RATNARI/SHIMLA: Tucked away in the apple belt of Ratnari, MeenaBagh Farmstay is fast emerging as a discreet celebrity retreat, drawing high-profile visitors seeking silence over spotlight.
The latest to check in was Cricket-crazy Bollywood star Preity Zinta, who flew in by helicopter on April 20 with her children and family for a five-day break from her hectic IPL schedule.
The actor, known for her deep Himachali roots, chose MeenaBagh Ratnari for what can be describe as a “peaceful, no-frills getaway.”
Interestingly, despite her star status, many locals at the nearby Bishu fair barely recognised her.
Those who did maintained a respectful distance as she quietly blended into the festive crowd, even picking up toys for her children from local stalls.
During her stay, Preity was hosted by MeenaBagh owners Akshita and Sanjay Austa and immersed herself in the rhythms of farm life.
She termed her stay" short and sweet" in the magical lap of apple belt.
Set amidst organic permaculture orchards, the retreat offered her family a chance to unwind with nature—feeding sheep, playing with Angora rabbits, ducks, and bonding with resident animals like Khobli the cat and Beswa the dog.
MeenaBagh’s growing reputation as a celebrity hideaway is not new. The property has previously hosted icons like MS Dhoni, Deepti Naval, Amol Palekar, and Ravish Kumar—all drawn by its promise of privacy and authentic Himalayan charm.
Before checking out on April 24, Preity left behind more than just memories. In a symbolic gesture, she planted a rhododendron sapling in the MeenaBagh lawns, underlining the importance of conserving native Himalayan flora and fragile mountain ecosystems.
With its blend of rustic luxury, ecological consciousness, and word-of-mouth celebrity endorsements, MeenaBagh Ratnari is quietly carving a niche as the go-to mountain escape for those who prefer birdsong over buzz.
