Kids having a blast at the F3 Chillout Zone
Says the owner of Gini and Jony, Anil Lakhani, Kids these days are smarter. For them this is the perfect place to have fun.
According to Lakhani, it is important to give kids the freedom to do what they want. While parents are not allowed into the basement floor where the DJing and dancing happen, those who wish to have a dekko can use the screen which will be installed on the ground floor.
While two to eight-year-olds have the ground floor, nine to 16- year-olds can use the basement, says Lakhani.
Says an enthusiastic eight-year-old Afreen, who is hanging out with her seven-year-old friend, Shruti. Dressed in hip layered skirts and halter necks complete with sequins in their hair, the duo was waiting to dance the night away. I love fast numbers, says Afreen.
We generally go out for a movie or bowling or dinner on the weekends. Now I want to come here every weekend, adds Shruti.
Thirteen-year-old Dhruvi, who has come from Sion with her 14-year-old friend, Vidhi, says, How often can one organise parties with DJs coming over? This place is good for kids and parents.
Adds Lakhani, Normally hiring a DJ at home could cost up to Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000. This place is cheaper.
The F3 Chillout Zone owners believe that kids these days are sure of themselves, hate frilly frocks and think imitating Kareena Kapoor is the ultimate fashion statement.
bandra@mid-day.com
We love to hang out at F3: kids
Paavani Garg
13-year-old resident of Pali Hill
Id love to go and hang out at the F3 Chillout Zone, says Paavani who loves playing computer games.
We recently got permission from our mothers to go on our own to CCD (Coffee Cafe Day for the uninitiated), says Paavani, who went to the cafe with her sister Amala and friend Nikita.
Amala Garg
Paavanis sister
I like hanging out with my elder sister, says Amala, who also attends Shiamak Davars Summer Funk classes. Ill be able to use my dance moves if my mom allows me to go to F3, says Amala.
Nimisha Gaurishankar
13-year-old resident of John Baptist Road
Nimisha is quite happy spending her time reading or drawing. Im not dying to go to a lounge. At the most, Id stop by a coffee shop. If I want to dance I put on music and dance at home, I dont need a lounge or a disco, says Nimisha.
Shahen Lalwani
13-year-old resident of Pali Naka
Im not into playing computer games but I wouldnt mind hanging out and listening to music if theres a good DJ, says Shahen, who has earned a reputation as a singer at his fathers pub Hawaiin Shack and idolises Eminem.
What parents have to say
Nupur Garg
Resident of Pali Hill and Paavanis and Amalas mom
They will have enough time to go to discos when they grow up. I dont think they need a hangout lounge. Still, I wouldnt mind if she went there for a birthday party or occasionally with friends. She adds, Of course, I am not sure about the safety of the kids, so I would want to check that out first.
V Gaurishankar
Resident of St John Baptist Road and Nimishas mother
My daughter is at an impressionable age so I would want to check out F3 first, says Gaurishankar, who feels his daughter would be better off reading or playing football or badminton. Theres time for them to grow up. Why would you want to speed up the process?
Sadhana Lalani
Resident of Pali Naka and Shahens mother
I think F3 is a good idea. I wouldnt mind sending Shahen there with friends.
