What Is Ramzan For Venkatesh, Mamta Mohandas, Saleem Pheku, And Archana?
Friday, October 5th, 2007RAMAZAN brings up many memories to many people especially Hyderabadis… Living in Hyderabad and not having the Ramzan specials like Kheer and especially Haleem is just non-hyderabadi… of course for non-vegetarians…
Just landing for the shooting of her upcoming movie, actress Mamta Mohandas is feeling extra special as this will be her first Ramzan outside BAHRAIN where shew grew up. “The ambience in Bahrain is totally different. I would observe the fast along with my friends and it used to be very special. I’m glad to be in Hyderabad because I am told the ambience here is second to none. I can’t wait to lay my hands on the hameem and biryani,” says Mamta Mohandas.
As for actress Archana, Ramzan experience is about catching up with friends and digging into biryani and the yummy kheer. “The night before Ramzan, the old city is all decked up, especially the road from Charminar leading up to the Mecca Masjid. The brightly lit roads with a sea of people clad in traditional outfits is a sight to behold and for me it is an opportunity to cherish that enduring memory with my friends,” says Archana.

And many of Tollywood actors too have their palate full of Haleem during the Ramzan season. For a true blue Hyderabadi like actor Venkatesh, the festival is extra special as he celebrates it with so many Muslim friends and well wishers in and outside. “For every Hyderabadi, Ramzan is a special festival that you look forward to celebrate with friends and family irrespective of what religion you belong to, and I am no exception,” says Venky. And he continues, “Haleem, of course, is a big favorite. There’s nothing like eating haleem in the Ramzan season. Every restaurant in the city serves a different variation of the traditional dish and I totally binge on it.”
Angrez actor Mast Ali(Saleem Pheku) is one of such Haleem fans… He says, “Hyderabad is the Motherland of Haleem. Nowhere else in the world you get to taste haleem that’s made better…”




