How Padel is Emerging as Bollywood’s New Fitness Trend

When not lighting up the big screen, Bollywood stars are swapping scripts for racquets — and the buzzword on every A-lister’s lips is Padel. From Shahid Kapoor’s weekend doubles sessions to Kiara Advani’s new fitness routine, the sport is quickly becoming Bollywood’s most talked-about pastime. At Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Juhu’s Padel Arena, the sound of a sharp “pop” now competes with the beats of dance rehearsals. The city’s most exclusive gyms are making way for glass-walled courts, where stars and influencers mingle over friendly matches that often double as high-profile networking sessions. Once a Spanish phenomenon, Padel is now the celebrity-fitness export du jour. MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya are among those credited with sparking its popularity among cricketers, while in Bollywood, Varun Dhawan, Athiya Shetty, and Karan Johar’s close circle are said to be regulars. The trend is also influencing luxury brands and event curators. Recently, a Padel-themed brunch hosted at Soho House Mumbai drew actors, stylists, and producers — turning the sport into a full-fledged social event. With global platform Padel Now planning an India launch, insiders believe Padel clubs could soon rival celebrity gyms as the new entertainment hub. Whether for fitness, networking, or just Instagram appeal, Padel has become more than a workout — it’s the latest chapter in Bollywood’s glamorous love affair with sport.