When we think of bodybuilding, the image that typically comes to mind is that of a hyper-muscular man with a shredded, bronzed physique, striking poses on stage. What we don’t usually picture is a striking woman, confidently taking to the stage in a glittering bikini—graceful, beautiful, yet powerfully muscular.Historically, men have been competing in bodybuilding since the early 1900s, but it took nearly 70 more years for women to carve out their space in the sport. Now, more than five decades later, the landscape has evolved.
Today, I bring to you the story of Soumita Datta, a determined woman from Kolkata, West Bengal. Soumita took a leap of faith and followed her passion for bodybuilding—an ‘unconventional’ choice that defied societal expectations. Her journey is one of courage, resilience, and quiet revolution, especially for aspiring female bodybuilders in India. Read on to learn how Soumita Datta made the courageous transition from the world of the Big Four to the stage of bodybuilding.
The Inspiration Behind The Dream
Many might assume that Soumita’s remarkable journey began at a young age, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. At 29, she joined the gym with a simple goal in mind: to lose fat and achieve a toned physique. What began as a casual commitment to fitness soon evolved into a passion for strength training, proving, once again, that there is no set age for chasing dreams.
The early days were anything but easy. Soumita was, in her own words, “completely unaware of the world of lifting”. Her transformation began under the mentorship of her first coach, the late Dibyendu Banerjee, who guided her from the ground up. It was during this period that she stumbled upon images and videos of bikini athletes online—a discovery that left her instantly captivated.
With encouragement from her coach, she decided to give it a try. Mentally preparing herself for the physical demands of prep, Soumita set her sights on her first competition. However, her plans came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Yet, undeterred, she used this setback as fuel to train harder and smarter, keeping her eyes firmly set on one of the most prestigious stages in bodybuilding: the IFBB Pro Qualifier.
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For those unfamiliar, the Women’s IFBB Pro Qualifier is a critical platform where female bodybuilders compete to earn their IFBB Pro League card—a gateway to professional-level competitions like Mr Olympia and other IFBB Pro League events.
With relentless dedication and resilience, Soumita Datta became the only bikini athlete from Kolkata to place second on this esteemed international stage.
Big 4 To Bodybuilding: The Leap Of Faith
While the idea of following your passion sounds ideal, it’s also important to stay practical and realistic. Despite the growth of social media and the internet, even just three or four years ago, choosing bodybuilding as a full-time career was a risky move.
Soumita was working full-time at a Big Four firm while also training as an athlete, often working long hours. She shares, “It was a big challenge to balance both my work and passion—fitting in cardio sessions, weight training after office, prepping meals, and still managing my office deliverables. The constant juggling between work and athlete life took a toll on my body and mind.” The shift to work-from-home and hybrid schedules during the pandemic brought some relief. But being an athlete in any sport requires a level of dedication that borders on obsession. You have to eat, sleep, and breathe the sport to succeed—and Soumita embodied that mindset completely.
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After much thought and courage, she finally took the leap of faith, quit her corporate job and chose to build a career in fitness. In 2023, she co-founded Muscle Up Gym and stepped into the world of entrepreneurship. Today, she is not only an athlete but also a coach and business owner, training both aspiring athletes and lifestyle clients. She not only made her dream a reality but also discovered a way to turn her passion sustainable.
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Is Bodybuilding Safe?
The several conditions that come with bodybuilding make us wonder whether bodybuilding is safe. When asked, Soumita mentions, “One of the biggest myths about bodybuilding is that it’s unsafe because of the use of anabolic substances—but that’s not entirely true. While anabolic use does come with side effects, they can be managed with the right knowledge and support. That’s why it’s essential to have a well-informed coach. At present, I’m being coached by Vikram Sudarshan, who ensures my health is always the top priority.”
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She further emphasised the importance of being trained under a qualified coach, especially for women. She said, “It’s crucial to be mindful of our hormonal (endocrine) systems. Female athletes need to be extra cautious and selective when choosing a coach who understands these factors.”
A Message To Aspiring Athletes
During our conversation, Soumita mentioned, “I often come across women who want to compete but hold back because of the bikini—the official suit for the category. My message to them is simple: every sport has its own uniform. And yes, for me, the bikini is just that—my uniform.”
It’s important to see it for what it is: part of the sport, not just an outfit. Embrace it, own it, and never let it stop you from stepping onto the stage.
Image Credits: Instagram/@soumita_datta
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