In the picturesque landscapes of Kerala, India’s coastal southwestern state, photographer Keerthana Kunnath has been capturing striking images of muscular women flexing their powerful physiques.
Against backdrops of foaming waves, swaying palm fronds, and rugged rocky shores, these women pose - curling their biceps, tensing their quads, and broadening their shoulders.
Instead of traditional gym wear, they don flowing olive dresses or checkered bikini tops and skirts, blending strength with femininity.
Yet, in Kerala, where Kunnath was born and raised, women’s bodybuilding remains a taboo. Societal expectations dictate adherence to traditional femininity, making their pursuit of the sport an act of quiet defiance.
Kunnath’s fascination with female bodybuilders began when she stumbled upon a competitor’s Instagram account.
She was drawn to these women who dedicate themselves to the sport, challenging societal norms - and often going against their families’ expectations.
Across India, female bodybuilders have started gaining professional recognition under the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), though this progress is recent.
Deepika Chowdhury, a former molecular biologist, became the first Indian woman to earn professional status in 2016.
Kunnath initially set out to document Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s gender-neutral martial art. However, her focus shifted when she discovered a growing number of women embracing bodybuilding instead.
The athletes she photographed - featured in her series “Not What You Saw”—didn’t know each other personally but remained connected through social media and bodybuilding competitions, bound by their shared passion for the sport.
