The Open Cultural Center

Upcoming Events

« Prev From Oct 12, '25 to Nov 11, '25 Next »

Read-a-Kitaab Hyd Meetup
Sun Oct 12, 11:00 AM
Kumar Prateek
Read-a-Kitaab - Book Lovers Monthly Meetup
Kulhad/ Matka painting
Sun Oct 12, 3:00 PM
Sana Fatima/ Ananya Adiga/ Isha Agrawal
🎨 Kulhad/Matka Painting Workshop at Lamakaan – ₹399

Step into an evening of creativity and culture at Lamakaan as we bring you a hands-on Kulhad/Matka Painting Workshop. 🌿✨

In this session, you’ll get to paint and personalize your very own clay kulhads or matkas, blending traditional charm with your unique artistic touch. Whether you’re a beginner or a hobbyist, this workshop is designed to help you relax, explore colors, and create a piece you can proudly take home.

What’s included:
✅ All materials provided (kulhad/matka, paints, brushes, and tools)
✅ Guided session with easy techniques
✅ A chance to explore creativity in a fun and soothing atmosphere
✅ Your very own hand-painted kulhad/matka to take home

📍 Venue: Lamakaan
💰 Fee: ₹399 (inclusive of all materials)
🗓️ Date & Time: [Add date & time here]
Welfare Meeting
Tue Oct 14, 5:00 PM
MAK Jeelani
Bazm e Ittehad is a social welfare organisation. We provide support to underprivileged. For monthly planning and performance, we need to meet all together and discuss.
Kalalu Kaavule
Tue Oct 14, 7:30 PM
Anith
Shiva Tries to Propose Vaishu With the Help of Talking Rose Flower.How Flowers has important role in our life and how they makes our life beautiful.
What is Doing Nothing?
Wed Oct 15, 5:30 PM
Shaheed M
Stop. Rest. Reclaim. Doing Nothing is an initiative that
challenges the culture of toxic productivity by
reclaiming rest as a human right, a mental health
necessity and a political act. To creates safe
spaces like Stillness Circles and group discussions
where people can pause, breathe, and reflect
together without guilt or pressure.
The initiative highlights that rest is not laziness,
but healing, care, and resistance against systems
that exploits our time and energy. By normalizing
doing nothing, it seeks to build a culture that
values balance, well-being, and human dignity.
Remembering Jean-Jacques Annaud
Wed Oct 15, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan
Every Wednesday, Lamakaan transforms into a portal to the cinematic worlds of Jacques Annaud, the acclaimed French filmmaker born on 1 October 1943 in Juvisy-sur-Orge, France. Known for his sweeping narratives and anthropological depth, Annaud’s films traverse time, terrain, and the human spirit. This weekly festival showcases his most iconic works—from prehistoric odysseys to spiritual awakenings—each film a masterclass in visual storytelling and cultural immersion. Whether you're a film student, history buff, or simply a lover of bold cinema, Annaud’s lens offers something unforgettable.

Film Title: THE NAME OF THE ROSE | 1986 | 131 Mins | Italy, West Germany & France | English with English sub titles

About the film: The Name of the Rose is a 1986 historical mystery film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, based on the 1980 novel of the same title by Umberto Eco. Sean Connery stars as the Franciscan friar William of Baskerville, called upon to solve a deadly mystery in a medieval abbey. Christian Slater portrays his young apprentice, Adso of Melk, and F. Murray Abraham his Inquisitor rival, Bernardo Gui. Michael Lonsdale, William Hickey, Feodor Chaliapin Jr., Valentina Vargas, and Ron Perlman play supporting roles.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!
CHAI
Thu Oct 16, 5:00 PM
Sai kumar
CHAI is a gripping short film that unfolds a story as quick and intense as brewing a cup of tea.
THE GENESIS
Thu Oct 16, 7:00 PM
Rohith sai
THE GENESIS IS A SILENT FILM DIRECTED BY ROHITH SAI. ITS BASED ON TRUE EXPERIENCES. IT CREATES A SOUND WITH SILENCE THAT RESONATES YOUR HEART.
Decorating Diya for this Diwali
Fri Oct 17, 5:00 PM
Usha Bonepalli
In this workshop, the participants will be provided with diyas and other decorating materials. They will be painting and decorating with the pearls and kundans. This event is specially designed for the upcoming Diwali festival. Fee is only Rs.500/-.Please contact - Ms.Usha at 8985971009 for registrations.
TRAASADI
Fri Oct 17, 8:00 PM
darpan Theatre group
TRAASADI is a soul stirring journey through loss and redemption.

