What is the big fuss all about?

Hyderabad: After months of anticipation and weeks of hype that surrounded the Playboy Club, the launch of the club in Hyderabad saw protests from activists. Yet guests were still seen weaving their way into the party. What made many wonder was why protest when the club in Hyderabad is actually nothing like the famous Playboy Clubs.

Many assumed that it was more the notion of the international club that brought the protesters to the event Once inside and when shown the licenses, their assumptions were ratified and they were happy. The trademark Playboy “bunnies” were nowhere to be seen and the launch was just like that of another regular night club.

Simmi Kent, director of Playboy India, says, “The concept and format of Playboy in India is very different. One needs to understand that we have to keep in mind the culture.” But she also adds, “It’s not clear yet but we may soon have the Playboy Bunnies here.” If the whole concept changes with the Indian culture in mind, why go ahead with the name Playboy? “It is a high-end luxurious night club. We are going to be more of an event-driven club that will feature the best of music and international artistes,” she says.

The club in its previous attempt at launches around the country had not really taken off and there was even a launch party in the city two years ago. Simmi clarifies, “We never actually launched the club ever before. Even the party in Hyderabad earlier was actually the unveiling of the bunny costume.”