Lucknow isn’t just a city of kebabs and monuments, nor is it limited to its mehmaan-nawazi and Urdu adab. Like every evolving city, it now has a far more layered character arc — one that has grown and shifted with time. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find a punchy mix of old-school culture, some delightfully weird elements, and fresh new talent that can genuinely catch you off guard!
From Bollywood lookalikes and bike-riding communities to a thriving hip-hop scene and buzzing anime clubs, there’s a lot unfolding in modern-day Lucknow. Sure, the old orthodox lot might dismiss it as adulteration, but on a brighter note, we call it diversification of the city’s cultural profile. Read on to catch a glimpse of it all:
Lucknow has its own Salman Khan lookalike, Aazam Ansari (who, let’s be honest, looks nothing like Salman Khan). Thanks to his wildly unhinged reel fame, the city slowly discovered more “celebrity” twins; and just like that, Lucknow now boasts its own Amitabh Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Shah Rukh Khan and a full squad of filmi doppelgangers.
The fun part? This self-made multiverse assembles every Sunday at Kudiya Ghat, shooting reels, meeting fans (yes, actual fans), clicking selfies and generally keeping the internet entertained. If you dig their chaotic cinematic universe, you know where to be this weekend.
You haven’t really eaten in Lucknow until you’ve eaten after midnight. Around Hussainabad, legendary biryani spots come alive, and the real magic unfolds in a quiet, almost secret ritual. Unmarked carts serving steaming kheer and fiery kaleji to a knowing crowd, all under the glow of historic monuments. While Ramzan turns the area into an all-night food paradise with endless vendors and irresistible variety, a handful of these spots keep the tradition alive year-round, serving night owls long after the city sleeps.
Forget flowers, there’s a dargah near the ruins of Musabagh in Lucknow where people offer cigarettes to get their wishes fulfilled. The shrine is said to be the burial site of a famed British officer, Captain F. Wale, who died on March 21, 1858, during the 1857 uprising in a battle against Indian forces.
People now call it Kaptaan Baba ki Mazar and leave cigarettes there as offerings to get their perils resolved; be it rough patches in relationships, business troubles, health ailments or other personal ordeals. Weird as it may sound, Lucknow holds a special place for Kaptaan Baba now.
Lucknow was famed about serene ghazals, sher-o-shayari and dastangoi but today its no longer limited to that. The city now boasts a thriving hip-hop scene, with budding rappers in almost every college and rap battles lighting up annual fests. Beyond that, there’s an underground circuit too; tight-knit communities hosting cyphers at city cafés, house parties, and even in open public spaces.
Beyond the kebabs and courtyards, Lucknow’s anime and gaming scene is wildly alive and steadily growing. The UP Anime Club regularly hosts cosplay meet-ups, themed gatherings and special screenings that bring fans together under one roof. Members eagerly wait for big-scale anime movie releases and turn those cinema outings into full-blown celebrations — heading to theatres together like one big family.
What makes it even more special is the diversity within these communities. From school kids to college students to working professionals, people of all ages come together over a shared love for anime, gaming and even reading manga.
Ever seen mangoes treated like fine wine? In Lucknow, they absolutely are.
Beyond the big public festivals, there exists a quieter, invitation-only world of private dastarkhwans, where connoisseurs gather to ceremoniously taste and passionately debate rare varieties like the ‘Kohitur’ or ‘Husn Ara’. It’s less about just eating fruit and more about savouring legacy, aroma, texture and aftertaste, almost like a masterclass in mango appreciation.
And when mango season peaks, these tasting ceremonies become fairly common. Picture dozens of varieties laid out across long tables, conversations flowing, people comparing notes and going back for second and third tastings without guilt. If you’ve never been to one, it might be time to find your way in this season.
In Lucknow, Urdu poetry is a living, breathing, and downright social sport. At a packed mushaira, poets recite passionate verses and the audience doesn't just clap, they lovingly shout back the first lines in a vibrant tradition called misra uthana. It's less like a reading and more like a beautiful, emotional concert where everyone knows the lyrics. That's the real soul of the city.
Skip the touristy qawwali shows. For the real, soul-stirring magic, follow the locals on a Thursday night to hidden Old City shrines such as Dargah Hazrat Abbas or Mazar-e-Zohra Bibi. Here, under ancient arches, singers pour their hearts out for the divine, not applause. The air hums with devotion, roses, and raw faith. It's an experience that stays with you.
Lucknow’s real cool rides? They’re vintage. Think classic old Lambrettas and those unmistakably roaring Royal Enfields. These communities regularly host rallies or weekend meet-ups, cruising through Lucknow’s roads in formation or heading out on short road trips to nearby getaways. It’s less about speed and more about style, nostalgia and the shared love for machines that carry stories.
Beyond the vintage charm, the city also has distinct motorhead circles — from modern sports bikers to luxury car groups like Torquemania, alongside dedicated vintage car collectives that keep automotive history alive. Pretty rich scene, right?
In Lucknow, flying kites is never a calming activity, it’s a full-blown battle in the sky.
Parts of Old Lucknow are home to elite-level kite flyers who’ve been sharpening their skills since childhood and still compete fiercely well into their 50s and 60s. Patangbaazi isn’t just a festive pastime here; it’s a serious, year-round sport. Enthusiasts spend thousands on their manjha and carefully curated kite collections, always chasing that perfect cut.
The most skilled flyers even earn the title of Ustaad. Now imagine how intense kite-flying must be in a city where the sky itself becomes an arena!
Tekken 3 was released back in 1997; a legendary arcade fighting game where two players could go head-to-head, picking from a diverse roster and settling scores button by button.
Fast forward to today, the franchise’s latest edition, Tekken 8, is out — yet many players still swear by Tekken 3. Those who started playing it when it first arrived in India in vintage coin-operated arcades have now turned into seasoned, almost mythical contenders, often holding their ground against newer challengers.
It’s peak nostalgia. And in the old alleys of Lucknow, a few classic-style 'Game Parlours' still echo with the familiar sound of arcade buttons as players battle it out with favourites like Paul, King, Jin Kazama and others, proving that some games never really age.
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