Fast-paced, social and surprisingly addictive, Akriti Pal digs into why pickleball is redefining how film stars and other celebrities stay fit and have fun.
Pickleball is having its moment. Once a fringe sport with a funny name, it has rapidly evolved into one of the most talked-about fitness trends among India’s urban elite. With its quick rallies, social doubles format, and the perfect balance between cardio and coordination, pickleball offers a dynamic alternative to conventional workouts. And as more celebrities take up the paddle, the sport is gaining momentum as not just a way to stay fit, but as the new scene to be part of. Stars like Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Rakul Preet Singh aren’t just playing, they’re owning teams, mentoring, investing in sports infrastructure, and aligning with broader wellness goals.
Shilpa Shetty
The fitness icon was seen playing pickleball during her 2024 holiday in Tuscany. She chose it as a fun and effective way to maintain fitness even while vacationing, emphasising the game’s suitability for active leisure.
Janhvi Kapoor
A growing supporter of pickleball, Janhvi has frequently appeared at tournaments like the India Open 2024 Pickleball Tournament, showing off her interest in promoting the sport.
Aamir Khan & Fatima Sana Shaikh
The duo has been spotted enjoying pickleball games in Mumbai. These sessions, typically casual yet energetic, highlight how the sport blends physical fitness with meaningful connection, whether among friends, family or peers.
Anushka Sharma & Virat Kohli
Amid the IPL 2025 season, Virat and Anushka were seen playing pickleball with RCB teammates. Their high‑five moment and laughter made waves on social media, showcasing pickleball as a spontaneous mood-lifter and casual stress‑buster.
Karan Johar
After decades away from racket sports, Karan Johar started playing pickleball and described the experience as “game‑changing.” As brand ambassador for the Indian Open and Global Sports Pickleball League, he sees the sport as inclusive across all ages and a contributor to Indian pop culture.
Alia Bhatt
Alia was recently spotted playing pickleball with actor Aditya Seal, turning a casual game into the perfect blend of fitness and fun. Known for balancing a demanding film career with motherhood, Alia’s choice to engage in pickleball underscores a broader shift towards mindful, joy-driven movement.
Why Pickleball?
Cardiovascular Health: Offers a solid aerobic workout that boosts heart health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increased Strength & Flexibility: Involves dynamic movements like running and swinging that enhance muscle strength and flexibility.
Improved Balance & Reaction Time: Quick directional changes sharpen balance and reflexes, aiding daily function and preventing injuries.
Weight Management: Burns a significant number of calories, making it effective for weight loss or maintenance.
Joint-Friendly: Low-impact on joints, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Social Connection: A highly social game that builds camaraderie and reduces feelings of isolation. Improved Cognitive Function: Enhances focus and mental agility through constant engagement and quick decision-making.
Pickleball Is Driving Design Innovation In Sportswear & Accessories
Riddhi Chheda, Founder of fashion brand NOYO, reveals, “Pickleball is no longer just a sport, it’s a lifestyle, a vibe. I saw it becoming this social, community-driven movement, especially in urban spaces where people are craving fun ways to stay active. What really stood out for me, though, was that while the game was picking up, the style around it hadn’t caught up, especially when it came to accessories. That’s where we stepped in. We wanted to create pickleball bags that are equal parts functional and fabulous, with compartments that actually make sense for players, designs that turn heads, and details that feel personal. We even made them customisable, because everyone deserves to carry something that feels truly theirs.”
