Taj Connemara, Chennai brought the city’s heritage, traditions and artistic spirit together with The Madras Affair, an evening presented by AU Small Finance Bank with RMKV Wedding Silks as the Showcase Partner.

Held at the hotel’s Ballroom, the evening celebrated Chennai through music, dance, fashion, art and gastronomy, offering guests a journey through the many sides of the city and its cultural identity.

The evening began with a Bharatanatyam recital by students of Shri Nrittalaya School of Arts, Chennai, bringing the beauty of the classical dance form to the celebration. This was followed by a live performance by IndoSoul by Karthick Iyer, adding a classical fusion touch to the evening.

Speaking about the celebration, Shilpa Rameja, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said, “Taj Connemara and Chennai share a relationship shaped by history, heritage and a deep sense of place. Through The Madras Affair, we wanted to bring this connection alive in a way that was both nostalgic and contemporary. The live vintage photography experience by AU Small Finance Bank was one of the most engaging highlights of the evening, allowing guests to experience the charm of Chennai through a different lens, while RMKV’s showcase of its iconic Madras Checks beautifully brought together the city’s textile heritage and contemporary creativity. It was wonderful to see music, dance, art, fashion and food come together to celebrate the many facets of Chennai and the enduring spirit of this remarkable city.”

Adding to the experience was a specially curated culinary journey through the flavours of old Madras, prepared by the chefs at Taj Connemara, Chennai, led by Executive Chef Raj Sekhar Sastry.

The high tea featured favourites such as Railway Mutton Mince Turnover, Chocolate Fudge infused with aromatic Chettinad spices and Uppu Urundai. The culinary spread continued with a Marina Beach Sundal Station, Railway Mutton Curry, Meen Manga Kuzhambu, along with freshly prepared dosas and appams.

Guests were also treated to South Indian flavours through Soft Shell Crab Varuval, Karuvepillai Yerra, Uslampatti Kari Sukhha and Chettinad Flavoured Fried Chicken. Vegetarian highlights included Crispy Tofu Yellu Varuval and Kuzhi Ragi Paniyarram stuffed with Gongura and cream cheese. The evening ended on a sweet note with Kavuni Arisi Halwa and filter coffee ice cream, bringing a nostalgic finish to the culinary experience.

For Taj Connemara, the celebration also reflected its own long-standing connection with Chennai. The landmark hotel has been part of the city’s story for over 170 years, witnessing its changing landscape and evolution across generations.

Through the evening, The Madras Affair celebrated this shared history while also looking at the city’s contemporary cultural expression. From classical dance and music to textiles and food, the event brought together different elements of Chennai’s identity while celebrating a city that continues to honour its past and embrace its future.