Hyderabad, Feb. 4 -- It has been sixteen years now since a small, unassuming space tucked away in Banjara Hills became one of Hyderabad's most vital cultural commons. Over cups of endless chai and plates of samosas, Lamakaan has hosted everything from poetry readings and film screenings to theatre rehearsals, book discussions, and difficult but necessary conversations.

At Lamakaan, everyone gets a seat at the table, and that is its greatest strength. There are no velvet ropes or dress codes here, just plastic chairs, open doors, and an audience that listens. Students sit alongside senior artists, first-time speakers share space with familiar voices, and conversations end in debate and laughter. In a city where cultural spaces are increas...