While the after-sunset spa-salons are becoming a rage in the West, India’s capital city is not likely to go that way. Even as some of the gyms, salons and shopping centres push the hours, Indian beauticians say that the late-night concept will not work in Delhi. The reasons being safety concerns, infrastructural impediments and poor after-hour clientele. “Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had proposed to keep city markets open till 11 pm, but how much of this has worked! Such an idea is not feasible in Delhi yet. Maybe we can work it out 10 years later, when Delhi is more professional,” says hairstylist Jawed Habib. Make-up artist, Ambika Pillai, feels the same, as she says, “It’s not that New York or London don’t see dark fall, but we don’t have a culture of late-night markets. Malls, too, close doors by midnight, so where’s the scope? MCD crackdowns will make sure home-parlours don’t work late, either. Work hours do stretch during the bridal season, but that happens by special appointment.”
In a city where most commercial outlets pull the shutters down latest by 9 to 10pm, the sundown centres look like a far cry at the moment. Make-up artist, Vidya Tikari, agrees, “It is not safe for employees to commute late at night. Such a concept may work in Mumbai, which is safer.” Gaurav Sadanah, Co-Owner, Looks Salon, supports the opposition, he says, “We do keep our Saket branch open from 10 to 10, but I don’t know of a single salon, even in five-stars, which stays open all night.” Delhi, a city that is infamous for its safety issues and not too popular for its night life, may not be the best contender for such a concept. With most prominent players in the business pointing a finger at the proposal, it seems that the idea will not see much success.
Posted on: 27.10.2010
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
