From Fads to Lasting Trend: Bollywood Celebrities Revolutionising Fitness

Bollywood celebrities exert tremendous influence over their fans, shaping trends and preferences in various aspects of life, including health, wellness, and fitness. This article presents a case study to assess whether the wellness and fitness trends initiated by these celebrities have resulted in enduring changes or are merely fleeting fads. Over the years, we have had various Bollywood celebrities revolutionising fitness trends for their fans. However, only a select few have succeeded in transforming their initiatives from niche interests into widespread trends. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will analyse a few of these influential trends and the celebrities who popularised them.

Deepika Padukone

Mental Health Awareness and Holistic Well-being Deepika Padukone, a leading actress, has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness since opening up about her struggle with depression in 2015. She founded the “Live Love Laugh Foundation” to support mental health initiatives, which has reached over 100 million people through various programs and partnerships (Live Love Laugh Foundation, 2021). Her openness about mental health issues has encouraged conversations and reduced stigma, creating a lasting impact on Indian society. While non-celebrity mental health advocates have also contributed to the cause, Deepika’s popularity has amplified the message, driving wider acceptance. The media has played a crucial role in disseminating her message, and her influence continues to grow with ongoing initiatives and campaigns.

Akshay Kumar

Martial Arts and Fitness Discipline Akshay Kumar, a renowned actor, has been promoting martial arts and fitness discipline for over three decades. His dedication to maintaining a fit lifestyle and practising martial arts like Karate and Muay Thai has inspired fans to prioritise fitness. Unlike fitness enthusiasts and trainers without celebrity status, Akshay’s popularity has helped him reach a broader audience, motivating them to adopt healthier habits. His social media presence, with over 48 million followers on Instagram, showcases his workout routines and fitness tips, reinforcing his influence (Akshay Kumar, 2021). The media has supported his initiatives, and his lasting impact is evident in the growing interest in martial arts and fitness centres across India.

Shilpa Shetty

Yoga and Nutrition Shilpa Shetty, a popular actress and wellness entrepreneur, has been promoting yoga and balanced nutrition for over two decades. Her yoga DVDs, released in 2005, have sold over a million copies, and she has authored two bestselling books on nutrition (Shilpa Shetty, 2021). Shilpa’s popularity has made her a more relatable figure than non-celebrity yoga gurus, helping her reach a wider audience. With over 24 million followers on Instagram, she shares yoga routines, healthy recipes, and wellness tips, reinforcing her influence (Shilpa Shetty, 2021). The media has played a significant role in promoting her message, and her lasting impact is evident in the increased interest in yoga and holistic wellness in India.

Kareena Kapoor

Size Zero Trend Kareena Kapoor, a prominent actress, popularised the “size zero” trend in India after drastically losing weight for a movie role in 2008. The trend, which emphasised extreme thinness, was widely publicised by the media. However, it was short-lived as it promoted unrealistic body standards and unhealthy weight loss methods. Kareena’s celebrity status initially fueled the trend’s adoption, but it soon faded as people became more aware of the potential health risks. The size zero trend did not have a lasting impact, as it was largely viewed as a fad that promoted unhealthy practices.

Sonam Kapoor

Veganism and Sustainable Fashion Sonam Kapoor, a popular actress, has been promoting veganism and sustainable fashion for several years. While her celebrity status initially drew attention to these causes, they have not gained significant traction among the broader Indian audience. The media has covered her vegan lifestyle and sustainable fashion choices, but the impact has been limited compared to other celebrities who have promoted more relatable and culturally relevant wellness trends. The lasting impact of Sonam’s initiatives remains uncertain, as they have not yet led to substantial changes in the dietary and fashion choices of the general public.

The case study reveals that Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Shilpa Shetty have successfully brought lasting change in Indian society regarding fitness and wellness. Their consistent messaging, relatable approaches, and strong media support have contributed to significant shifts in attitudes and habits. On the other hand, celebrities like Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor failed to create a lasting impact with their trends. The size zero trend was criticised for promoting unhealthy practices, while veganism and sustainable fashion did not resonate with the broader Indian audience. The analysis underscores the importance of promoting balanced, realistic, and culturally relevant wellness trends to create a lasting impact on society. Also this highlights that there are multiple factors apart from popularity of the celebrity that affect the transition of a trend from a fad to lasting impact.