Hyderabad : In a surprising revelation, Nawab Raunaq Khan’s “Highest in Greater Hyderabad Hill” (H.I.G.H), a man-made hill tucked away in the bustling center of the city, proved to be a hidden treasure for 36 Hyderabad Public School (H.P.S.) alumni. Spread across eight acres within an expansive 80-acre plot on Road Number 25 in Jubilee Hills, this exclusive landmark left the visitors astonished at the existence of such a nature-friendly haven in the IT capital of India.
Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Kiran Kumar Reddy, who was part of the alumni group, expressed his amazement, stating, “I live close to this place. I knew it, but never knew that it is so big.” The alumni, on the occasion of the 100-year celebration of Hyderabad Public School, embarked on a journey to explore uncharted landmarks in the city.
Nawab Raunaq Khan, 60 years old and recently crowned the 9th Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, unveiled the secrets of his creation—a man-made hill that stands as the city’s largest film facility, surpassing all other film shooting locations combined. Familiarly known as “Bhoot Bungla” in the film industry, this one-of-a-kind hill has been the backdrop for numerous mega-budget films, including the acclaimed ‘Rangasthalam.’
“I used moram (a type of soil) to make it strong. It took me ten years. I had to put this place to use to protect it from land sharks,” explained Nawab Raunaq Khan, emphasizing the effort invested in preserving this unique landscape.
The tea party organized on Wednesday, coinciding with the visit of the H.P.S. alumni, added a touch of historical significance. The venue, frequented by Raunaq’s ancestor Sultan-Ul-Mulk, son of Sir Viqar (builder of Falaknuma), holds connections to the heritage of the Nizams. The celebration aimed to mark not only the 100-year milestone of Hyderabad Public School but also to usher in Christmas and New Year.
Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, a proponent of inter-religious harmony, has been a host to exclusive celebrations of various religious festivals at the same venue. His commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence has earned him recognition, including an honorary doctorate. As the talk of the town, Raunaq Khan’s H.I.G.H stands as a testament to the convergence of heritage, creativity, and a commitment to preserving Hyderabad’s unique charm.