It is a story about someone confronting the deep emotions lurking behind grief—regret over unlived moments, unresolved conflicts, and the struggle to accept the reality of her mother’s death.

With a narrative that feels deeply relatable, ‘TRAASADI’ will take the audience on an introspective journey.

The word "mother" feels so complete, and so full of comfort, in itself. But in her absence, what, what plagues one the most, is the word "repentance".

This tale is a journey from the word mother to the word repentance. To be engulfed by repentance borne of a mother's absence, and in that living of repentance, to find one's mother back again.

TRAASADI digs deep into the grief, regret, and insight that the loss of a parent can bring. It deserves to be felt rather than just seen and is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the power of theater to touch the soul.
SHOi's - Reading Circle.
Sat Oct 18, 2:00 PM
SHOi
SHOI is primarily a Bengali theatre group in Hyderabad. SHOi has been operational for almost one and a half years now, and has earned a good name in Hyderabad theatre circuit. 2 of or famous plays are namely Octopus Ltd ESTD 2024 and Hamlet Ya Nahi? (a multilingual production). SHOI is organizing a play reading session which is open for all. This will also be a platform to join our team. So people who are interested, feel free to drop by.
HAKEEM SAAB by Samahaara
Sat Oct 18, 8:00 PM
Samahaara
Samahaara
presents

HAKEEM SAAB
(Deccani play)

Based on the Neil Simon`s adaptation of Anton Chekhov`s short stories.

Translated by Priyanka Puntambekar
Additional writings by Team Samahaara

Directed by Rathna Shekar

HAKEEM SAAB is based on an adaptation of Anton Chekhov`s short stories by Neil Simon. The short stories are narrated by a writer struggling with Writer`s block and his own artistic temperament. All of these now with a Hyderabadi/Deccani twist.
Chess Musketeers practice meetup
Sun Oct 19, 10:30 AM
Shiva Kumar Arikilla
Free meetup and chess games practice for all chess enthusiasts.
Talk by Sudhanshu Mani, IRS
Sun Oct 19, 1:30 PM
Ajay Prakash
Sudhanshu Mani, a retired Railway Services officer, is known as the father of Vande Bharat. His ups and down in the making of TRAIN-18, later christended as Vande Bharat is well talked (see TEDx) and published in his book He hails from Lucknow. Sudhanshu Mani is the producer of a stage show titled "Bayan-e-Ghalib," a unique tribute to the legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib.

He will talk on the "Hype, reality and the future of Vande Bharat train.
Musicology's 9th Student Recital
Sun Oct 19, 6:30 PM
Preetam Venglet
Musicology's 7th Annual Student's Recital
Remembering Jean-Jacques Annaud
Wed Oct 22, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan
Every Wednesday, Lamakaan transforms into a portal to the cinematic worlds of Jacques Annaud, the acclaimed French filmmaker born on 1 October 1943 in Juvisy-sur-Orge, France. Known for his sweeping narratives and anthropological depth, Annaud’s films traverse time, terrain, and the human spirit. This weekly festival showcases his most iconic works—from prehistoric odysseys to spiritual awakenings—each film a masterclass in visual storytelling and cultural immersion. Whether you're a film student, history buff, or simply a lover of bold cinema, Annaud’s lens offers something unforgettable.

