Women Bodybuilders Breaking Stereotypes in South India

In South India, female bodybuilders are challenging traditional views of femininity, demonstrating that women can be both strong and fit while staying true to their identities. These inspiring athletes encourage others to defy stereotypes and pursue their own fitness journeys.

In Kerala, photographer Keerthana Kunnath captures powerful images of muscular women, showcasing their strength against stunning backdrops of palm trees, rocky shores, and foamy waves. These women, often dressed in flowing dresses or feminine bikini tops and skirts, proudly display their biceps, quads, and shoulders.

Bodybuilding is still a taboo for women in Kerala, where traditional gender norms are deeply ingrained. Kunnath, initially interested in Kalaripayattu, a gender-neutral martial art from Kerala, shifted her focus to women in bodybuilding after discovering an inspiring bodybuilder's Instagram. She found these women were not only committed to the sport but also defying societal expectations and, in many cases, the wishes of their families. "It's still fairly new here," Kunnath shared, noting the small number of women involved.

Across India, more women are entering bodybuilding, with several achieving professional status through the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation in recent years. Deepika Chowdury made history in 2016 as the first Indian woman to do so.

Kunnath's photo series, "Not What You Saw," features bodybuilders who, despite not knowing each other personally, admired each other through social media and competitions. Kunnath recalls how her subjects would express admiration for each other's physiques, creating a sense of mutual respect.

For 22-year-old Bhumika Kumar from Kochi, bodybuilding was a way to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming an athlete, something she was discouraged from pursuing as a child. Now a gold medalist in local competitions like Miss Kerala, she has transformed her life after a largely inactive childhood. Sandra A S, 25, has also been training for four years, facing resistance from her family until they finally supported her after her first competition. After watching workout videos on YouTube, she joined a gym and, despite family struggles, eventually decided to pursue competitive bodybuilding.

Kunnath's conversations with the women in her series revealed that many faced strong opposition from their families, with relatives questioning why they would allow their daughters to pursue bodybuilding and show off their muscles. Despite their strength and confidence, Kunnath observed that these women also maintained a sense of softness, challenging the stereotype of the "intimidating" bodybuilder.

Since starting her series, Kunnath has shown support for her subjects by attending their competitions and taking professional headshots as a way to thank them. "They had to create this space for themselves," she said. "I believe their stories deserve to be celebrated."

Link source:

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/15/style/female-bodybuilders-india-photography/index.htm