Hyderabad-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Megha Sudha Reddy was among the few invitees to the prestigious F4D (Fashion 4 Development) Annual First Ladies Luncheon during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The event was attended by powerful women from the fields of fashion, politics, diplomatic services and business ventures across the world.
Giving back to society
It is her involvement in humanitarian activity in areas like children’s health and breast cancer awareness that opens the doors of such events to the philanthropist. Through the Sudha Reddy Foundation, she seeks to promote accessible education and healthcare. “I think anyone who is in a position to give back to society should do their bit. We all have something to give back to society. Donating time, money or skills has the potential to positively impact the lives of many people,” says the billionairess.
Sudha, who recently received the “Champions of Change” award from the Telangana government, is also associated with Action Against Hunger and Poverty, Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Fight Hunger Foundation. She works alongside American actress Eva Longaria to raise awareness about children suffering from chronic diseases. “When you spend money on anything, you start to care more about it and discover a stake in its development on a personal level. And that newfound enthusiasm may provide the drive necessary to get more fully involved by volunteering and speaking out for those who need to be heard, even when it is challenging or exhausting,” she says.
A hardcore fashionista
The director of Megha Group of Industries attended the F4D Grand Ball on Monday evening wearing a pristine white tipper bow back brocade gown by veteran Japanese fashion designer Tadashi Shoji, as well as a pearl head veil by couturier Neeta Lulla, accessorised with a ‘heart of ocean’ tanzanite pendant, along with her statement boots and a Dolce & Gabbana gold-engraved bag.
For the Annual First Ladies gala dinner on Tuesday, she wore a bespoke Tarun Tahliani ensemble, a royal ivory-lavender kalidar lehenga saree with resham-dori work accented with 3D flowers, crystal sequin embellishments, and pearls, which she will pair with a vintage 15-row Basara pearl Mughal-era inspired necklace.
Her Instagram bio describes Sudha as an “avid connoisseur of art, fashion, and the finer things in life.” Following her Met Gala appearance in 2021, she became the first South Indian woman to sit in the front row at the Paris Haute Couture Week this year and shared a photo with Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue. She is keenly interested in designs and art and her choice of artwork and artefacts and sense of style are well-known. “I have gained more exposure and expanded my horizons in terms of fashion and home design thanks to my trips across the world. I’ve learned that there is always room for learning more,” says the globetrotter.
Sudha takes leaves out of the books of the late Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe to craft her personal style. Her sizeable wardrobe includes some of the most coveted premium brands. “I try to dress appropriately for any situation. My style has always been a mix of the modern and traditional — I enjoy wearing traditional clothing as well as Western outfits,” she shares. Sudha makes a mark on every occasion, whether it’s a day out with friends, a puja at home, or a wedding.
Fitness: A way of life
“I work out for 90 minutes, five days a week,” says Sudha. Her personal trainer, who works with her at her home gym, helps her with yoga and cardio. “My diet is controlled as well; I eat in moderation. I try to avoid stress by exercising regularly,” she adds.
A spiritual side
Sudha recently shared photos of herself meditating at Vana, a wellness retreat centre in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. “We are aware of the spiritual world as children. Our responsibilities and sense of reality rob us of our understanding of that world as we age. Spirituality is a return to childhood, a way of seeing the world through fresh eyes — the eyes of innocence,” she says.
The entrepreneur makes it a point to find time for immersing herself in religious activities at Sri Venkateswaraswamy Temple at Dokiparru Mahakshetram at her village in Gudlavalleru Mandal, Krishna District, no matter how busy her schedule is. “I believe in the healing power of prayer,” she explains.
