Mumbai: Sara Tendulkar, the daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, is advancing her career, transitioning from the realm of social media to the realm of fitness. On Wednesday, she launched her Pilates Academy in Andheri, Mumbai, a venture aimed at teaching India the art of staying fit and flexible. The opening was a family affair, with Sachin himself cracking open a coconut to mark the occasion, a nod to tradition before the modern workouts begin. And yes, the event had a special guest— Sahani’s Chandhok, freshly engaged to Sara’s brother Arjun Tendulkar, adding a touch of personal celebration to the professional milestone.
A Fitness Mission With Heart
Sara, a 27-year-old nutritionist and social media influencer with 7.6 million Instagram followers, has long been a fitness enthusiast, often sharing her gym routines and Pilates sessions online. Now, she’s channelling that passion into her new venture, a franchise of the Dubai-based Pilates Academy, branded as Pilates Academy x Sara Tendulkar. “This is more than a studio — it’s a community built on movement, nutrition, and wellness,” Sara wrote on Instagram, reflecting on a year-long journey to create a space that blends exercise with holistic health.
The academy’s focus is clear: boost physical health through Pilates, a low-impact exercise that strengthens the core, improves posture, and enhances flexibility. Unlike a typical gym, it’s about precision and mindfulness, appealing to everyone from beginners to fitness buffs. Sara’s vision is to make fitness accessible and inspiring, drawing on her background in clinical and public health nutrition to guide her community.
Sachin’s Blessings And A Family Affair
The launch was steeped in tradition. Sachin, ever the supportive father, performed a puja and smashed a coconut — a classic Indian ritual for new beginnings. The Tendulkar clan was out in force, with Sara’s mother, Dr Anjali Tendulkar, and friends cheering her on. The event, held at the sleek Andheri studio, buzzed with excitement, blending spirituality with sweat. “It’s a proud moment to see Sara carve her path,” Sachin said, beaming as he spoke to attendees.
Saania Chandhok, Arjun Tendulkar’s fiancée, added a touch of excitement by turning heads in a green suit as she stood beside Sara. Just a day earlier, Saania and Arjun, a Mumbai Indians cricketer, had celebrated their engagement in a private ceremony kept under wraps from the media. Her presence at the academy’s opening fuelled chatter on X, with fans gushing over the “future bahu” stealing the show.
Why Pilates, And Why Now?
Sara’s no stranger to the spotlight, often dubbed a style icon for her blend of elegance and comfort. But her pivot to fitness entrepreneurship is more than a celebrity side hustle. With a master’s degree in nutrition and her role as director of the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, which empowers underprivileged kids through sports, health, and education, Sara’s all about impact. Pilates, she believes, is a perfect fit for India’s growing fitness culture, offering a workout that’s as much about mental clarity as physical strength.
The academy promises more than just reformer machines and mat classes. It’s a space for community, where nutrition advice and wellness tips will complement the sweat sessions. Sara’s personal routine, which includes Pilates, weight training, yoga, and treadmill runs, sets a positive example for her 7.6 million followers, encouraging them to view fitness as a lifestyle rather than a chore.
A Star-Studded Start
While Saania’s appearance added a personal touch, the event also drew Sara’s close-knit circle of friends, some of whom have been with her since childhood. Arjun was conspicuous by his absence, as he was busy training with Mumbai Indians for IPL 2025, but Saania’s presence restored the family vibe. Posts on X hailed Sara’s venture as a “game-changer for fitness in Mumbai,” with some joking she was causing “heartbeats per minute” to spike, just like her father’s centuries did.
What’s Next For Sara?
This isn’t Sara’s first rodeo in making a mark. From her work with the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation to her modelling gigs for fashion and beauty brands, she’s building a legacy beyond her famous surname. Rumours of a Bollywood debut swirl, but Sara’s keeping her focus on wellness for now. With India’s fitness industry booming, her academy could set a new standard, blending global expertise with local heart.