The social meet-up scene is steadily gaining momentum in Hyderabad. Events hosted by individuals and groups are a great way to connect with strangers. Once participants meet, discover shared interests and safety concerns are addressed, creative pursuits centred on art, books, music, food, wellness and travel can help forge new bonds.
Check out four such networking groups.
Oopar Club
Selfie fun with new friends
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“People are alone, but they do not have to be,” says Sagar Agarwal, referring to urban loneliness. The founder of Bengaluru-based Oopar Club believes there are more opportunities to create meaningful connections today than a few years ago. “The social scene is picking up; there is still some stigma around meeting strangers but that is changing.”
Launched in September 2024, Oopar Club has nearly 1,000 members in the city. “Once you meet people, over time, they cease to be strangers.” The intention to connect with people drives individuals to join these sessions. “Making connections online with strangers has changed our sense of friendship. People think having a friend request is like making a friend, but that is not the case.”
Sagar Agarwal
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To join the club, one has to use its app that has an ID verification process and geolocation tagging to address safety concerns. “People need not think only of movies, music or stand-up comedy shows for entertainment. New trends in curated experiences make these meet-ups an alternate form of entertainment.“
Small world
Participants at an event.
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Started in 2019 in Bengaluru, Small World hosts events on all days of the week. Thanks to the digital overload post-pandemic, the group founded by Saurav Arya witnessed a surge in demand for offline events. “The two-year journey in Hyderabad has been good,” says Saurav, a former engineer who now travels and builds remote businesses.
Also present in Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, NCR and Kolkata, the group’s events — Chai Pe cha Cha, Coffee Conversation, Social Mixer, Speed Dating, Tri Club and Human Library majorly sees IT professionals and those who are new in town, especially in the 21-35 year age group, eager to make new friends.
Saurav Arya
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Saurav explains that an icebreaker session helps participants initiate conversations. These sessions encourage them to converse on topics beyond work, to discover shared interests.
Events are hosted in cafes or restaurants to ensure that participants are bound by rules. “We have also had sessions in pubs where responsible drinking is encouraged. If a participant is intoxicated or not in the right frame of mind, we deny entry.”
From around 25 enrolling for their sessions in 2023, the number has grown to 100 in 2025. The team enters 2026 with two new events — Intellectual Society and Eye Contact Booth. While Intellection Society offers sessions with subject matter experts sharing insights on chosen topics, people can engage in silent, one-on-one-eye contact with fellow participants in eye contact booth..
Check out
All meet-up events are ticketed and listed on platforms such as Bookmyshow, District by Zomato and Swiggy.
InterNations
Versatile group
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InterNations is an exclusive space for foreigners and NRIs living in Hyderabad. The 18-year-old organisation with a global presence was founded for those going abroad to work for a short time and keen to connect with people over shared interests or discuss and overcome culture shocks.
At home with new friends
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“We share information on schools, shops, restaurants, doctors, and discuss other local issues that may resonate with newcomers,” says entrepreneur Sana Bettaib, an expatriate who joined the group in 2022 in Hyderabad. She now volunteers as an ambassador for the platform that meets once or twice each month for meet-ups announced on their website. With a large and versatile community, activities are planned for families, bachelors and kids and held at different venues to help members get familiar with the city.
Sana Bettaib
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“Friendships are for life,” says Sana. While some members have moved to different places, they still connect in countries they are posted to or travel together, while others have found their companions. “Many people from different countries have met in Hyderabad and got married.”
Milaap events
Youngsters recreate Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic pose
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When IT professional Ritik Raina came to Hyderabad in 2024, he felt lonely. “I had no friends and did not know where to go,” he recollects. A year later, with some experience of working at other meet-up organisations, Ritik co-founded Milaap Events along with Sonal Kashyap in April 2025 and Chaitanya, Ishaat, Faizal, Sathvika, Harshita as team members. “I loved the idea of meeting people from different backgrounds. It is fascinating to know about their world.”
Ritik Raina with Sonal Kashyap
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Ritik adds, “The community hopes to create a non-judgemental zone where people can discuss life, travel experiences, likes, dislikes and the worst piece of advice they have had in their lives.”
Music session
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His love for Hindi film songs is also evident in the meet-up titles — Roobaru, Anjaana Anjaani or Nayi Dosti which has rounds to help people play games, participate in an open-mic or dance session. With more than 60 events till now, Ritik believes consistency is the key. In 2026, Ritik aims to take Milaap Events to Bengaluru followed by Pune.
Published – December 31, 2025 09:50 am IST