Film Title: THE BEAR | 1988 | 94 Mins | France | English with English sub titles

About the film: The Bear (original French name L'Ours) is a 1988 French adventure family film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and released by Tri-Star Pictures. Adapted from the novel The Grizzly King (1916) by American author James Oliver Curwood, the screenplay was written by Gérard Brach. Set in British Columbia, Canada, the film tells the story of an orphaned grizzly bear cub who befriends a large adult male Kodiak bear as two trophy hunters pursue them through the wild.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!
Buddenbrooks -German movie night
Thu Oct 23, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan and Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad
Buddenbrooks
Director: Gerhard Lamprecht
Year: 1923
Format: Silent Film, Black & White
Runtime: 84 Minutes

Based on Thomas Mann’s acclaimed 1901 novel Buddenbrooks, Gerhard Lamprecht’s 1923 silent film chronicles the gradual decline of a wealthy merchant family in Lübeck, Germany. Through carefully selected episodes, the film depicts the Buddenbrooks’ rise to prominence and their slow descent as personal misfortunes and societal changes erode their prosperity and ideals. Key figures include Thomas, Christian, and Tony Buddenbrook, whose lives are marked by ill-fated marriages, flawed decisions, and personal disappointments.

The story culminates in the tragic figure of Hanno Buddenbrook, Thomas’s frail and artistic son, whose love for music and art contrasts with the family’s mercantile ambitions and signals the end of the Buddenbrook lineage. Lamprecht frames the narrative with atmospheric visuals of Lübeck, blending drama and documentary realism, creating an elegant, if silent, portrayal of generational decline.

All are Welcome!
Book Event
Fri Oct 24, 7:00 PM
Zeenath Khan
Book event and sigining by Zeenath Khan for The Sirens of September
In Verse&Voice:A Poetry Reading
Sat Oct 25, 4:00 PM
Nikhil Raj
Join us for a special evening celebrating poetry, voice, and friendship at the launch of The Soundtrack of My Life - Part B by Srividya Sivakumar published by Red River Press. The evening will open with the unveiling of the book. Alongside Srividya’s work, the event will also feature readings by acclaimed poets Paresh Tiwari, Akila Gopalakrishnan, and Rebecca Vedavathy, creating a chorus of diverse voices and styles. This gathering is not only a launch but a celebration of poetry as a shared experience—an invitation to listen, reflect, and be moved. See you there, Hyderabad on 25 October 2025, 5PM at Lamakaan.

Chai & Why of Indian Elections
Sat Oct 25, 6:30 PM
lamakaan
Lamakaan's Chai and Why of Indian Elections kicks off with a freewheeling discussion with KTR about elections, Hyderabad and the future.
Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (born 24 July 1976), commonly known as KTR, is an Indian politician and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Telangana Legislative Assembly. He is a former Minister for Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industries and Information Technology and Communications of Telangana. He represents Sircilla assembly constituency in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, he is also the working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi.
In conversation with KTR is Anuj Gurwara the Hyderabad's well known actor, anchor, MC, educationist and award winning singer.
కాసిన్ని కబుర్లు - 04
Sun Oct 26, 10:30 AM
Vishnu Vardhan
కేంద్ర సాహిత్య అకాడమీ అవార్డు గ్రహీత మధురాంతకం నరేంద్ర గారు, ఆయన రచించిన "దాయాదుల తోట" నవలా విశేషాలు పాఠకులతో పంచుకోడానికి ఈ నెల 26న లామకాన్‌కు వస్తున్నారు🤗
***
గడిచిన శతాబ్ద కాలంలో చిత్తూరు, కడప, అనంతపురం, కర్నూలు అనే నాలుగు రాయలసీమ జిల్లాల్లో జీవిస్తూ, మదరాసు, బెంగుళూరు, హైదరాబాదు నగరాలకు బారలు చాపిన ప్రజల సాంఘిక, సాంస్కృతిక జీవన గతుల నేపథ్యంలోంచి నేటి స్థితిని పరామర్శిస్తూ, రేపటి వైపుకు దారులు తీసే సమకాలీన సమగ్ర జీవన చిత్రణమీ నవల.
Remembering Jean-Jacques Annaud
Wed Oct 29, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan
Every Wednesday, Lamakaan transforms into a portal to the cinematic worlds of Jacques Annaud, the acclaimed French filmmaker born on 1 October 1943 in Juvisy-sur-Orge, France. Known for his sweeping narratives and anthropological depth, Annaud’s films traverse time, terrain, and the human spirit. This weekly festival showcases his most iconic works—from prehistoric odysseys to spiritual awakenings—each film a masterclass in visual storytelling and cultural immersion. Whether you're a film student, history buff, or simply a lover of bold cinema, Annaud’s lens offers something unforgettable.

