Hype

Critic´s Review

• Buzz: 4 / 5
• Service: 0/5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

More hope than hype? When India's most high-profile DJ flexes his celebrity muscle to open his very own 7,000ft of (what he calls) India's first “lifestyle party destination” it is bound to be surrounded by hype and hoopla. But it is much more than mere hype. You name it and DJ Aqeel's year-old nightclub in the Atria Mall has it… personalized table and bottle services, bartenders/hosts with international flair, cocktail bars, ultra-premium spirits and champagnes, private booths, international performers and international DJs. I check it out twice with two different sets of young experts of the nightscene. Each time it is rocking. We go up the dusty parking lot onto the third floor of the deserted Atria Mall and whoa! Get blown by the sprawling hall with its 1,300 diamond-like LED lights on the ceiling which move in sync with the music. A magnificent sight which is magnified as the state-of-the-art sound system takes over and throbs with an addictive beat. The vibrant energy of this high-ceilinged, large space is infectious. Premium alcohol (Roberto Cavalli and Kauffman Vodka, Dom Perignon or ultra-exclusive Arman de Brignac Champagne) in the well-stocked bar. Signature drinks? Hype (Kahlua, Bailey's and Amaretto), the potent Hype Iced Tea (spiked with gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and topped with Red Bull), or the Hypolic (vodka, Blue Curacao, mint, sweet syrup and lime chunks, all topped with Red Bull). You'll get the neighbouring China Gate restaurant's Chinese snacks (served up to 12.30am) from Crispy Corn Water Chestnuts to Butter Garlic Lobster. Fuelled with so many flirtatious lights and music (and alcohol, of course) food becomes the least important as Hype takes over your night. P.S. Padded of wallet? Go for the gold, two silver booths as well as the small tables. Prices fluctuate, but as this book goes to press, the gold booth accommodates up to 25 for minimum billing of Rs. 1,00,000. Exclusive membership? Rs.1,00,000. In addition to a state-of-the-art sound (Funktion One) and light system, DJ Aqeel revs up the crowd once a month where he goes beyond Bollywood. Check the website for upcoming events. P.S.S. Cover charges from Tuesday to Thursday are Rs. 1,500 for a couple, Rs. 2,000 on Fridays and Rs. 3,000 on Saturdays.rn