For generations of Indians, Bata has never merely been a footwear brand. It has existed instead as a deeply familiar ritual woven into the fabric of everyday life. Remember those childhood Bata runs before the new school term? Parents browsing practical office pairs, kids gravitating towards the colourful sandals and shiny party shoes they hoped would somehow make it to the billing counter. One sensible pair for school, perhaps another for Sundays or birthdays if luck happened to be on our side. And somehow, everyone in the family left with something.
Long before luxury sneakers and international high-street labels began crowding India’s footwear market, Bata occupied a singular emotional space, especially within the middle-class household: affordable and dependable.
Ninety-five years since the company first established its roots in India, Bata’s resonance remains remarkably intact. Originally incorporated as Bata Shoe Company in 1931, with its earliest operations beginning in Konnagar near Calcutta in 1932, the brand gradually evolved into one of the country’s most enduring retail institutions. Today, with over 1,375 stores nationwide, Bata continues to occupy a rare position within Indian fashion culture — one where nostalgia harmoniously coexists with accessibility.
Revamped Bata store
Perhaps nowhere does that emotional connection feel stronger than in Calcutta, a city intrinsically tied to Bata’s history. The retailer has now reopened its iconic 0001 Grand Hotel store, the very first Bata outlet in India and one of the brand’s most historically significant retail spaces nationally. Located in the heart of the City of Joy, the reimagined store reflects Bata’s evolving retail language while retaining the familiarity that generations continue to associate with the name. Here’s a t2 walkthrough of the store, with actress Ritabhari Chakraborty for company.
Looking striking in a sharp red-and-black ensemble, Ritabhari brought her signature blend of glamour and candour to Bata’s revamped Grand Hotel store launch. Between revisiting nostalgic memories associated with the brand and exploring the new collections, the actor spoke to t2 about comfort-first fashion, her footwear essentials, Calcutta’s evolving style language and why Bata continues to resonate so deeply with Indians across generations.
So, what are the must-have footwear styles every woman should own today?
First and foremost, this is a generation where we are constantly moving. We’re running around, travelling, working, multitasking all the time. So naturally, sneakers and comfort-driven sportswear styles are essential. That’s why Bata’s North Star collection is one of my favourites. They have so many cool options. And honestly, there are days when I’m too lazy to sit down and tie shoelaces repeatedly. Which is why I really love Bata’s Easy Slide collection. It’s effortless, comfortable and you can genuinely walk in them all day.
Beyond that, I think every woman should own a classic wedge or heel in a neutral tone — something beige, white or black that works with everything. Personally, I’m a wedge person because pencil heels completely ruin my back. A comfortable wedge gives you posture, height and elegance without compromising ease.
What role does footwear play in completing a look?
Oh, I’m obsessed with shoes. I think good footwear can completely elevate an outfit. You could have everything else perfectly styled, but if the shoes feel disconnected from the look, they immediately pull attention away from the effort you’ve put into everything else. Imagine wearing a beautiful sari with loafers! Of course comfort is important, but the footwear still needs to complement the outfit rather than distract from it. If your shoes become the loudest thing in the room for the wrong reasons, then something has gone wrong stylistically. Fashion should feel cohesive.
For red carpets, do you prioritise style or comfort?
Both. Ideally, I want both. But for red carpets and shoots, I’ll admit I’m willing to sacrifice a little comfort if the shoes look spectacular. In real life though, I would never compromise on comfort long-term. It’s like travelling in an uncomfortable car — you might tolerate it briefly, but you would never choose it every single day.
How do you think Calcutta’s footwear and fashion sensibilities have evolved over the years?
Fashion has evolved enormously, of course, but I think what’s beautiful now is that women are dressing more according to personality rather than blindly following trends or so-called fashion rules. Calcutta women, especially, have always had a very original sense of style. I studied at Jadavpur University, and I still remember how incredibly well-dressed the girls there were. But it wasn’t because they were copying trends — it was because their style felt authentic and personal. That originality still exists in Calcutta fashion today, and I really admire that.
Sneakers, heels, flats or boots — which style best represents your personality?
Boots. Definitely boots.
As someone constantly balancing shoots, travel and events, what kind of footwear works best for your lifestyle?
Anything comfortable. Which is why it’s honestly difficult for me to pick just one Bata collection because comfort is consistent across all of them. Whether it’s North Star, Easy Slide or the Everyday Essentials collection, they all prioritise wearability alongside style.
What Bata understands particularly well is the Indian lifestyle. Our roads, our weather, our pace of life — they’re all different. Fashion has to function within our reality too. And I think Bata has always understood that balance beautifully.