When I sat down with Puja G Talukdar in the bustling heart of Mumbai, it was clear that she was more than just a fitness entrepreneur; she was a woman on a mission. Known for her earlier days in the spotlight as a model and actress, Puja’s journey into the world of wellness has been nothing short of transformative. As we sipped on herbal tea, she shared how her story began with beauty pageants, culminating in her crowning as Miss Universe India. “It was a dream realized,” she told me, her eyes lighting up with the memory. “But more than the crown, it was the acknowledgment of my hard work and the realization that with focus, anything is possible.”
Her rise in the glamorous world of fashion and film was only the beginning. In 2019, while studying at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, Puja discovered a new passion—one that would lead her back to India with a vision to reshape the fitness industry. It was during a SoulCycle class at Equinox that the idea for her future venture, Revolve, took root. “It was liberating, exhilarating even,” she confessed, a smile spreading across her face. “When I returned to India, especially during the pandemic, I realized how much I missed that sense of community and the joy of spinning. That’s when I knew I had to bring it here.”
Revolve, as she explained, is not just another fitness studio; it’s a sanctuary for both body and mind. The studio offers an array of classes—spin, barre, mat Pilates, aerial yoga—all under one roof, designed to provide a holistic fitness experience. As she described her vision, I could see how deeply she cared about creating a space where physical and mental wellness coexist. “In a city as vast and demanding as Mumbai, finding a place that caters to both body and mind was a challenge. I wanted to create a space where people could find everything they need without the stress of commuting between different studios,” she said.
What struck me most about Puja’s approach was her emphasis on community. She’s crafted an environment at Revolve where the focus isn’t on weight loss or achieving a certain body type, but on health, happiness, and self-care. “We’re here to support our members in taking that one hour for themselves, to sweat out their stress, and to find joy in movement. There’s no judgment here, just a shared journey towards feeling good about oneself,” she explained passionately.
As we continued our conversation, Puja admitted that launching Revolve was a bold and challenging endeavor. “Every day brings a new set of obstacles, but that’s what makes the journey exciting,” she said with a confident smile. Introducing the concept of cardio spinning in Mumbai hasn’t been easy, but she’s confident that once people experience it, they’ll recognize its benefits—not just physically, but mentally too.
Puja’s story isn’t just about fitness; it’s about compassion. Her deep love for animals is evident in her involvement with Angels for Animals in Goa, an NGO dedicated to animal welfare. “Animals are my Ikigai, my reason for living,” she shared with me. As she talked about feeding her six dogs and 40 cats in Bandra, it was clear that this wasn’t just a hobby for her—it was a calling. “Caring for animals brings me peace and fulfillment,” she said, her voice softening with emotion.
Now, as the cover star of Women Fitness India’s July issue, Puja G Talukdar is using her platform to advocate for self-confidence and body positivity. When I asked her what message she wanted to convey to women struggling with body image issues, she didn’t hesitate. “Be kind to yourself. This isn’t about competing with others; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself,” she said earnestly. Through Revolve, Puja hopes to instill a sense of self-love and empowerment in every member who walks through its doors.
As our interview drew close, Puja shared her vision for the future—expanding Revolve across Asia, spreading her unique approach to wellness far and wide. But what struck me most was her unwavering commitment to spreading joy, health, and kindness. Whether it’s in fitness, community, or life, Puja G Talukdar is a woman who truly embodies the revolution of wellness.