This Cleopatra turns men away

AHMEDABAD: The name Cleopatra evokes a stereotypical image: a beautiful woman surrounded by a flock of eager men. That might have been the case in ancient Egypt, but in 21st century Gujarat, Cleopatra throws the stereotype on its head and spurns male presence.

Touted as India’s first women-only restaurant, Cleopatra will soon open in Ahmedabad as an exclusive recreational zone for women. Men are allowed entry only after 7 pm, and only on invitation by a woman diner.

“I came up with the concept sometime ago. I found the idea so appealing that I immediately made it a reality and gifted it to my wife to run,” said Ajay Thakkar, an Ahmedabad-based diamond merchant currently operating out of Togo in Africa.

The restaurant currently employs six female and three male chefs. Though it is yet to open, talks are already on to open a franchise in the US and UK. Cleopatra is expected to have at least eight outlets within a year.

With interiors depicting Macedonian culture and walls painted by local art students, the 5,000 sq ft space is going the whole hog to provide customers the complete opportunity to enjoy their femininity. It will have a yoga centre, a gynaecologist who will provide free consultation twice a week, and an eco-boutique.

“We are also planning to start milk and honey baths similar to that enjoyed by the Egyptian queen,” said Anita Thakker, adding, “There are also plans to start a full-fledged division selling rare diamonds and gold and platinum jewellery.”

In less than a week of its launch, enquiries have flooded the place, which is depending on word-of-mouth for its publicity.

“Women are interested in our offer to host kitty parties. Our research showed that within a circumference of 2km, almost 200 kitty parties are hosted every day,” said Ajay, who began participating in the enterprise only after his wife gave him permission to.