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Bangalore’s Opium Bar introduces Hookah Court
BANGALORE: Opium, the Bangalore-based bar for the well-heeled, has launched a Shisha court, an area where afficionados of the glass hookah can puff away to their heart’s content. The Opium management has recreated the entire Arabian ambience at its Shisha Court. Complete with panoplied tent, sensuous, shimmering curtains, sheer screens, low Arab style seating and thick cushions. Guess can lie back, relax and inhale the aromatic flavours. Additionally, guests can also bite into juicy, delicious shawarma as well, roasted and rolled the traditional Arab way.
What is Shisha smoking? The Shisha originated in Turkey circa 1600 and consists of a glass pipe which has self-lighting charcoal and specially blended pipe tobacco made from flavored fruit molasses and fresh tobacco leaves to produce a cool flavorful smoke that actually tastes good. Filled with mild aromatic tobaccos, in flavours as delightful as apple, chocolate, banana and more, it’s a marvelous experience, says an Opium press release. The ‘hubble bubble’ ensues like this. The tobacco in the flavour of your choice is placed in burning coal in the upper chamber of the Shisha. When you inhale the aromatic smoke through a pipe, it first passes through a pot of water, which cools it. This is what makes that quaint bubbling sound that you associate with the hookah. For the hygiene conscious, they can have their own personal filters to smoke with. And the tobaccos have pretty low nicotine content as well.
The Opium management believes that its Shisha Court will catch on because the unique glass pipe is developing a love affair with a large following throughout the world. From Paris to New York, Miami to Los Angeles, Shisha smoking is rapidly gaining popularity. Some even call it the “new cigar” coming into fashion.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
