An evening of Hyderabad and its fading authenticity

The art exhibition would showcase Kishore Singh’s paintings and Irani chai would be offered to the audience

In this age of coffee shops selling cappuccinos and other foreign beverages in every galli, the Irani chai is relatively forgotten. Fashion coordinator Ahmed Khan, however, is showing his love for Hyderabad, its culture and traditions, especially its Irani chai, by organising an art exhibition titled ‘Art and Irani Chai Doobara’ of Kishore Singh’s paintings.

Kishore Singh, a renowned artist now, graduated from Calcutta College of Art and Craft and has 18 years of experience in traditional art. His signature style is depicting Indian cities with water colours. The current exhibition would showcase paintings of the Charminar, Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs and various other heritage structures and monuments, as well as the street life of Hyderabad.

Not long ago, Irani chai defined the café culture in Hyderabad, especially the Old City.

However, in recent years, due to the onslaught of Baristas, Café Coffee Days, etc where filter coffee, cappuccinos, English and Indian teas (including masala chai) rule, the Irani chai’s' territory has shrunk.

“One thing common to all the Hyderabadis, right from a rickshaw puller to the owner of a high-end car is the craving for chai, Osmania biscuit and samosa. As I was born and raised in Hyderabad, I wish to do a unique art show where one would perceive the authenticity of the paintings. For this reason I intend on having the audience served with Irani chai along with samosas and Osmania biscuits while they view Kishore’s paintings,” Ahmed said.

"Let us keep the Irani chai alive as a slice of the city’s history," he added.

The paintings will be curated by Kaali Sudheer at Muse Art Gallery, Marriott. It would be open from 7 pm on September 21.