Bipasha Basu turns 47 on January 7, and her approach to fitness remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. The model-turned-actor has long been synonymous with strength, discipline, and functional
movement, well before gym culture became mainstream in India. From her early modelling years, Bipasha stood out for her athletic physique and consistently championed the idea that fitness is about capability and resilience, not just appearance.
In a widely shared throwback gym session from 2018, Bipasha Basu made a strong case for weight training, especially for women. Her message was refreshingly direct: being strong is beautiful. She highlighted how strength training helps reduce body fat, build muscle strength, lower the risk of osteoporosis, and prevent issues such as back pain, arthritis, and injuries. For Bipasha, fitness was never about being thin, it was about being empowered. Her advice was clear and timeless: start sooner rather than later.
Despite years of advocacy from fitness voices like hers, many women still shy away from lifting weights due to the persistent fear of “bulking up.” Addressing this misconception, fitness expert Maitri Boda, co-founder of Squat Up, explained in a March 2025 interaction with HT Lifestyle why this fear is largely unfounded. According to Maitri, women do not produce testosterone in the same quantities as men, a hormone essential for significant muscle hypertrophy. As a result, strength training does not lead to bulky muscles but instead helps women achieve a leaner, more defined physique by reducing fat and improving muscle tone.
Beyond aesthetics, strength training is a critical pillar of long-term health for women. Building lean muscle mass increases the body’s resting metabolic rate, allowing it to burn calories more efficiently even at rest. This becomes increasingly important with age, as muscle mass naturally declines over time. Additionally, women are statistically at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises place healthy stress on bones, stimulating bone growth and significantly reducing the risk of fractures later in life.
Another common myth is that lifting weights is dangerous. In reality, when done with correct form and guidance, strength training strengthens joints, improves balance, and enhances overall stability. This translates into safer everyday movement whether it’s carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or maintaining good posture.
Through consistent messaging and lived example, Bipasha Basu has helped reshape how women view fitness in India. Alongside experts like Maitri Boda, she continues to reinforce one powerful truth: strength training isn’t optional, it’s essential for confidence, health, and longevity.