Film Title: SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET | 1997 | 136 Mins | US | English German, Nepali Hindi Mandarin Tibetan with English subtitles

About the film: Seven Years in Tibet is a 1997 American biographical war drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. It is based on Austrian mountaineer and Schutzstaffel (SS) sergeant Heinrich Harrer's 1952 memoir of the same name, about his experiences in Tibet between 1944 and 1951. Seven Years in Tibet stars Brad Pitt and David Thewlis, and has music composed by John Williams with a feature performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!
MATTHU GAALI - Iphone Indie Film
Thu Oct 30, 7:30 PM
Jagadeesh Akula
“MG” is a deeply personal project—shot entirely on an iPhone 13 with zero budget. I took on multiple roles for this film, including writer, director, actor, cinematographer, editor, and even makeup artist. Despite many hurdles—limited resources, technical challenges, and working independently—I was determined to bring this story to life and showcase what’s possible with passion and dedication.
Glass painting
Fri Oct 31, 5:00 PM
Usha Bonepalli
The participants will be provided with acrylic sheets and collection of designs along with glass painting. They will be required to pick up a design of their choice and trace on the sheet. Then they paint with their choice of colours using glass painting, bringing the design to life with vibrant colours. Fee Rs.650/- only
THE THIRD KNOCK
Sat Nov 1, 7:00 PM
Chayanta Media
exclusive screening of “The Third Knock” — the debut short film by Chayanta Media.

“The Third Knock” is a rom-com with a psychological twist, exploring love, perception, and the quiet mysteries that linger behind every closed door. With a runtime of 15 minutes, this film marks our first step as a creative team into the world of independent storytelling.

Join us for an evening of cinema, conversation, and music — where art meets emotion, and stories spark dialogue.
Hyderabad Convention India Hikes
Sun Nov 2, 10:30 AM
Ajesh Sharma
Hyderabad Chapter of India Hikes Trekking Club organizing convention on 02NOV2025 from 10.30am to 1.30pm to showcase highlights of the trekking club to all club members and engage in discussion for further growth of trekking in the city
BOARD MEETING
Sun Nov 2, 2:00 PM
Gowtham Krishna
A professional working session for the Board of Directors of the Rotaract Club of Hyderabad East. The meeting will focus on reviewing current service projects, discussing administrative matters, planning upcoming events, and strategizing for the club's goals in the current year.
My Journey with the Ghatam
Tue Nov 4, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan
Celebrating Song of the Clay Pot: My Journey with the Ghatam by Sumana Chandrashekar

Join us for an enchanting evening of music and conversation as Sumana Chandrashekar performs on the ghatam and discusses her acclaimed book, Song of the Clay Pot: My Journey with the Ghatam, with Vidya Rao, Hindustani classical singer and writer.
Published by Speaking Tiger Books, this work is a heartfelt exploration of the ghatam—its history, legends, and the artist’s personal journey with the instrument.


About the Author:Sumana Chandrashekar is a ghatam player, writer, and researcher from Bengaluru. A student of Sukanya Ramgopal, she has performed widely and worked on experimental, collaborative, and educational music projects. Her research explores intersections of language, migration, gender, and music.


Praise for the Book:
“A beautifully told story and a goldmine of information about the ghatam’s history, legend, and lore.” — Shubha Mudgal


“Her words move like her fingers on the ghatam… A beautiful book about the intersection of society, culture, and art.” — T.M. Krishna


ALL ARE WELCOME!

Celebrating Ridley Scott
Wed Nov 5, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan
New month, new director in focus!

