Rarely do we come across a great story that is unique and an inspiration to so many.
Starting at an early age, society places a lot of pressure on women to look a certain way. Being proud of the woman you see in the mirror every morning is a feat many try hard to attain but only a few experience it.
Women are perceived to be the primary caretakers of their families. Amid all the chaos women go through, they must stress upon this particular thought: if they cannot take care of themselves, how will they take care of others around them?
Here’s to taking care of oneself and standing above all the odds, we present you with the incredible story of a celebrity fitness trainer and a professional Dj: Kiran Dembla.
Your story is very unique, something we have never heard before. What was the turning point in your life?
When I was 33, I was diagnosed with a blood clot in my brain. I underwent treatment for the same for two years. I believe that was the turning point in my life when I understood the importance of having sound health. I weighed 76kgs at that time, it was then that I decided to start my journey towards fitness with the initial goal of losing weight.
What motivated you towards gyming and fitness?
I wanted to do something in my life, so when I got the opportunity I grabbed it with both hands. When I started, I did not know anything about bodybuilding. I wanted to lose weight, so I started with swimming first. Later I wanted firm muscles, so I joined the neighborhood gym. Probably my creative nature helped me try different things and my will to achieve something in my life is what kept me motivated all along.
Kiran has trained celebrities like Upasana Kamineni, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ajay Devgn.
How different were you back then when you were not into fitness?
The old Kiran was very different! She was shy, an introvert, she never had the confidence to identify her own strengths and pursue her interests, she did not have the courage to take a stand for herself and talk back at people. She was a simple housewife, content in her life. But today’s Kiran is completely different than what she used to be, simply because life has taught her so many things. Now she is confident, focused, has a clear vision about her life, and today’s Kiran is capable of deciding her own journey. So yes! This is today’s Kiran!
Kiran is a trained classical singer. At 42, she did a DJing course.
You are so confident and passionate about what you do. What is the mantra of your life?
The best thing that has happened to me is that I have built a lot of confidence within me. Yes, definitely, I’m confident and I would want to be the same for the rest of my life! Because of all that I have gone through, overcame the difficulties, and achieved over time, I truly believe in myself, and my mantra is “I can and I will”.
A celebrity fitness trainer and a professional DJ, two different paths for someone who was a typical housewife. What inspired you?
When I started my journey, there was no social media like today, so there was no one who I could look up to or learn from. All my learnings are my own which life has taught me, be it in fitness training, djing, or making decisions in my life. Simply to put it in one sentence: I’m my own inspiration!
Kiran was awarded the ‘Best DJ of 2017’ by Telangana Chamber Event Industry (TCEI).
It must have been difficult shattering the glass ceiling and coming out from the confined space of 4 walls. How important is it to have support from your family and your loved ones?
Initially, when I started and I shared my plans with my family, they did not approve of it. They simply thought of it as something that will cause trouble to the entire family, including myself. They also said that there is no need to do such things, as I have a good husband, a well-maintained family. But I have always been stubborn about my decisions, so I did what I felt was right. Honestly, this created a lot of differences in my family. But that is how a family is, sometimes we get angry with each other, but it is important to make your family understand your plans and take them into agreement if you want to go ahead in your life.
From World Bodybuilding Championship to trekking the Mount Everest Base Camp: Can you tell us how your experience has been?
My experience of the World Bodybuilding Championship was a very good one. It was again a crucial turning point in my life. It built a lot of confidence in me and I simply can’t express it in words about the experience it brought me.
Kiran came at the 6th position in the World Bodybuilding Championship held in Budapest in 2013.
When I started going trekking the Mountains taught me a lot of things. There are no cell phones, no social media, no reception, and no connection: Just you and the calm and beautiful surroundings. You can sit there for hours, thinking, writing, and focusing on things that matter the most in your life.
Kiran has climbed Everest five times. Besides that, she is also a photographer interested largely in wildlife photography.
People’s perception of female bodybuilders is completely different. What is your take on femininity and bodybuilding?
Yes, it is completely true. In India, even today, the perception towards female bodybuilders is completely different than how it should be. They are often compared to male bodybuilders in terms of the way they look. Often female bodybuilders are not recognized with femininity in them.
But for me the definition of femininity is different “Women can be strong and beautiful too, MUSCLES AREN’T JUST FOR MEN!” Femininity is about how you feel from within and what your nature is like. For me, “feminine” means “beauty within”.
Six-pack abs at an age of 45, we believe you have superpowers! Your thoughts?
To have six-pack abs at 45 was both challenging and difficult for me. And for this, people often tell me ‘you’re a superwoman’. I don’t know about being a superwoman, but I definitely am focused and determined to achieve anything I set my eyes on. That is just who I am.
Kiran started her fitness journey in her 30s and today she runs three gyms in her name.
What is your suggestion to other women who underestimate themselves?
Indeed, women often underestimate themselves, which I believe is wrong in every sense. To them, I would like to advise: Have trust in your decisions, this is your life and you are the best judge of it. Just trust yourself and you can achieve anything in life. Also, stay healthy and stay happy.
Author Bio: Kiran Dembla is a mother of two, a celebrity fitness trainer, a DJ artist, an enthusiastic mountaineer, a motivational speaker, a trained photographer, and a proud homemaker.
You can follow her on Instagram: @kirandembla for fitness-related activities.