ALAPPUZHA: Shilpa’s remarkable journey from being a newcomer to the world of bodybuilding to a national-level sensation has captured attention. Having impressed at two national-level competitions, the 31-year-old athlete now aspires to make her mark on the international stage. Shilpa, a mother to a three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, ventured into the world of bodybuilding just over five years ago. Her inspiration was drawn from the story of Kiran Dembla, a fitness trainer renowned for sculpting Bollywood stars, who overcame numerous obstacles to achieve her success.
Shilpa recalled her earlier days, saying, “My father, D Prakash, a retired assistant excise inspector, and my mother, Sindhu, who has been running a fitness center in our village of Cheruvaranam, near Cherthala, for over 15 years, exposed me to the world of fitness. However, it wasn’t until I turned 25 that I embraced a healthier lifestyle.”
“I used to be a self-professed food lover and admittedly quite lazy when it came to exercise. The idea of regular workouts never really crossed my mind. Following the birth of my daughter Adley, my weight surged past 85kg. Strangely, I remained unperturbed by this. It was the story of Kiran, who gained popularity after becoming a mother, that struck a chord with me. In 2018, I embarked on my fitness journey. Over the course of five years, I managed to shed my excess weight, bringing it down to 60kg. Along the way, I participated in two national-level events, securing a silver and a bronze medal,” she revealed.
Shilpa’s debut in competitive bodybuilding took place at the Alappuzha district championship on December 22, 2022, where she emerged victorious in the women’s open category.
“In March 2023, I marked my presence by securing the fourth spot in a state-level competition. My determination was further fueled when I clinched a silver at the JJ Classic South Indian Bodybuilding Competition held in Kaloor, Kochi, in May. These successes instilled in me the confidence to broaden my horizons. Consequently, I entered the Indian Sports and Fitness Carnival held in Bengaluru in July, where I earned a bronze medal. Buoyed by these accomplishments, I have now set my sights on the prestigious competitions organized by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation,” Shilpa declared with enthusiasm.
Under the guidance of her trainer, Pradeesh, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, Shilpa continues to hone her skills. Her husband, Manu Ceeyem, himself a fitness trainer and a fashion model, supports her endeavors wholeheartedly. Their daughter, Adley, is currently enrolled in play school at Vellappally Natesan HSS Kanichukulangara.
Shilpa’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of determination and discipline, propelling her from being a self-proclaimed ‘glutton’ to a celebrated champion on a global stage.
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