Secunderabad’s old world charm gets a cultural boost with Platform 51, a new arts destination at Vikrampuri Colony, Karkhana, bringing music, theater and art closer to home.

community driven space

This place is surrounded by trees. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Set in a four decade old house in a quiet residential neighbourhood, the place is surrounded by trees and retains its architectural character. It is being re-imagined as a multicultural center with a café, amphitheater and banquet hall. “Platform 51 will be a community-driven space that will focus on healing through art forms like music, pottery and painting,” says co-founder Prerna Kirti.

For Kriti, Secunderabad is more than a location. At a time when western Hyderabad is seen as the growth hub of the city with its IT offices and rapid growth, he has deliberately chosen to return to his roots. “My biggest inspiration has been my principal of Sherwood Public School, Yogendra Thursday, who gave me the roots to stay grounded and the wings to fly. I dream of traveling across the world, but want to return to my roots in Secunderabad.”

challenging journey

The exposed brick retains the raw texture and architectural character of the building. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Platform 51 has been a challenging journey for Prerna, who works at a design college in the city. The idea emerged during a theater workshop, when he envisioned a café and a space for activities that promote mental and physical well-being.

They had leased the property through February 2025, but were left with financial and operational burdens when investors pulled out. Architect and theater director RK Shenoy eventually stepped in as an investor and co-founder. “I wanted to give up, but RK gave me hope,” recalls Prerna.

“Once you invest in a project, you believe in it and work hard to complete it. Neither of us knows how to swim, but we stepped into it because I believed in her resolve,” says Shenoy, founder of ARKA Design Studio and Dramanon Theater Group.

texture effect

Although the space has not officially launched, live demonstrations are taking place. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Renovation began in February this year, with demolition taking three months. Built into rock, the home’s natural elevation is perfect for dramatic, multi-level spaces. Shenoy reused broken tiles, repurposed sealed walls and exposed bricks to maintain the raw texture and architectural character of the building.

The 700-square-foot performance space, with a stage and green room, accommodates 51 people, giving the venue its name. Its 50 cm thick walls, with exposed bricks and textured patterns, act as natural sound diffusers, eliminating the need for microphones. “Plastic chairs reflect sound, which is why venues use absorbent materials. Here, the walls naturally diffuse sound, making it a space where artists don’t need a mic,” says Shenoy.

Although not yet officially open, Platform 51 has hosted events while trial runs help iron out operational problems. Plays and a Sufi night are also planned. “The aim is to create a space to explore and experiment with art forms and find meaning in creative ways. The idea is to take people away from their phones and into the space,” says Shenoy.