Being rich and famous is no longer enough. The latest status symbol among Hyderabad’s swish set? Giving back. The buzz is that Greenko chairman Anil C. is putting serious money and muscle behind initiatives that benefit society at large. His reported association with PV Sindhu’s academy in Vizag has been doing the rounds, and wife Swati, who was recently at the ground-breaking ceremony, has only added fuel to the speculation. Divya Reddy and Bobby Khandari have teamed up on a foundation that works with women in prison, helping them acquire life skills that can eventually translate into livelihoods once they are out.
Archie Paranjee is tackling another very real problem — keeping young girls in school despite the lack of access to sanitary products. Her initiative provides sanitary pads so periods don’t become a reason for girls to miss classes or drop out.
Rajashree Pinnameneni, has been quietly doing her bit across several fronts — from helping restore the Bansilal Stepwell and working towards plastic and garbage-free colonies, to helping children from bastis continue their education and find jobs that give them financial independence.
Maybe the new luxury isn’t another designer handbag after all. It’s having the privilege to make someone else’s life a little better. All those socialites who seize every oppurtunity to pose for pics/selfies with their Birkin/designer bags and shades, could let the accessories take a back seat for a change. Simplicity, substance and a good cause — that’s the new chic.
Business rivals
The next big Tollywood rivalry may not play out on the silver screen. If industry buzz is right, Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan are planning a premium multiplex in Gachibowli. With AAA Cinemas, AMB Cinemas, and another theatre venture linked to Venkatesh, Hyderabad’s exhibition business is becoming the industry's newest battleground. Looks like stars now want to own the screens, not just appear on them.
Missing man of Tollywood
No film update. No public appearance. No new pictures. That’s all it took for the rumour mill to go into overdrive. Since reports of Jr NTR’s shoulder injury surfaced, the actor has stayed away from the spotlight. While those close to him say he’s recovering, fans aren’t convinced until they see him. In Tollywood, everyone’s asking the same question: Where’s Tarak?
Hack that’s shaking healthcare
The alleged cyberattack on Star Hospitals has become the latest talking point in Hyderabad’s healthcare sector. With hospitals holding highly sensitive medical and personal data, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. The incident has also brought back memories of Apollo Hospitals’ 2018 data vulnerability and a 2021 cyber incident involving its systems. As hospitals become more digital, one question is making the rounds: are other hospitals prepared, or just hoping they aren’t next?
The great doctor shuffle
It’s not just patients who are moving between hospitals these days. Top doctors are being poached too — and Hyderabad’s hospital-hopping game is getting increasingly competitive. Sindhu Hospitals, the new seven-star hospital appears to be the new attraction for some of the city’s biggest medical names. Guess who has moved in? Dr B. Somaraju and his team, who have already had stints at CARE, AIG and elsewhere before making their latest move to Sindhu. A top breast cancer specialist, who was earlier with KIMS, has also reportedly moved to Sindhu. With hospitals competing fiercely for marquee medical talent, it seems the new battle for Hyderabad’s healthcare crown isn’t just about swanky buildings and seven-star facilities. It’s about who can put the biggest names on their roster.
Paws on the agenda
While pet parents debated breeds, policymakers discussed bigger issues. Boda Mourya joined Maneka Sanjay Gandhi and industry experts at the CII India Petcare Summit in New Delhi to talk about pet welfare, responsible ownership and public health. Pets are no longer just companions — they’re part of a growing policy conversation. And for those who do not know, Mourya runs a pharma business, they make medicines for pets. There are many more who passinately fight for the cause of animals. Sreelu Bhoopal and Neelima Reddy are two such people.
Who, What, When, Where, Why
Who is celebrating his 50th birthday with 50 close friends in Bangkok? Zubin Viccadjee.
What do the YPOs, especially the old ones, ‘must-have’ in their lunch and dinner menu when on retreats? Chutney, rasam and curd rice! Some habits never change.
When did sisters Divya and Shriya Reddy invest in a new restaurant? These sisters first started Rü, now we hear they are expanding big time into the restaurant business.
Where did FICCI FLO host its Silver Jubilee celebratory dinner? At the 101 Dining Hall at Taj Falaknuma Palace, leaving delegates from across the country thoroughly impressed.
Why is there a crowd of people seen outside A Mahesh Reddy’s house very often? Because there is poor feeding done regularly. Apart from donating to temples, he also likes to do anna danam — poor feeding.