On strength, balance, and the evolving era of mindful movement — where fitness goes beyond form to become a way of life.
In an exclusive conversation with Retropop, celebrity Pilates expert Yasmin Karachiwala opens up about the quiet strength behind movement, the evolving language of wellness in India, and why her new Delhi studio is more than a fitness destination — it’s a sanctuary for the body, the breath, and the soul.
Known for shaping some of Bollywood’s most disciplined bodies, Yasmin speaks with the calm confidence of someone who has spent decades studying movement — not as a workout, but as a way of life. Here, she reflects on grace, resilience, and what mindful living truly means in today’s fast-paced world.
The Body. The Breath. The Balance.
• Do you see Pilates today as more of a science or an art form?
For me, Pilates is both — a beautiful balance between science and art. The science lies in understanding anatomy, alignment, and precision; the art is in the way you move — the grace, the rhythm, the breath. True mastery happens when precision and flow no longer feel separate, when the body moves instinctively, and motion becomes effortless expression.
“True mastery comes when precision and flow stop feeling separate.”
• Over the years, how has your idea of ‘strength’ evolved — not just in the way your body moves, but in how you carry yourself through life?
When I was younger, strength meant endurance — how much I could push or how hard I could train. Today, it’s about balance and awareness. Strength is knowing when to pause. It’s the ability to move through challenges — whether on the mat or in life — with grace, control, and calm resilience.
• You’ve trained some of Bollywood’s most disciplined bodies. Is there a particular training moment that has stayed with you?
There are many, but one that stands out is working with Deepika Padukone during Padmaavat. Even when she was exhausted from long shoots, she would show up with complete focus and give it her all. Watching her transform fatigue into flow reminded me why consistency matters more than intensity.
Grace, Grit, and the Human Connection
• Was there ever a client transformation that moved you more deeply than expected?
Yes. A client once came to me after major surgery, feeling completely disconnected from her body. Over time, as she regained her strength, she said she finally felt at home in herself again. Seeing her rediscover confidence through mindful movement reaffirmed my purpose — this is why I do what I do.
• When “Yasmin Karachiwala” became synonymous with celebrity fitness, how did you stay grounded?
By remembering why I started. I never set out to train celebrities; I set out to help people move better. Whether it’s a movie star or a new mother, every client deserves the same attention and respect. My new Pilates studio in Delhi — in collaboration with Sadhir Wellness — is built around that very philosophy. It’s a space where everyone can feel strong, aligned, and at peace within their body.
“I didn’t set out to train celebrities; I set out to help people move better.”
• What have your clients — especially the stars — taught you about discipline or resilience?
That even the most confident people have insecurities. What sets them apart is how they show up anyway. That quiet resilience — doing the work, no excuses — is something I deeply admire and learn from every day.
• When someone walks in chasing transformation but leaves with something deeper, what do you hope that ‘something’ is?
Self-awareness. Pilates is about connection — with your breath, your posture, your energy. When someone walks out of class feeling centred rather than just “worked out,” that’s when I know something meaningful has shifted.
India’s Moment in Movement
• Do you think Pilates could be India’s next great wellness export — the way yoga once was?
Absolutely. Pilates aligns perfectly with India’s holistic approach to wellness. It’s mindful, precise, and deeply rooted in breath. The world already looks to India for balance and spiritual wellness — it’s time Pilates found its Indian voice too.
• You’ve seen bodies transform under lights and cameras. Has any celebrity surprised you with their vulnerability?
Katrina Kaif. She’s known for her strength and discipline, but what moves me most is her humility. She’s always open to learning, always self-aware. That vulnerability — the willingness to grow — makes her journey inspiring.
• If a film were made on your Pilates journey, which moment would you insist on keeping?
The day I opened my very first studio. I had just returned from training abroad — full of passion and uncertainty. I didn’t know if people would understand Pilates then, but I believed in it. Now, opening my new flagship studio in Delhi feels like coming home to that dream.
“Opening my new flagship centre feels like coming home to the dream I once took a chance on.”
• Is there a city where Pilates speaks a different language — where movement inspires you differently?
Los Angeles. There’s such deep respect for form and flow there. People value longevity over aesthetics — movement as a lifestyle, not a look. Every time I train or teach there, I return re-energized and inspired.
• If you had to define a ‘Pilates moment’ that captures you perfectly, what would it be?
Effort, grace, and surrender — all in one breath. That’s Pilates for me. The moment you push, release, and find stillness within the motion.
• After decades of studying the body, what still surprises you?
Its ability to heal. Sometimes a client will break down in class — not from pain, but from releasing tension they didn’t know they were holding. Movement frees emotion, and those moments remind me that Pilates is far more than physical training — it’s emotional release.
At Her New Studio
• When someone walks into your new Delhi (RAJENRA NAGAR) studio, what’s the first emotion you want them to feel — not about fitness, but about themselves?
Belonging. I want them to feel seen, safe, and connected — that this is their space to grow, to heal, to find their balance.
• What’s one quiet ritual you do before a class begins — something no one notices, but it centres you completely?
I take one deep, conscious breath and set an intention: to guide, not instruct. That shift grounds me. It’s my way of staying fully present for every client.
• Was there ever a moment in your studio that made you pause and think, “This is exactly where I’m meant to be”?
During the lockdown. I was teaching online from my living room, and one morning I looked at all the faces moving in sync across the world. That’s when I realised — movement connects us, no matter where we are.
“Movement connects us — no matter where we are.”
• What’s the most misunderstood thing about Pilates?
That it’s easy or just about stretching. Pilates transforms strength, posture, and even the mind — but it demands precision, control, and consistency. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing better.
• How do you see AI, body tech, or digital wellness shaping Pilates in the next decade?
Technology will make training more personalized — smart mats, motion sensors, real-time feedback. But no matter how advanced it gets, the intuition between teacher and client — that human connection — will always be irreplaceable.
• Are you noticing a generational shift in how young Indians approach fitness?
Yes, and it’s wonderful. Young people today want to feel good, not just look good. The only thing that worries me is the obsession with shortcuts. Fitness isn’t a destination — it’s a lifelong relationship.
• When you close the studio door at the end of the day, what centres you — silence, reflection, or motion again?
Silence. I sit on the reformer, take a deep breath, and feel gratitude for the day’s energy.
• If fitness had a soundtrack, what song would capture this new Yasmin Karachiwala chapter?
Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars.” It’s rhythmic, expansive, and joyful — just like mindful movement.
• If your journey with Pilates had a scent, what would it be — sweat and steel, or calm and sunrise?
Calm and sunrise. Fresh beginnings, quiet strength, and the promise of mindful movement — that’s what Pilates feels like to me.
