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Miss World 2025 contestants go behind the scenes at Ramoji Film City

Miss World 2025 contestants go behind the scenes at Ramoji Film City

The Hindu17-05-2025

As the sun dipped below the horizon on Saturday evening, the scenic Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad came alive with the arrival of 108 Miss World contestants, who were accorded a traditional welcome at the iconic film city.
The contestants arrived in a convoy of buses and were met by the beats of a local band playing at the entrance. They paused for a group photograph with the sprawling 'Ramoji Film City' signage forming a picture-perfect backdrop, capturing the start of their cinematic evening.
Escorted into the venue aboard vintage-style coaches, the contestants embarked on a guided tour of the vast studio complex. Their first stop was the famed Baahubali set, where they received a regal welcome reminiscent of the epic film. Many of the participants, already familiar with the global blockbuster, enthusiastically took photos, soaking in the grandeur and history of the set.
The evening continued with a visit to the Mughal Gardens, another popular attraction within the film city. Here, the contestants were treated to a live performance by Hyderabad-based band Theory. As the music filled the garden, a curated dinner was served, adding a culinary note to an already culturally immersive experience.

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