Hyderabad’s new visual art space: Maison d’ Art Banjara

Indian and European cuisine meets visual arts at Maison d’ Art Banjara, a new gallery launched at Ashiana-Imli Sarai complex in Hyderabad. With its indoor and a serene outdoor dining experience surrounded by greenery, Imli Sarai, a , cafe, bistro and bar celebrates cuisine and music in the heart of Banjara Hills.

Maison d’ Art Banjara, with a 1,650 square foot area on the second floor, is designed to host visual art. The gallery’s debut photographic exhibition, Shiva Blues by French photographer Anne Garde, is in collaboration with Alliance Francaise of Hyderabad (AFH).

New beginning

Zain Rahimtula
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The space marks a new beginning for Imli Sarai founder and restaurateur Zain Rahimtula, as an art gallery owner. “In French, Maison d’ Art means ‘art house’ and we have also added Banjara to the name as there is a tradition in France to name a gallery after its location,” explains Zain, who also wanted to pay tribute to the neighbourhood that holds cherished memories. “Both (Zain and his brother Hamza Rahimtula) our parents are from Hyderabad but we grew up in Delhi because of my dad’s office. We visited Hyderabad every summer as our grandmother used to live here. We moved here five years ago when we had the opportunity to work on this restaurant.”

With Windhorse Recording Studio (launched by Hamza Rahimtula) in its premises, Imli Sarai hosts sustainable fair, music and cultural events in its outdoor space. Launching a gallery was a natural progression to add vibrancy to its space and build a thriving community. “Multiple arts are welcome in the art house,” he says.

Heritage in the neighbourhood

Hub for multiple arts
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

While Hyderabad’s west zone continues to be a favourite among entrepreneurs to launch new businesses/restaurants to attract the young crowd, Zain’s heart is in Banjara Hills. “We are from this neighbourhood so we would want to do something for this area. Banjara Hills has more history and character. My mother used to say that Banjara was like Mackenna’s Gold and had a mysterious, rugged look with all the rocks. There were just three homes in this area and apparently sometimes one could spot a panther. It’s a beautiful place named after the Banjaras, the tribal community.“

As Hyderabad’s art scene gains momentum, this new gallery hopes to enhance the artistic buzz.