A bold new landmark emerges in Hyderabad with the grand launch of Asembli, a first-of-its-kind multi-sensory venue that redefines the art of celebration. Founded by Nagineni Srikanth Rao, Asembli goes beyond being just another event space, it is an emotion, a movement, and a dining destination where design, technology, gastronomy, and culture converge to awaken every sense.

Spanning an impressive 40,000 sq. ft., Asembli transforms gatherings into unforgettable experiences where the venue itself becomes the celebration. The concept is built on five powerful pillars, Music, Architecture, Entertainment, Immersive Technology, and Food & Beverage, each contributing to an environment that engages guests on every sensory level.

At the heart of Asembli stands a majestic dome, among the largest in India, inspired by sacred geometry. The venue features kinetic chandeliers, projection-mapped walls, and Asia’s largest Danley Sound Labs audio system, creating a dynamic atmosphere that envelops guests in light, sound, and emotion. Enhancing comfort and wellness, a three-tier air purification system and tiered platforms lend natural theatricality and depth to every celebration.

The culinary journey at Asembli is curated by Chef Varun Inamdar, an award-winning celebrity chef renowned for his inventive approach to Indian cuisine. His menu bridges nostalgia and modernity, reimagining traditional flavours through a global lens, from Kerala-style ghee roast reborn as tikka to Rajasthani Ker Sangri presented as tacos. The vibrant offerings are complemented by craft cocktails and artisanal brews, completing a dining experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

“We didn’t just build a venue; we assembled a feeling,” says Nagineni Srikanth Rao, Founder of Asembli. “It’s where people come together to celebrate boldly, beautifully, and meaningfully. There’s truly nothing like it.”

“Asembli is designed to bring people together for experiences that evoke the senses,” adds Priyanka Mechineni, Director of Brand & Experience, Asembli. “It’s a space where design, sound, and flavour work in harmony to create meaningful celebrations that feel both personal and memorable.”

“Our design approach was to create an environment that breathes with the rhythm of every event,” shares Anirudh Osuri, Founder of Design Epicenter. “From the dome’s geometry to the play of light and air, every element at Asembli was envisioned to awaken the senses and foster connection.”

“Food, for me, is a bridge between memory and modernity,” says Chef Varun Inamdar. “At Asembli, the menu celebrates India’s roots while embracing the world’s flavours, it’s about familiar comfort told in a new language.”

In an age of fleeting experiences, Asembli stands as a living canvas, a place where every celebration becomes artful, intentional, and profoundly human. Through its seamless blend of innovation, design, and emotion, Asembli invites guests to celebrate not just moments, but the very essence of connection.

A new chapter in Mumbai’s dining scene unfolds with the launch of Sora by The Nines, an elegant vegetarian restaurant and bar in Kandivali that reimagines plant-based dining through creativity, warmth, and modern charm.

Taking its name from the Japanese word for sky, Sora represents freedom, openness, and imagination, qualities that define every part of the experience. Conceived by the team behind The Nines, Sora blends the artistry of modern vegetarian cuisine with the easygoing sophistication of contemporary bar culture. Every plate, cocktail, and detail celebrates the joy of coming together over good food and great company.

Sora was born from the success of The Nines and the desire to connect with a younger, dynamic audience that values both experience and flavour. The restaurant challenges the idea that vegetarian food is traditional or predictable, presenting it instead as indulgent, bold, and full of creative expression.

At the helm of this vision is Chef Khushal, known for his mastery of regional South Indian flavours at Devengere Benne. At Sora, he brings a balance of authenticity and innovation. “At Sora, we've built a menu that celebrates flavour, texture, and balance, drawing inspiration from around the world but rooted in Indian sensibilities,” says Chef Khushal.

The menu reflects this approach beautifully, offering comforting yet inventive dishes such as Chimichurri Paneer, Mock Meat Chilly, Khow Suey, and the indulgent Broccoli Corn Cheese. For dessert, the dramatic Pull Me Up Tiramisu makes for a sweet finale — rich, layered, and designed to impress.

Sora’s cocktail program mirrors its name light, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant. Highlights include the floral Purple Mist with vodka and lavender syrup, the citrusy Elder Blush with gin and elderflower, and the tropical Caribbean Bloom made with Old Monk white rum, blueberry, and apple. The Coriander Leaf brings a zesty twist with tequila and yuzu, while Pink Amber offers a whisky-based citrus blend. Each drink feels like a nod to the sky balanced, bright, and beautifully crafted.

Spanning 2,800 sq. ft., Sora’s interiors are a visual and sensory tribute to the sky. Soft neutrals, light blues, and earthy tones create a soothing yet stylish atmosphere. Curved furniture, diffused lighting, and natural textures give the space a flow that transitions seamlessly from day to night. The result is a calm, welcoming space where every detail enhances the dining experience.

Behind the concept stands Mahesh Shetty, the hospitality mind behind Times Square, Namaskar, The Nines Juhu, Maharaj, and Devengere Benne. “My favorite part of starting a restaurant is watching an idea turn into an experience that people connect with. Each concept has its own story, but the goal is always to make guests feel at home,” shares Shetty.

Through Sora, Shetty and his team continue their legacy of blending warmth, consistency, and creativity, offering a dining experience that’s grounded in authenticity yet open to exploration.

Restaurant Details:

The legendary Dakshin at Sheraton New Delhi has reopened its doors in a refreshed new avtaar, welcoming guests to rediscover the soul of South Indian dining in an elegant, reimagined space.

Rooted in the region’s timeless charm yet designed for today’s refined palate, the renewed Dakshin brings together heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary elegance. The interiors evoke a sense of southern grandeur with handcrafted wooden accents, carved pillars, gold-toned details, ornate furniture, and Kanjivaram-inspired motifs, creating an atmosphere that feels both classic and current.

Celebrating over 35 years of culinary heritage, Dakshin has long stood as a symbol of regional authenticity within the ITC Hotels portfolio. From Mumbai and Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam and New Delhi, each outpost carries forward the same hallmark of culture, craft, and culinary mastery that defines the brand.

“Dakshin has been an integral part of Sheraton New Delhi’s culinary identity for decades. The refreshed Dakshin is a tribute to South India’s rich heritage, where every detail, from design to flavour, tells a story of craftsmanship and culture. We are delighted to welcome our guests to rediscover this beloved restaurant,” said Amit Kumar, Area General Manager Welcomhotels (North) & General Manager, Sheraton New Delhi.

The renewed menu is a sensory exploration of the southern states, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, where every dish carries a trace of tradition and a touch of innovation.

Highlights include Tomato Pappu, an Andhra-style lentil delicacy; Kori Gassi, a coconut-based chicken curry from Mangalore; Venchina Mamsam, a rich spiced lamb preparation; and Patchakari Stew, vegetables gently simmered in coconut milk. Each plate represents Dakshin’s philosophy of offering an experience steeped in ritual, regional purity, and personal touch.

Timings:
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM – 11:45 PM