Movies, food, dance in Hyd on Valentine’s Day

Hyderabad: Couples of all ages thronged the city’s cafes, restaurants, and entertainment hubs to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday. From the re-release of classic romance blockbusters to salsa-themed dance sessions, the day brimmed with options for lovebirds seeking a memorable outing.

At RTC Crossroads, the old films ‘Surya Son of Krishnan’ (2008) and ‘Orange’ (2010) drew packed audiences at Sudarshan 35 mm and Devi 70 mm theatres, proving that romance films still have wide appeal years after their original release. “We wanted to spend quality time together,” said one young couple, echoing the sentiments of many juggling hectic schedules.

Budget-friendly eateries also did brisk business. “Starting from lunch, we had a steady stream of couples,” said Syed Ali Asghar Bolooki, managing director of a popular Hyderguda restaurant. Dance enthusiasts turned to special sessions hosted by instructors like international zumba trainer Anyakshi Das, who organised a Valentine’s-themed salsa class where participants dressed in red and black.

Nightlife venues offered themed cocktails and mocktails. “We crafted special Valentine’s Day drinks, and our lounge was packed,” said Akhilesh Kumar, general manager of a liquor lounge. Luxury hotels catered to upscale diners, with Ashley Nunes, executive chef at a five-star hotel, revealing that their Valentine’s dinner buffet and handcrafted desserts were sold out a day in advance.