Ratna Mehera Balabhadra, who was recently crowned as the Classic Mrs. India Telangana, gets candid with The Pioneer for our special weekly segment of Hyderabond.
SUBODHINI PUROHIT
Growing up in Hyderabad since her childhood, Ratna Mehera Balabhadra’s fascination with the runway ignited a dream: to grace the ramp at least once in her lifetime. Last year, that dream began to take shape when she participated in the Mrs. India Telangana pageant. After auditions and rigorous rounds, the culmination of this journey occurred in September 2023 during the grand finale held right here in Hyderabad.
“The city’s vibrant energy and rich cultural backdrop undoubtedly influenced my path, infusing my pageantry experience with a unique blend of tradition and modernity.” As she continues to explain, “I was passionate about ramp walks from my childhood, so that inspired me to believe that I should be ramped at least once in my lifetime, so my journey started last year in September with the Mrs. India Telangana pageant.”
As a proud Hyderabadi, she has witnessed a remarkable change in her beloved city–from it’s traditional roots as Nizams to the home of several global IT companies. The city has gone through a transformation and has emerged as a magnet for technology and innovation. The establishment of numerous IT companies, including her venture, reflects the city’s dynamic business ecosystem. She expresses, “I am into business, so me and my husband started an IT company, therefore, every time we started something new, we received a good response from Hyderabad businesswise.”
However, having grown up in this vibrant city, she shares her sentiments about the stark contrast between the past and the present. The Hyderabad of yesteryears exuded a regal charm with it’s historic monuments, bustling bazaars, and the iconic Charminar. Today, however, it is in a different landscape—one that resonates with modernity, progress, and global connectivity.
Take Gachibowli, for instance—a neighborhood that has become synonymous with cutting-edge technology and innovation. It’s skyline boasts sleek glass towers, multinational corporations, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. As one walks through its streets, it’s hard not to draw parallels with cities like San Francisco or New York. The fusion of tradition and modernity is palpable, creating an ambiance that feels both familiar and exhilarating! In her words, “I was born and brought up in Hyderabad, and I see a huge difference between the present Hyderabad and the one that is different now. The current Hyderabad is different. I stay in Gachibowli, and it looks like the USA for us.”
In this transformed Hyderabad, the aroma of Biryani still wafts through the air, but it mingles with the buzz of startup pitches and late-night coding sessions. Ratna Meher has some long lasting memories in this city about her childhood at one of the renowned schools in Hyderabad, St. Ann’s School. “I grew up in Secunderabad, so I attended St. Ann’s School in my childhood; it was a very famous school in both the twin cities. I was proud to be in a famous school in twin cities. We used to have a fun and fair competitive spirit.”
But ramp walking was always her dream, though she was unaware that a Mrs. India pageant even existed. She had always assumed it was only for unmarried women. When she discovered the truth, she wondered if it could also be a part of the pageant. She says, “I never knew that something called the Mrs. India pageant existed; we always thought it was for unmarried women. Only when I got to know, I was wondering if it’s true or not and if it could also be part of the pageant.” Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the world of pageantry, impacting both the contestants and the events themselves. Hyderabad provided access to good infrastructure for pageantry and crowned Mrs. India. As she says, “We wore a crown in the Novotel hotel in Hitech City, and it was arranged very elaborately and nicely. We felt good while doing that ramp. We usually don’t expect that much, but Hyderabad’s infrastructure is good; we can do pageantry more in Hyderabad.” Hyderabad’s infrastructure, particularly exemplified by the elaborate arrangements at the Novotel Hotel in Hitech City, played a pivotal role in creating a memorable pageantry experience for her.
Her words resonate: “Hyderabad’s potential for hosting more pageantry events is indeed promising. During the Mrs. Telangana pageant, the mentors provided invaluable guidance and assisted with various tasks, including wardrobe and time management. The pageant experience taught me the art of reusing clothing, and I participated in grooming sessions to improve my stage presence. Not everyone is naturally extroverted, but these sessions helped me overcome stage fright. My mentors were unwavering in their support throughout every task and session.”
She is also fortunate to have a supportive husband who has been there for her from the very beginning. His encouragement extends beyond the pageant, and he helped her in all aspects of life. Additionally, her children are understanding and supportive, allowing her to dedicate time to herself.
When asked about her hometown, Hyderabad, she expressed a longing for the lush greenery that adorned her surroundings as the concrete dreams took center stage, and while travelling across the city, she recollects all her memories of school and college life. She says, “I like everything about Hyderabad. As I was born and brought up here, each road holds a memory. Whenever I travel from Gachibowli to Secunderabad, all memories of my childhood, fun I had with my friends flash, and of course developments in the city, I dislike the traffic and way we are cutting down the trees.”
