Roda Mehta | Finely Crafted Journeys

Zoya honours the profound journey of a woman reconnecting with her feminine self through bespoke creations that celebrate her true essence. In our Finely Crafted Journeys column, we share insights from the lives of iconic women who have left an indelible mark on the world.

In this edition, our muse is Roda Mehta, a trailblazer in Indian advertising who played a pioneering role of establishing scientific media planning and buying in India. A recipient of numerous accolades, she is celebrated for shaping a generation of media professionals and making groundbreaking contributions to the industry. Today, she serves as a Trustee of the Lila Poonawalla Foundation, actively engages in civic affairs through 24 Residents’ WhatsApp Groups for Pune’s Municipal Ward 21 and is a dedicated practitioner of Kriya Yoga.

A word that describes you best?

"A magazine once described me as a maverick. I actually had to check that up! It means breaking the mold, setting your own path. I think that fits."

What have you enjoyed most about your journey?

Making a difference—empowering others to reach their full potential and giving back to those less fortunate. My journey gifted me a deep interest in people, particularly in underprivileged women. Over time, I learned the power of empathy and the importance of enabling them to rise above their circumstances. Witnessing this transformation has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

How has your journey helped you connect more authentically to who you are?

Around 1989, I began asking myself: Who am I? Why am I here? A profound desire to seek life’s true purpose took hold. Meditation, introspection, and self-reflection continue to unpeel the many layers within, helping me consciously address the aspects of myself that do me no credit.

ZOYA and you...

I’m wearing Zoya’s Samāve collection. Samāve’s inspiration—the stepwells where women once gathered- that resonates deeply with me. It reminds me that, just like these ancient wells, we hold immense depth and wisdom within. And when we come together, we draw strength from each other’s journeys.