Lamakaan invites film lovers to immerse themselves in the visionary world of Sir Ridley Scott, the British filmmaker whose cinematic eye has shaped generations. Born in South Shields, England, in November 1937, Scott rose from art school to global acclaim, crafting films that blend atmospheric visuals with philosophical depth.
From the dystopian future of Blade Runner to the primal terror of Alien, Scott’s work explores humanity’s struggles with technology, identity, and the pursuit of survival. His historical epics, such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, showcase his flair for grandeur and emotional resonance, while thrillers like Thelma & Louise and Black Hawk Down reveal his command of tension and character development.
With over $5 billion in global box office earnings, multiple BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards, and a knighthood for his contribution to the arts, Ridley Scott remains a towering figure in cinema.
Join us at Lamakaan for a curated selection of his retro classics—films that continue to inspire, provoke, and mesmerize. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering them anew, this festival promises a cinematic journey through time, space, and the human condition.

Film Title: THE DUELLISTS | 1977 | 100 Mins | UK & USA | English Language with English Subtitles

About the film: The Duellists (1977), Ridley Scott’s debut feature, is a visually stunning period drama set during the Napoleonic Wars, where two French officers—d’Hubert and Féraud—engage in a relentless series of duels over 15 years, driven by pride and obsession. Based on Joseph Conrad’s story, the film delves into the absurdity of honor culture and the psychological toll of conflict, earning acclaim for its painterly cinematography and historical accuracy.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!
Startup Networking Jam
Sat Nov 8, 10:30 AM
Chakrapani
A high-energy 2-hour meetup for startup founders, creators, marketers, and problem-solvers to connect, share ideas, and spark collaborations.

Whether you’re launching your first startup, building your brand, seeking feedback, or just here to vibe with fellow builders — this is your playground. Let’s jam!
Book Launch event Hidimbi book
Sat Nov 8, 4:30 PM
K Sri Divya
Book Title : Hidimbi
Author : Nareshkumar Sufi
Publishers : Jhansi Publications

We are happily announcing our 8th book from Jhansi Publications. Hidimbi written by Nareshkumar Sufi, a well known Telugu author
Khachar Pakhi
Sat Nov 8, 8:00 PM
Dr. Surendra Singh Negi
Khachar Pakhi
(a play in Hindi)

"Khachar Pakhi" engages with the intricate intersections of trauma, memory, and identity through the story of an anonymous woman whose unexpected encounter with her former perpetrator reopens the psychic wounds of a decade-old experience. Set within the seemingly mundane context of a job interview, the play destabilises temporal linearity by collapsing past and present into a disorienting continuum, thereby staging the enduring effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through fragmented recollections and blurred boundaries between truth and illusion, the narrative underscores how trauma disrupts perception and resists coherent representation. The protagonist’s confrontation with her suppressed memories reveals both the fragility of human subjectivity and the arduous process of healing. In this regard, the play situates itself within contemporary discourses on trauma studies, particularly those that examine how individual suffering is mediated through cultural and performative expression. Written and directed by Dr. Surendra Singh Negi, the play derives its title from Rabindranath Tagore’s allegorical "Khachar Pakhi", a poem-song (or kobita–gaan in Bangla) in which a caged bird and a free bird articulate competing visions of freedom, confinement, and contentment. This intertextual reference enriches the central metaphor of captivity and liberation, resonating with the protagonist’s struggle to reclaim agency from the constraints of memory. By weaving raw emotional intensity with nuanced dialogue, "Khachar Pakhi" emerges through psychological realism as a poignant meditation on resilience, trauma, and the enduring possibilities of renewal.
Read-a-Kitaab Hyd Meetup
Sun Nov 9, 11:00 AM
Kumar Prateek
Read-a-Kitaab - Book Lovers Monthly Meetup
Kulhad/clay pot painting
Sun Nov 9, 1:30 PM
Sia Studio
Kulhad Painting at Lamakaan

Add a splash of color to your chai time! ☕🎨
Join us for a cozy Kulhad Painting session at Lamakaan where creativity meets culture. Paint your own earthen kulhad, sip on some good vibes, and take home a piece of handmade joy.
No experience needed just bring your imagination and we’ll bring the paints!
QIFLIF - Storytelling Meet
Sun Nov 9, 4:00 PM
Apoorva Gupta
Queer Storytelling, discussion about queer films and watch few queer indie short films together