In Kerala, Keerthana Kunnath Photographs the Female Bodybuilders Defying Beauty Ideals
Briefly

Kunnath emphasizes the struggle these women face, stating, 'Many of them come from families who cannot or do not support their interest in the sport due to societal constraints or financial worries. They have to regularly work around the complex physical and emotional aspect of building and maintaining their physique, while fighting the deeply ingrained expectations of how a 'woman' should look and what they can pursue as a 'respectable' career.' This showcases the intersection of sport, gender expectations, and cultural pressures.
Kunnath's series captures the juxtaposition of strength and femininity, noting, 'In Not What You Saw, broad, athletic shoulders and thighs bulging with muscle are juxtaposed with more traditional garments and gauzy, feminine fabrics.' This artistic choice highlights that strength can exist within traditional femininity, challenging the existing standards of beauty in India.
Read at Colossal
[
|
]