Lamakaan

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!

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.

An interactive welcome session for DEEP Trust Friends & Volunteers to introduce the organization’s mission, ongoing health initiatives, community outreach programs, volunteering opportunities, and future engagement activities.

A solo Kuchipudi dance recital presenting traditional pieces with expressive storytelling, rhythm, and classical technique. The performance showcases the beauty of Kuchipudi through abhinaya and nritta.

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...

We love kids for who we have a kids book club. 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.

Art and literature can be seen as extensions of the human mind. Very often they can reveal what lies within, sometimes visibly, and, sometimes, not quite so visibly. The movie club is (we hope) a fun way of looking deeper into the emotions, perceptions and thoughts that weave human relationships together or tear them apart. A movie may be treated as a true story or, alternatively, can be used as a tool to try and figure out what went on in the directors head when the movie was made. Either way, it’s a different way of understanding human behaviour and relationships. In the end, by looking deeper into another’s story, we hope, perchance, to understand ourselves better.

The inaugural session of the Phule Ambedkar Reading Group opens with the most fundamental question a reading group can ask: How do we read and interpret a text? Featuring Dr Jilukara Srinivas, a literary critic, poet, and Ambedkarite public intellectual, and Prof. Prof Swathi Margeret, scholar of Dalit feminism, religion and cultural studies.
Praveen Thallapalli is a scholar of the Bahujan movement and political thought. This session equips participants with tools to approach foundational Bahujan texts seriously: how to situate a text in its historical moment, how to read what is said and what is left unsaid, and what a text demands of its reader today.

In this workshop, you will:

Discover the art of Thanjavur painting and its different techniques.
Learn how to design and create your own unique painting, from POP to different textures.
Gain hands-on experience with Thanjavur painting and techniques to design your creativity.
Take home your beautiful creation, a one-of-a-kind art piece to proudly display or gift.

This is the story of a woman, a fighter.She is more than just a woman. She is stronger than she thinks she is. Listen to her joys, her plights and her fights. Witness the world of this not so ordinary woman in an ordinary ruthless world of heartless men. This is her story of fortifying her lost identity in her own words.

The Vagina Dialogues is a women-led wellness series creating honest, compassionate conversations around menstrual health, hormones, intimacy, emotional wellbeing, nervous system safety, and the mind-body connection.

This edition - BEYOND PERIODS: A Women’s Wellness & Cycle Awareness Circle is an open, guided space to explore how the menstrual cycle impacts emotions, energy, relationships, and everyday life through grounding practices, reflective conversations, and community sharing in a safe, supportive environment.

Performing Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam)

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!

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.

An interactive welcome session for DEEP Trust Friends & Volunteers to introduce the organization’s mission, ongoing health initiatives, community outreach programs, volunteering opportunities, and future engagement activities.

A solo Kuchipudi dance recital presenting traditional pieces with expressive storytelling, rhythm, and classical technique. The performance showcases the beauty of Kuchipudi through abhinaya and nritta.

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...

We love kids for who we have a kids book club. 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.

Art and literature can be seen as extensions of the human mind. Very often they can reveal what lies within, sometimes visibly, and, sometimes, not quite so visibly. The movie club is (we hope) a fun way of looking deeper into the emotions, perceptions and thoughts that weave human relationships together or tear them apart. A movie may be treated as a true story or, alternatively, can be used as a tool to try and figure out what went on in the directors head when the movie was made. Either way, it’s a different way of understanding human behaviour and relationships. In the end, by looking deeper into another’s story, we hope, perchance, to understand ourselves better.

The inaugural session of the Phule Ambedkar Reading Group opens with the most fundamental question a reading group can ask: How do we read and interpret a text? Featuring Dr Jilukara Srinivas, a literary critic, poet, and Ambedkarite public intellectual, and Prof. Prof Swathi Margeret, scholar of Dalit feminism, religion and cultural studies.
Praveen Thallapalli is a scholar of the Bahujan movement and political thought. This session equips participants with tools to approach foundational Bahujan texts seriously: how to situate a text in its historical moment, how to read what is said and what is left unsaid, and what a text demands of its reader today.

In this workshop, you will:

Discover the art of Thanjavur painting and its different techniques.
Learn how to design and create your own unique painting, from POP to different textures.
Gain hands-on experience with Thanjavur painting and techniques to design your creativity.
Take home your beautiful creation, a one-of-a-kind art piece to proudly display or gift.

This is the story of a woman, a fighter.She is more than just a woman. She is stronger than she thinks she is. Listen to her joys, her plights and her fights. Witness the world of this not so ordinary woman in an ordinary ruthless world of heartless men. This is her story of fortifying her lost identity in her own words.

The Vagina Dialogues is a women-led wellness series creating honest, compassionate conversations around menstrual health, hormones, intimacy, emotional wellbeing, nervous system safety, and the mind-body connection.

This edition - BEYOND PERIODS: A Women’s Wellness & Cycle Awareness Circle is an open, guided space to explore how the menstrual cycle impacts emotions, energy, relationships, and everyday life through grounding practices, reflective conversations, and community sharing in a safe, supportive environment.