In idyllic settings around India’s coastal southwestern state of Kerala, photographer Keerthana Kunnath has been capturing images of muscular women flexing their heroic forms. Amid foaming waves, palm fronds or rocky outcrops the women curl biceps, tense quads or exaggerate shoulders, exchanging gym clothes for a gauzy olive dress or feminine checkered bikini top and skirt. But in Kerala, where the London-based photographer is from, bodybuilding is still taboo for women, who are typically expected to adhere to traditional, feminine norms. After stumbling upon one competitor’s Instagram account, Kunnath became fascinated by the female bodybuilders who have dedicated their time to the sport and defied societal conventions — and often their family’s wishes, too. “Where we are, it’s not a very common thing,” she explained in a phone call to CNN. “I would barely call it a ‘community’ because it’s still fairly new, and there’s only a very handful of girls who are into it.” Across India, a growing number of female competitors in the sport have achieved professional status with its governing body, the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation — but only in recent years. Deepika Chowdury, a former molecular biologist, became the first Indian woman to do so in 2016. Initially interested in researching the gender-neutral martial art Kalaripayattu, which originated in Kerala, Kunnath shifted her focus after finding that the women focused on bulking instead. The bodybuilders she photographed — part of her series “Not What You Saw” — didn’t know each other well, but were aware of one another through social media and competitions. “Every time I connected with each person, and I told them I’m going to photograph that person before you, they would be like, ‘Oh my god, I know her — her body is stunning. Her thighs are crazy,’” she said with a laugh. “It felt like mutual admiration between all of them.” Dedication to the sport For Bhumika Kumar, who is 22 years old and lives in the Kerala city of Kochi, training for bodybuilding competitions has fulfilled a lifelong desire to become an athlete — a dream she hadn’t been allowed to pursue as a child, she told CNN via WhatsApp. Now a gold-medalist in local competitions like Miss Kerala and Miss Ernakulam, she has transformed herself following what she described as an inactive childhood. “My parents wouldn’t let me go out and play with other kids. Hence, I was not a very physically active kid during my school days. I was always low in stamina and strength,” she wrote. As an adult, she found her gateway to exercise through workout videos on YouTube and joined a gym “after lots of fights with family,” she said. She felt drawn to competing professionally but also divided on whether to pursue it until a year ago. “I couldn’t stop thinking about stepping onstage,” she said. “Then I finally decided to go for it and met my coach.” Kumar isn’t the only woman in the series whose relatives felt entitled to get involved with their personal choices. Kunnath spoke extensively with each of her subjects by phone before meeting them in person to better understand their journeys. “A lot of them had pressure from their family and extended relatives: ‘How are you letting your daughter go into this space where they’re working on their muscles? They’re showing off their bodies,’” she said, recalling the kinds of comments her subjects had heard. Heroic portraits Kerala’s female bodybuilders are entering a high-pressure, male-dominated sport requiring daily commitment under coaches primarily used to training men. One of Kunnath’s subjects, 25-year-old Sandra A S, has been training for four years and now coaches aspiring bodybuilders, too. She hopes to break barriers for women competitors by winning a qualification card to compete professionally on the international stage. As Kunnath visualized the series, she turned to the iconography of Indian goddesses that she encountered during childhood. “I still remember having these posters of goddesses in front of these serene backgrounds,” she recalled. Working with a local stylist, Elton John, Kunnath pursued non-sexualized, heroic portraits with muted pastels and flowing fabrics, departing from gym clothes or the punchy, colorful bathing suits and direct lighting of the bodybuilding stage. “They are these extremely muscular, strong, confident girls… but still, they still have this softness to them,” Kunnath said. The photographer found the more a bodybuilder bulks, the more she is treated as a “really strong, intimidating character,” but that’s not always the case. Since beginning the series, Kunnath has also made a point of supporting her subjects by attending their competitions and taking their professional headshots to a “thank you” for being part of the work. “They had to carve this space for themselves,” she said. “I feel like those stories should be celebrated.”
The bodybuilders defying feminine norms in South India
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Female Bodybuilders Challenge Gender Norms in Kerala, India"
CNN
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
In the picturesque coastal state of Kerala, India, photographer Keerthana Kunnath has been documenting the lives of female bodybuilders who challenge traditional feminine norms. Through her lens, she captures these women as they confidently showcase their muscular physiques against stunning backdrops of palm trees, waves, and rocky landscapes. Despite the evolving landscape of bodybuilding in India, where the sport has seen a rise in female participation, societal expectations still impose limitations on women, making bodybuilding a taboo pursuit. Kunnath's fascination with this underrepresented group began when she discovered a competitor's Instagram account, leading her to explore the lives of these women who often defy familial expectations and societal conventions. The photographer highlights the lack of a cohesive community among these athletes, noting that many are aware of one another primarily through social media and competitions. Her series, titled 'Not What You Saw,' aims to celebrate their strength and determination while countering the stigma associated with women in bodybuilding.
