Hyderabad Blues

Winner controls the city

The Andhra Pradesh government is pushing for implementation of Section 8 in common capital Hyderabad ever since the Revanth Reddy cash-for-vote scandal broke out. What Section 8 basically means is that its implementation would grant the Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh special powers over the administration of law and order in Hyderabad. So Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would not have any direct control over the police department. Governor E S L Narasimhan met with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him on the current developments in the ACB cash-for-vote case. 

The bitter battle between Chandrababu Naidu and KCR is still on but of late, Naidu seems more relaxed. During a meeting with the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Naidu was all smiles. Gone was the furrowed brow as Naidu requested the Centre to grant 45 lakh gas connections to BPL families in Andhra Pradesh. The CM appeared calm as he laid forth a series of demands. Pradhan was in Vizag to review the performance of the HPCL refinery and the oil and gas sector. Naidu requested the Centre to pay offshore and onshore royalty on gas and oil exploration in the State. Pradhan said a petro-chemical complex would be developed between Vizag-Kakinada at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore.

??Taapsee Pannu on her salad days

Hyderabad appears to be emerging as one of the most happening cities in India. Earlier, most companies would pick metros as a safe bet for nationwide brand launches. But now, Hyderabad it is. The Telangana government's sweetened industrial policy, which promises clearance for genuine industrialists in 12 days, might have something to do with it. In one such brand launch, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd launched two fresh variants of its scooters at a star hotel in Hyderabad. A ramp walk by some of the country's top models set the tune for the event. Alesia Raut, one of India's highest paid models, was a part of the fashion show. 

But the limelight was preserved for actress Taapsee Pannu who has been handpicked by Honda as brand ambassador for the Aviator and Activa i scooters. Bollywood audiences might remember Taapsee as the Intelligence agent in the Akshay Kumar starrer Baby and also in Chashme Baddoor. For Telugu audiences though, Taapsee has been around long enough since her debut in Jhummandi Nagam. The actress spoke of her days in Delhi as a struggling model and how her Honda scooter helped her stay independent in terms of transport. "Women should not rely on others to get from point A to B," was Taapsee's message. 

According to Yadvinder Singh Guleria, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, one in every three Honda scooter customers is a woman. Many wondered if Honda launching its 2015 scooter variants in Hyderabad would translate into a factory in Telangana. But Keita Muramatsu, President & CEO, Honda Motor India, says the company is currently focused on its fourth plant in India, in Ahmedabad. This scooter-only factory with a capacity of 12 lakh units annually, would be the world's largest and is expected to be functional by early 2016. The typically polite Japanese CEO, Muramatsu says slow and steady is the way to go and Honda is no rush to pepper the country with too many factories though India forms its largest scooter consumer base.

Ramzaan? nights

Ramzaan is the time to experience the night life in the old city of Hyderabad. One can shop, eat or just go around to soak in the atmosphere. Most Hyderabadis head towards the Charminar for haleem or buying bangles and pearls. The Pista House outlet on Shalibanda road near Charminar is a popular outlet for haleem. But biryani lovers swear that its mutton and chicken biryani accompanied by dahi ki chutney and mirchi ka saalan are to die for. Most restaurants and Irani chai shops in old Hyderabad stay open up to 2 am or more during Ramzaan and the mood is vibrant. The other areas which light up are Mehdipatnam and Malakpet. One must mention the Sohail restaurant in Malakpet which specialises in Arabian cuisine. Some of the dishes such as Lahm Mandi or Nahari, a slow cooked lamb stew, are quite popular with customers. The qubani ka meetha and kheer are also a staple. If not too hungry, just drive by these roads, have a cup of tea and soak in the Hyderabadi monsoon. The warmth is all encompassing.?

?Dinner diplomacy

At a dinner organised by the British Deputy High Commission for Chevening scholars past and present, one got talking with Andrew McAllister, UK Deputy High Commissioner for Hyderabad. McAllister has been around for about three years now in Hyderabad and has watched the bifurcation first hand. "I'd like both the States to grow and prosper," he says diplomatically when asked about his reaction to the bickering CMs. McAllister, was born and brought up in Glasgow, Scotland and is equally diplomatic about the recent referendum on Scotland. "I was born in Great Britain and I'd obviously like Scotland to continue to be part of the United Kingdom," he says. The Scottish lilt in his accent is unmistakable. But unlike a true Scot, he favours white wine. McAllister, who loves to entertain and is a great host, says he sometimes brings over a tandoor at home for special occasions. "The food is terrific but the kitchen is a mess afterwards," he exclaims. 

KCR reaches out to Tollywood

Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao was recently present at the audio launch of Telugu film Basthi which stars actress Jayasudha's son Shreyan. In a benevolent mood, KCR promised all help to film studios and commercial ventures by its owners. Stating that he was a huge fan of veteran actress Vijaya Nirmala (actor Krishna's wife), KCR said he had watched movies of N T Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sobhan Babu and Jayasudha. "After that, I kind of lost track of movies. But Shreyan here, I feel, will be the Telugu Amitabh Bachchan," KCR said as the tall debutant actor blushed. KCR said that Amitabh Bachchan had told him that Hyderabad was an important destination for film-makers. "I have taken cognizance of this and promise all help to the Telugu film industry in Hyderabad," said the CM. Meanwhile, rumours are rife that actress Jayasudha is miffed with the Congress party and is likely to join the Telangana Rashtra Samiti soon. If the camaraderie between KCR and Jayasudha is anything to go by, then it might well be true.