As women increasingly break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields, the evolution from being perceived as ‘beautifully bold’ to embracing an ‘unstoppably strong’ identity serves as a powerful narrative of strength and determination.
This transformation challenges stereotypes and empowers women to redefine their roles in society. It highlights the importance of resilience, discipline, and self-advocacy, encouraging women to pursue their passions fearlessly. By embracing both beauty and strength, they inspire others to challenge norms and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
In the midst of growing global discourse surrounding women’s participation in male-dominated sports, recent events have highlighted the ongoing challenges female athletes face. At the Paris Olympic Games, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif became the target of harassment and bullying from pundits, spotlighting the discrimination faced by women in traditionally masculine sports.
Keerthana Kunnath Explores similar themes in India with her powerful series Not What You Saw, photographer Keerthana Kunnath shines a light on the inspiring journeys of female bodybuilders in India, who challenge traditional beauty ideals and break through societal norms about femininity. Her work emphasizes not only the physical strength of these athletes but also their diverse roles as mothers, teachers, and designers, showcasing the unique challenges women in sports often face. This series serves as a motivating example of resilience and determination, encouraging others to pursue their passions and defy limitations, no matter the obstacles.
When fine art photographer Keerthana Kunnath first met a 30-year-old female bodybuilder in Kerala, she was captivated by the powerful blend of strength and grace in front of her. This chance encounter sparked a deeper curiosity, leading her to uncover a community of women across the state who were embracing bodybuilding—fearlessly defying India’s conventional beauty norms. In a conversation with writer Ritupriya Basu, Kunnath explained how her passion for stories that challenge gender expectations drew her into this transformative project. Embarking on a road trip through Kerala, she captured striking images of these women rewriting the rules of femininity. Their journeys inspire us all to think beyond societal boundaries, embrace our true selves, and boldly pursue our dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. This story serves as a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms—and it’s up to us to define it for ourselves.
Keerthana Kunnath emphasizes how rare it is to see a strong, muscular woman in India’s cultural landscape. While women are increasingly becoming doctors, teachers, and professionals, the idea of a female bodybuilder remains unconventional and almost unheard of. In a society that has long valued traditional beauty standards—fair skin, long hair, and a slim waist to fit patriarchal ideals of “marriageability”—female bodybuilders are making a bold statement. By embracing strength and challenging the male gaze, these women are redefining femininity and defying societal norms. Their inspiring stories push back against deeply ingrained stereotypes, empowering others to question conventional ideas of beauty and celebrate strength in all forms. These women show that breaking barriers can inspire new perspectives on what it means to be a woman in today’s world.
Recalls Kunnath, “One of the girls wanted to pose in denim shorts, and I understood her perspective—wearing shorts would be a bold act of rebellion, as many of us are never allowed to wear such clothing.” However, for Kunnath, it was essential to use traditional garments to weave deeper meaning into the series. Each piece of clothing in the photographs tells a story. One bodybuilder wears a kasavu saree—a symbol of Kerala’s heritage—wrapped around her waist and legs, while another sports a bustier and a skirt made from the checkered cloth worn by the hardworking fisherwomen of the state.
By using familiar cultural elements and grounding the photos in the everyday lives of the bodybuilders, Kunnath brings an authenticity and depth to her work. “Even within their own families, these women are trailblazers,” she says. This project celebrates a pioneering generation of women who are courageously challenging outdated notions of femininity, gender roles, and beauty standards. For students and learners, this series is a testament to the power of self-expression and the courage it takes to push boundaries, inspiring us to reimagine what strength and beauty truly mean in today’s world.
Keerthana Kunnath’s photographic series serves as a powerful testament to the courage and determination of women who are breaking free from societal constraints. By intertwining traditional garments with the strength of female bodybuilders, her work not only challenges conventional beauty standards but also honors the cultural roots of these women. Kunnath’s series is more than a celebration of physical strength; it’s a tribute to the pioneering spirit of women redefining femininity on their own terms. It encourages us to embrace our individuality, push boundaries, and reshape the narratives that define us.
