Achal Dua, Founder, Bollywood Abs, Inc.

“Desi Fitness-Bollywood Abs”

Achal Dua told Yourstory about his journey as a entrepreneur and his concept saying “Bollywood Abs, Inc. is headquartered in Maryland and is a full service fitness company targeting the South Asian Market. Our portfolio of products includes but is not limited to fitness gears, apparels, home fitness equipments and nutritional supplements. Bollywood Abs is dedicated to providing today’s South Asians with ample of information pertaining to all aspects of fitness and nutrition. It is a premiere company whose main motive is to get the South Asian audience fit and healthy!”

“When we formed Bollywood Abs, our main goal was to reach out to every individual who either had an interest in fitness and those who wanted to learn more about living a healthy life. When I started in fitness, I saw that there was a plethora of information on fitness and nutrition but none that spoke to South Asians. I wanted to create a portal that would provide South Asians with ample of information on not only fitness but nutrition as well. Since the inception of Bollywood Abs, our client base has grown tremendously making it a successful one-stop shop for Desis all over. Our consumer base has grown from hundreds to thousands and it continues to grow every day.” 

His client of choice and the market he chose to compete in were both elements that he knew intimately. Achal says “The one thing that makes us stand out is the core basis of the company. This company is designed by a South Asian for South Asians. My own Indian roots worked well to my advantage as who better to understand the body, food and mind of South Asians than a South Asian himself. I was able to combine the best of yoga, physical training, Pilates and nutrition to develop a unique weight loss plan that has helped many in achieving their fitness goals. Even our DVD program – Bollywood Bootcamp was designed with keeping South Asians in mind. Another aspect that differentiates us is that we not only provide information on fitness but also create an awareness of the importance of nutrition. The combination of these 2 aspects is uniquely defined in all services of Bollywood Abs, Inc. and is the biggest differentiator.”

His fitness dvds may be all the rage and his business is soaring, but Achal has more goals for the future. He reveals his inner thoughts on the future saying “Our plan is to launch new products and services for our consumers on a more holistic level. We prefer to indulge in those aspects of fitness that will not only help people reach their goals but also teach them the right way to keep the weight off. Combining the knowledge of food and fitness is what has helped Bollywood Abs, reach the heights that it has and the expansion of this powerful combination will help in the further growth of this company. Bollywood Abs, definitely is, your desi mantra for food and fitness!”

The jump from being a fitness enthusiast to turning that passion into a remunerative activity was one of self discovery. Achal says “It is all about what interests you and where you see yourself years down the line. Knowing myself, I knew that sitting in front of a computer day after day was not for me. I always strive to do something different and fitness has been my passion from a young age. I knew that indulging in it on a professional level is what will make me happy and that’s exactly what I did.”

His knowledge of the South Asian market did not mean that the journey would be a piece of tofu. Achal discovered that his chosen clientele came with a unique set of problems; he says “Creating an awareness of fitness in the South Asian market was my biggest challenge. I never found fitness to be a topic of discussion among Indians and when the topic did arise, the common opinion shared was that although information is out there, there isn’t any that’s tailored for South Asians.”

“I knew that in order to create an awareness there first needs to be a place that South Asians can reach out to. I took that facet as my motivation and created Bollywood Abs, Inc. – a one stop shop to provide a plethora of information on fitness as well as nutrition for South Asians. We all know that every person is different, which is why our weight loss programs and personal training services are custom designed to fit each individual’s goals, needs and lifestyle. With the amount of support we received, we were the first South Asian company in USA to launch a food and fitness DVD program –Bollywood Bootcamp that’s targeted towards South Asians.” 

His foray into fitness taught Achal a thing or two about what works. He learnt to pick his battles and says “From time to time, we all make mistakes, but as everyone says, it’s what you do after making the mistakes, that matters. Initially I wanted to create a whole series of fitness DVDS which would go head to head with many leading American workout series but later I realized that I was trying to compete with an established fitness market. I realized that fitness among South Asians is a more new concept and that the products and services I create should be appealing to his new market rather than to compete with others. Therefore, I changed my approach and put in the time and effort to create products from a usability perspective and that proved out to be the right way to go.”

The success he found as a result of those lessons has not changed Achal. He took the opportunity to thank those he holds responsible for his stature today saying “Family, Friends, Investors, and Clients all deserve the credit for helping me start in my venture.” 

“We started with just a dream and 1 year 5 months later we gave birth to our first product- Bollywood Bootcamp. We target to make Bollywood Bootcamp available to everyone around the globe making it the most prominent fitness program among South Asians everywhere.” 

“Not only has Bollywood Abs, Inc. been successful in creating a name for itself, we were able to launch our first product – an 8 week food and fitness DVD program titled BOLLYWOOD BOOTCAMP with great success. That, by far, has been the biggest achievement for Bollywood Abs.” 

Achal is an advocate not just for a healthier and fitter lifestyle but believes whole heartedly in giving back to society. He thus spoke of what he personally considers as recognition saying “I have always been a strong supporter of charitable organizations and am an avid supporter for the Susan G. Komen foundation. Knowing that my company was able to raise funds for such a good cause is recognition in itself.” 

The joy of being able to follow ones passion has kept Achal away from the regular job market. He says “To me, what I do is by no means less than a regular job. I consider myself lucky to be able to combine my passion and profession and be able to proudly say that I love what I do and strive to continue doing what I do, just better and better.” 

“The satisfaction I get from helping people reach their goals strengthens my motivation on a daily basis. Also, knowing that it is a rollercoaster ride gives me the edge I need to be creative in inventing and delivering more and more unique products for all the South Asian consumers out there.”

He awoke to the benefits of fitness and exercise very early in life. It is also the building block of a memorable experience for Achal who reminisces saying “I have played many sports in my childhood but never was able to stand close to my competition because of my weight and lack of endurance. I knew I had to do something about it if I wanted to give people something to watch out for. I worked hard in building stamina and endurance and I still remember when I scored the first soccer goal of my life, I was in Grade 8, and by far it was the most wonderful moment of my life, that sense of accomplishment truly was a moment I would forever cherish. That was my turning point!”

The entrepreneur cum fitness guru in Achal advises those who are seeking their path in life saying “Always follow your dream and think big. One would face many roadblocks along the way but the key is to tackle them as mere pebbles and remember, as long as you believe in your capabilities and your dream, will others too.”

Yourstory adores Bollywood Abs, and is sure that health and fitness fans everywhere will appreciate and love Achal’s concepts. We wish him luck and success with all that he puts his mind to.