Tollywood actress Pragathi Mahavadi wins gold at Asian Powerlifting

Tollywood’s senior actress and popular character artist Pragathi Mahavadi has brought pride to India and the Telugu film industry by shining on the international sports stage. Representing India at the Asian Women’s Masters & Open Classic Powerlifting Championship 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey, Pragathi won a gold medal in the deadlift category, along with silver medals in squat, bench press, and overall performance, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination.

At 49 years of age, Pragathi has shown that dedication and hard work have no limits. Alongside her thriving acting career, she trained rigorously in powerlifting, progressing from district-level competitions to national events and finally earning the opportunity to represent India internationally. Her fitness videos and workout routines have inspired many, and this latest achievement marks a new pinnacle in her journey of perseverance.

Pragathi began competing in powerlifting in 2023 and quickly made her mark, winning gold at the Hyderabad district championships, Telangana state competitions, and national-level contests in Kerala and Bengaluru. In 2024, she earned a silver medal at the South Indian Powerlifting Championship, followed by a gold medal at the All-India National Powerlifting Championship, which paved the way for her selection to represent India at the Asian level, where she delivered her best performance yet.

Known for her memorable roles in films such as Brindavanam , Race Gurram , and Badshah , Pragathi began her career acting in Tamil and Malayalam films and even debuted as a heroine before becoming a sought-after character artist. Her lifelong commitment to fitness naturally led her to powerlifting, and she has now carved a niche for herself, proving that talent, discipline, and determination can shine both on the silver screen and in the sports arena.