To Diva for

RAIN SLAMS down outside. But, it is warm inside. You, your beloved and your own world. And yes, another ultimate romantic companion in tow - jazz. This foursome surely ain't a crowd!

Though it would pale in comparison, jazz like your beloved is warm, creative, playful and boisterous too. Like wine, it's a warm dinner accompaniment. It is the kind of music that seeps into you and stirs the chords within. And it's all about romance and passion.

`Madraz', the jazz band from the Carnatic music citadel, Chennai, was playing at the `Diva', the new pub in town -- that is an exclusive couple zone. As a matter of rule. The couples lounged in the place were surely lapping up the music as the rhythms induced imageries and created one's own space. Music flowed, smooth as silk and sweet as saccharine.

The place located besides the ABN-Amro Bank on Banjara Hills Road No. 1 is surely a clear departure from the traditional pub prescription of Hyderabad which hinges on welcoming all - stags in hordes too. But, the husband-wife duo running Diva -- Manu Dewan and Sheetal -- insists: "Only couples here."

That means, no pesky noses, no irritating stares from all and sundry, only you and your beloved. "We had been to several pubs in the city, but no visit was complete without those preying eyes. Privacy is non-existent," says Dewan on why the place was open only for couples. Well, pubs are not about numbers and affluence with people walking in and flashing wads and cards.

"There should be exclusivity. Our idea is to cater exclusively for the couples. There is no other place in the city where they can spend a quiet evening," he says. Music, the mood elevator, would be soft. No heavy metal here. "It will be a mix of jazz, blues and rock `n' roll," Dewan says.

Diva, as the name suggests, is all about the prima donna! Laminated posters of women achievers of the century adorn the walls -- Marilyn Monroe to Madonna. And the menu card comes in the form of a woman's most important accessory - purse. A shimmering black purse at that!

Stags, stay away.

By K.V.S. Madhav

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