, move, work and sell owing to technological intervention. Tech platforms―whether a Swiggy, Amazon or Uber in India, a Foodpanda in Pakistan or a Pathao in Bangladesh or Nepal―have eased the pressures of modern life. They have freed up our time, provided jobs to grateful millions and delivered guilty pleasures and last-minute necessities to online buyers.
But behind the dazzle of the digital, much is opaque. Gig workers live a precarious life while internet retailers cope with the oppressive rules of global behemoths. Consumers wonder if there are are consequences to instant gratification and the extreme ease of living.
OTP Please delves into the wondrous new world of electronic commerce by connecting diverse stories and perspectives gathered across South Asia, from Peshawar to Patna and Colombo to Kathmandu. It explores the emotional dynamics between the different actors on this stage, the workings of tech companies and the implications for policy. Deeply researched and breezily narrated, it is essential reading to understand this extraordinary digital age that we inhabit.

On the author
Vandana Vasudevan has written extensively for mainstream newspapers and has been a columnist for several years for Mint and DNA. She studied in the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and has worked in the corporate sector for many years. She shifted career tracks and became a development sector professional, consulting for various national and international organizations after obtaining a PhD in urban development from the University of Grenoble, France. Besides OTP Please, she is also the author of Urban Villager: Life In An Indian Satellite Town and Tough Customer.
Despite these serious pursuits, she is a fun person, paranoid of being boring and hence always strives to be interesting and entertaining.

All are Invited!

The White Library is back with a new 3-part chapter: Translating Palestine. For the months of May, June, and July 2026, we'll be gathering at Lamakaan to attempt to translate select bits and pieces of Palestinian fiction, and have conversations about the process of translating. This isn't a reading circle, but a creative writing one. Do join in, even if you've never read Pal. literature before, or have never translated before. :')

An Evening of Manto
A powerful theatrical production based on the works of Saadat Hasan Manto.
Through sharp storytelling, dark satire, and haunting human moments, this production brings Manto’s world alive on stage. Exploring themes of identity, borders, morality, and the fragile truths of society, the performance reflects on questions that remain deeply relevant today.
Presented by a committed ensemble of actors, the evening promises an intense, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant experience.
Raw. Relevant. Uncompromising.
Join us for a theatre experience that revisits Manto not as history — but as a voice that still speaks urgently to our times.

🚗 *GRIDLOCKED*
Bring your questions. Bring your ideas. Your voice matters.

This is the forum where questions get answered — what's really happening with KBR, why it matters, and what we can all do about it. Walk away able to talk about it with anyone. 💚

Chalam Literary Universe/ చలం-రచనాప్రపంచం:
This event is a tribute to the timeless literary legacy of Gudipati Venkata Chalam, one of Telugu literature’s most revolutionary voices. Known for his bold exploration of human emotions, individuality, and social constraints, Chalam’s works continue to challenge and inspire readers across generations.

The session will delve into the layered complexity of his characters—individuals caught between desire and duty, freedom and societal expectations. Through thoughtful discussions, we will explore how his characters transcend time and how their inner conflicts remain deeply relevant even today.

A unique highlight of the event is the imaginative concept of a “Chalam Character Universe,” where characters from different works come together, interact, and question each other’s choices and beliefs. This creative exploration opens new perspectives on Chalam’s literary world and its philosophical depth.

The event will also examine Chalam’s profound impact on gender equality. Long before it became a widespread discourse, he fearlessly wrote about women’s autonomy, identity, and emotional freedom, challenging patriarchal norms and redefining the role of women in society.

Blending literary analysis, creative interpretation, and tribute, this event invites participants to engage with Chalam not just as a writer, but as a thinker whose ideas continue to resonate in contemporary times.

WHISPERS OF ANALOG takes you back to a time when sound had soul. This documentary explores the story of the last surviving radio shop.

This May, Lamakaan invites you to step into the world of Max Ophüls, the German‑born filmmaker whose artistry reshaped cinema with elegance and emotional depth. So, in this harsh summer, cool yourself with the swirl of Ophüls’ camera and the glow of timeless cinema, and forget the summer heat, turning every Wednesday evening into a refreshing midweek retreat.

About Max Ophüls : Born in Saarbrücken in 1902, Ophüls grew up in a cultured family and began his career in theater before moving into film, eventually working across Germany, France, and Hollywood. His life was marked by exile during World War II, yet he turned displacement into creative triumph, crafting films that danced between irony and tenderness. He passed away in 1957, but his legacy endures through masterpieces like Liebelei (1933), Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948), La Ronde (1950), Le Plaisir (1952), The Earrings of Madame de… (1953), and Lola Montès (1955). Ophüls was celebrated for his signature style of fluid camera movements, circular narratives, and bittersweet explorations of love and fate—a cinematic language that continues to inspire generations.

Film Title: LOLA MONTÈS | 1955 | 114 Mins | France and West Germany | French, English & German with English Subtitles.

About the film:

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!

Lateef Miya Bol!’
An Antidote for Hatred : Telugu writer Skybaba’s stories
An evening with five of the best short stories written by Skybaba (Yusuf Sheikh)
4th edition of DHWANI, an immersive performative rendition.
: a collaborative production of MARUVAM (Forum for intelligent conversations in Telugu) and LAMAKAAN (Hyderabad’s open cultural space).
This programme will be a performative audio rendition of five of Skybaba’s highly appreciated, intense and explorative stories, which are entwined with complex personal, social, political ideologiocal and existential issues.

