Bodybuilders Defying Feminine Norms in South India

In the picturesque coastal state of Kerala, India, photographer Keerthana Kunnath has been capturing stunning images of muscular women defying conventional norms. These women are seen flexing their biceps, tensing their quads, and exaggerating their shoulders against the backdrop of foaming waves, rocky outcrops, and lush palm fronds. Sometimes they wear delicate olive dresses or casual checkered bikinis, juxtaposing the power of their bodies with femininity.

In a region where bodybuilding for women is still largely taboo, and where traditional feminine ideals prevail, Kunnath found inspiration after discovering the Instagram account of a female bodybuilder. She became intrigued by the few women who were not only dedicated to the sport but also defying societal conventions—and in many cases, the wishes of their families.

As Kunnath explained in a conversation with CNN, bodybuilding for women in Kerala is not a widely accepted practice. "It’s still fairly new, and there are only a handful of girls in it," she said.

Across India, however, the number of women competing in bodybuilding has been slowly growing. In 2016, Deepika Chowdhury became the first Indian woman to join the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation, marking a significant milestone in the country's bodybuilding scene.

Kunnath initially focused on researching Kalaripayattu, a gender-neutral martial art from Kerala, but shifted her attention after discovering female bodybuilders who were committed to bulking up. Her series, titled "Not What You Saw," features women who are united by their passion for bodybuilding, even if they don’t know each other personally. Many are familiar through social media or competitions, and Kunnath’s interactions with them reveal a mutual admiration for each other’s dedication.

For women like 22-year-old Bhumika Kumar from Kochi, bodybuilding has been a dream that wasn't supported by her family during her childhood. As a child, Kumar was not allowed to engage in physical activities with her peers, leaving her with low stamina and strength. Her fitness journey began when she discovered YouTube workout videos and joined a gym after much resistance from her family. Eventually, her love for bodybuilding grew, and she began competing in local contests like Miss Kerala and Miss Ernakulam, eventually winning gold medals.

Kunnath's conversations with the women she photographed revealed a common thread of familial pressure. Relatives were often vocal about their disapproval, questioning how they could allow their daughters to display their muscular physiques in public competitions.

In the male-dominated world of bodybuilding, Kerala's female athletes are working tirelessly to achieve recognition. One such athlete is Sandra A S, 25, who has been training for four years and now coaches aspiring bodybuilders. Sandra aspires to compete internationally and hopes to shatter barriers for women in the sport.

Kunnath's photographic approach for the series draws inspiration from the iconic depictions of Indian goddesses she encountered growing up. She collaborated with local stylist Elton John to create heroic, non-sexualized portraits of the bodybuilders. These images juxtapose strength and softness, with the women depicted as powerful yet still feminine, far removed from the typical bodybuilding aesthetics of gym attire and bright, harsh lighting.

"These women are extremely strong and confident, but they still have a softness to them," Kunnath reflected. The photographer noted that as a bodybuilder grows stronger, they are often perceived as intimidating, but this doesn't capture the full complexity of these women’s personalities.

Since starting her project, Kunnath has supported her subjects by attending their competitions and taking professional headshots, as a way of thanking them for sharing their stories.

"They had to carve out this space for themselves," she said. "I feel like those stories should be celebrated."