Deepika Chowdhury: Biologist to India’s Figure Athlete

_{Image credit: @deepikapune_ifbbpro Instagram}

Deepika Chowdhury, a molecular biologist, used to spend most of her time in the lab or at home until 2012. However, her love for sports from childhood led her to join a gym to stay fit. Over time, this simple fitness routine turned into a strong passion for bodybuilding. She went on to become the first Indian woman professional figure athlete, competing globally and inspiring women worldwide.

In an Instagram post, Chowdhury shared how her fitness journey began with her mother’s experience of domestic violence motivating her to never feel weak. She found strength and empowerment through weightlifting and fitness.

Originally from Pune, India, Chowdhury excelled in sports during her school days and later pursued a Master’s degree in microbiology. She worked as a technical officer at the National Institute of Virology.

Her fitness journey started with basic gym training in 2012, which later led her to pursue a sports nutrition course. Attending the SHERU Classic, a major bodybuilding event in India, she met her role model, Shannon Dey, who inspired her to pursue figure athletics.

Her victory at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale Cup marked the beginning of her successful career. By 2016, she achieved Pro status from the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation. Despite facing financial challenges, she remained determined, training with Bombshell Fitness in Florida.

Chowdhury shares her fitness journey and motivational messages on social media, aiming to inspire others with her resilience and self-reliance. She believes that strength goes beyond lifting weights and is about being able to live independently, making everyday life easier.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the People.