Among the athletes featured is Bhumika Kumar, a 22-year-old gold medalist from Kochi, who overcame familial restrictions to pursue her passion for bodybuilding. Kumar’s journey reflects the struggles many women face in a male-dominated sport, as she had to fight for her right to train and compete. Similarly, Kunnath's subjects often encounter disapproval from their families, who question their choices in a sport that emphasizes physicality and strength. Kunnath has taken great care to portray these women in a non-sexualized manner, drawing inspiration from the iconography of Indian goddesses to depict their strength and confidence. By utilizing muted pastels and flowing fabrics, she aims to convey both the power and femininity of her subjects. Kunnath’s commitment to supporting these athletes extends beyond photography; she actively attends their competitions and provides professional headshots, reinforcing the importance of their stories in a society that often marginalizes them. Through her work, she seeks to highlight and celebrate the resilience of female bodybuilders in Kerala, emphasizing that they have forged their own paths in a challenging environment.
TruthLens AI Analysis
In the article, the focus is on female bodybuilders in Kerala, South India, as portrayed through the lens of photographer Keerthana Kunnath. By capturing images of these women defying traditional feminine norms, the piece seeks to highlight the evolving landscape of gender roles in a region where bodybuilding for women remains largely taboo.
Cultural Shift and Feminine Norms
The narrative underscores a cultural shift in Kerala, where the traditional expectations of femininity are challenged by women who embrace bodybuilding. This highlights a broader conversation about gender equality and body positivity, encouraging a re-evaluation of what it means to be feminine in a society that may not readily accept such changes. The article may aim to inspire other women to explore unconventional pursuits, fostering a sense of empowerment and community among female athletes.
Public Perception and Community Formation
The article portrays the female bodybuilders as a nascent community, emphasizing the mutual admiration among them despite their limited interactions. This portrayal serves to create a sense of belonging and solidarity among women who share similar passions, which is essential for furthering acceptance of female bodybuilding in the region. The mention of social media as a connector indicates how modern technology is facilitating this community-building process, potentially appealing to younger generations.
Hidden Narratives
While the article celebrates these women's achievements, it may also obscure the challenges they face, particularly from family and societal pressure. The mention of familial disapproval hints at a deeper struggle that is not fully explored, raising questions about the sacrifices these women make to pursue their passions. This could suggest a desire to focus on the positive aspects of their journey while downplaying the societal obstacles they encounter.
Manipulative Elements
The article's tone is largely celebratory, which can lead to perceptions of bias. It appears to downplay the significant resistance these women may face, potentially creating an overly optimistic narrative. Moreover, the focus on mutual admiration and community may gloss over the competitive nature of bodybuilding, which can lead to tensions among participants.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to present a factual account of the evolving status of female bodybuilders in Kerala, supported by quotes and personal anecdotes. However, the lack of a more in-depth exploration of societal challenges could affect its overall reliability, as it may not fully represent the complexities of the issue.
Potential Impact on Society
This piece could contribute to a broader acceptance of non-traditional roles for women in India, inspiring other women to pursue sports and physical activities that defy gender norms. It may also encourage discussions around body image and empowerment, potentially influencing cultural attitudes toward women's sports in the region.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to a wide range of audiences, including feminists, sports enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural studies. It aims to resonate with individuals who advocate for gender equality and empowerment, particularly within the context of traditional societies.
Market Implications
While the article may not have direct implications for stock markets or global economics, it could influence industries related to fitness and wellness, particularly those targeting women. Brands that promote body positivity and female empowerment may find increased support from consumers inspired by such narratives.
Geopolitical Relevance
Although the focus is primarily on local cultural issues, the article reflects broader global trends regarding gender roles and body image, connecting to ongoing discussions about feminism and representation. The societal changes highlighted could serve as a microcosm for similar movements worldwide.
AI Influence in Composition
There is no direct indication that AI was used in writing this article; however, it is possible that AI models could assist in gathering data or generating content based on trends in body positivity and gender discussions. If AI were involved, it may have influenced the narrative tone to be more uplifting and focused on community aspects rather than challenges.
Manipulation Possibility
The article could be seen as manipulative to some extent, primarily due to its overly positive framing and lack of critical engagement with the challenges faced by these women. This approach may serve to promote a particular narrative of empowerment while sidestepping more complex realities.
In summary, while the article presents an inspiring portrayal of female bodybuilders in Kerala, its potential biases and omissions regarding societal challenges could affect its overall reliability and perception.