About Skybaba :
Skybaba has been a celebrated Telugu short-story writer (6 volumes), poet (4 volumes), novelist , and essayist, His creative writings focus radically on the personal, social and cultural life of the Muslim community in Telangana.
In addition to this, he has done significant work in bringing together Muslim writers writing in Telugu, as well as writers from other parts of the country, and bringing many volumes –- poetry, stories, essays – in eight published volumes.
Skybaba has been a very involved activist and campaigner in the movement for a separate Talangana state, for various issues of the Bahjans and Muslims, and in campaigns and agitations for their rights and development, and many secularist agitiations.

His works have been much discussed, and have been translated into English, Hindi, Marathi, Malaylam and Kannada.

Programme

From 6.45 to 7.00 pm :
Short opinions on Skybaba’s stories and their importance by (videos or live)
Dr. Sabira Begum (translator)
Dr. Benazir Tamboli (translator)
Dr Jilukara Srinivas (writer and scholar)
Naresh Kumar Sufi (writer and publisher)
Dr Uma Bhrugubanda (translator, scholar, academician)
From 7.00 pm to 8.15 pm
Perfromative reading the best of five stories Skybabba by
Mercy Margaret
Sumanaspati
Skybaba
From 8.15 to max 8.45 pm : Q and A with the author

Driving factors of an individual. Describes Defining Movements in professional endeavors. Learn what to learn. A story which helps relate the disappointments of profession and overcoming them. What makes a right choice and what kind of persons could take such right stand and make them happen!

Project Ninaivu is a space for remembering.
Derived from the Tamil word for memory, Ninaivu explores the quiet, intimate ways we hold onto people, places, and moments. As an initiative for discovering and exploring Home Bound Archival practices, we are planning to initiate more conversations around Archiving in domestic spaces. This workshop will be part of a three-series, the first one to be conducted on the 30th of May. Starting from exploring one's own personal history, we slowly move forward to practical methods to conserve our stories.

History is not just for “winners”, we all carry bits of our ancestors within us, so why not preserve the items of the past! Remember that photo albums, the embroidered handkerchief, the great aunt's cookbook, and so on, can be cherished for next generations. It's an initiative to pause the long gone days and see beyond the digital world. Let's join in this journey of archiving, preserving and also creating personal histories. Bring an object with a memory and let's share the story together!

Hosted by Telugu Collective, this intimate literary evening features writer V. Mallikarjun discussing his latest book Oka Endakalapu Madyanam.

This is a Mani Sir’s Magic & Maestro Music – Fans Meet is a heartfelt celebration dedicated to two legends of Indian cinema born on the same unforgettable day — June 2nd — Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja. This special gathering is more than just a fan event; it is a tribute to the magic of storytelling and music that has shaped generations of audiences across languages and cultures.

For decades, Mani Ratnam’s cinema has given us unforgettable emotions, visually poetic storytelling, layered characters, and timeless moments, while Ilaiyaraaja’s music has become the soundtrack of love, heartbreak, nostalgia, longing, and life itself. Together, they created an artistic universe that continues to inspire millions even today.

This fans meet brings together cinema lovers, readers, musicians, writers, and passionate admirers to celebrate their creative legacy through engaging discussions, debates, memories, and music. One of the key highlights of the event is a unique discussion on women characters in Mani Ratnam films, presented by a male speaker, exploring the emotional depth, strength, and individuality of the women in his cinematic world. In contrast, a female speaker will discuss men characters in Mani Ratnam films, examining the vulnerability, complexity, and emotional conflicts of his male protagonists.

The event will also feature individual talks on favourite Mani Ratnam films, where participants share personal memories, emotional connections, and cinematic experiences associated with his movies. Another discussion titled “What We Love in Mani Ratnam Movies” will celebrate the elements that make his films unforgettable — the storytelling, silences, visuals, music, romance, realism, and emotional intensity.

Adding a bold and thought-provoking perspective, the session “I Hate Mani Ratnam – Reality vs His Movies” will encourage open conversations about criticism surrounding his films, exploring the contrast between cinematic beauty and real-life realities. This segment creates space for healthy debate and deeper engagement with cinema beyond fandom.

Music lovers will especially enjoy the sessions dedicated to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. “What Makes Ilaiyaraaja Different from Other Music Directors” explores his unmatched musical genius, emotional orchestration, folk influences, background scores, and timeless melodies that continue to touch hearts across generations. Another nostalgic tribute titled “Timeless Ilaiyaraaja – Raja Raja Dhaa” celebrates songs that remain evergreen regardless of time, trend, or generation.

The event concludes with an energetic and emotional Jamming Session, where fans, singers, and musicians come together to sing, perform, and relive iconic songs and cinematic memories. It is a space filled with nostalgia, passion, and shared love for cinema and music.

On the occasion of June 2nd — the birthdays of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja — this event stands as a celebration of art that continues to inspire, comfort, and connect people beyond generations. Join us for an unforgettable evening of conversations, music, memories, and magic dedicated to two timeless legends.

An intimate evening of storytelling, cinematic short films, mountain journeys and soulful conversations from the Himalayas.
Featuring 5 emotionally driven short films and a live storytelling session by Ritwik Bhattacharyya. This is a non-commercial independent storytelling and film screening event intended to encourage emotional connection, artistic dialogue and meaningful community interaction.