Millions of people around the world practice Bikram Yoga every day—but many of them don’t know who created it. Behind this powerful yoga system is a man named Bikram Choudhury, whose story is both transformational and controversial.
Students enter a heated room, follow the same 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, sweat for 90 minutes, and leave feeling amazing. However, without knowing Bikram Choudhury’s background, it’s easy to miss the deeper purpose of the practice—or ignore the legacy that shaped Bikram Yoga. Some celebrate him as a yoga pioneer. Others question his methods and the movement he built.
So who is Bikram Choudhury? And what does his story mean for the future of Bikram Yoga?
In this article, you’ll learn about the man behind the method—from his early life and teachings to the global rise of Bikram Yoga and the controversies that followed. Whether you’re a curious student or an aspiring teacher, this story will help you understand the roots of your practice and the path ahead.
Who Is Bikram Choudhury?
Bikram Choudhury was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, in 1944. At just four years old, he began practicing yoga under Bishnu Charan Ghosh, a respected yoga master and the younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi.
By age 13, Bikram had won the National India Yoga Championship. Later, he claimed yoga healed a knee injury that doctors believed would prevent him from walking again. That moment convinced him that yoga could be used as medicine.
In the 1970s, he moved to the United States and started teaching yoga in Beverly Hills. His students included celebrities, athletes, and those seeking healing.
Bikram didn’t just teach yoga—he built a brand. He copyrighted his sequence, launched a global certification program, and declared himself the only authority to teach “true” Bikram Yoga. His strict teaching style, bold personality, and confidence attracted both fans and critics.
He also developed a teacher training course that became globally recognized. Many graduates went on to open studios using his name. By the 2000s, Bikram Yoga had become a multi-million-dollar global empire.
The Creation of Bikram Yoga
Bikram created a set sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.6°C) with 40% humidity. The sequence was designed to work every part of the body—muscles, joints, organs—and support physical healing.
He believed the heat helped muscles stretch safely, flushed toxins through sweat, and improved mental focus.
This method became known as Bikram Yoga, and it spread quickly. Unlike other styles, the sequence never changed. This consistency helped students track progress and feel more confident in class.
Bikram’s Global Influence
By the 1990s and early 2000s, Bikram Yoga had become a global movement. Teacher trainings expanded. Studios opened worldwide. Thousands of students enrolled to become certified instructors.
Bikram became a celebrity himself. He was known for wearing only a Speedo and gold Rolex while teaching, adding drama and flair to his classes.
Many praised him for creating a method that was physically intense yet accessible. Celebrities such as Madonna and George Clooney, along with professional athletes, turned to Bikram Yoga for recovery and strength.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Despite his fame, Bikram Choudhury’s reputation took a dramatic turn in the early 2010s, when multiple former students and employees came forward with serious allegations — including sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power. Lawsuits followed, and in 2016, his former legal adviser, Minakshi “Miki” Jafa-Bodden, won a landmark case. The court ordered Bikram to pay over $7 million in damages, as reported by The Guardian.
The allegations revealed deeply disturbing behavior — including inappropriate comments, manipulation, and a toxic training environment. Many victims described a culture of fear and control. Their stories were brought to light in the Netflix documentary Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, a title that reflects how he was once idolized before serious misconduct came to light.
To avoid accountability, Bikram fled the United States. He returned to India and continued teaching abroad. A California court issued a warrant for his arrest. However, because the case was civil and Bikram remained outside U.S. borders, he has not been extradited. This situation was widely covered by ABC News and BBC News, which also noted that Indian authorities have not intervened despite growing global pressure.
In 2020, ABC7 News reported that Bikram’s luxury car collection and yoga studio assets were being auctioned off in Mexico to help pay legal fees and damages owed to victims — one of the few consequences he could not avoid while living in exile. Legal experts, including those at Shegerian Law, have noted that Bikram may not be able to escape justice indefinitely. With mounting financial pressure and public scrutiny, renewed legal efforts could eventually force him to face accountability.
Since then, Bikram has stayed out of the spotlight. However, he occasionally holds private yoga trainings in countries that still allow him to enter. These events remain controversial.
As a result, many yoga studios dropped the “Bikram” name and rebranded as Original Hot Yoga or 26&2 Yoga. Yet the method lives on—separate from the man who created it.
Bikram Yoga Today
Despite the scandals, the Bikram Yoga sequence continues to thrive.
Many teachers still offer the 26&2 method but now use terms like Original Hot Yoga or simply 26&2 Yoga. This shift allows the method to live on—separate from the controversies surrounding its founder.
Studios and instructors around the world continue to teach the sequence with professionalism and care. They focus on creating safe, inclusive environments where students can experience the benefits of the practice without the shadows of the past.
Additionally, programs like YogaFX Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Bali continue to provide the full 26&2 training in a respectful and supportive setting—offering a space to grow, heal, and teach with confidence.
Should You Still Learn Bikram Yoga?
That’s a personal decision—but many students and teachers say yes.
The 26&2 sequence is structured, healing, and empowering. It builds strength, improves flexibility, and sharpens focus. Thousands of people have experienced relief from pain, anxiety, and stress through this method.
The key now is finding teachers who honor the practice with integrity. A respectful, inclusive learning environment makes all the difference.
If you’re thinking about becoming certified, choose a program that values safety, professionalism, and personal growth—not ego or control.
Conclusion
The story of Bikram Choudhury is complex. He introduced the world to a system that has transformed lives. Yet his actions caused deep harm to many people.
Today, Bikram Yoga lives on through the efforts of teachers and students who separate the man from the method. The 26&2 sequence remains one of the most powerful and consistent yoga systems available.
If you feel called to this practice, don’t let the past stop you. Learn from it. Choose wisely. And join a community that teaches Bikram Yoga with heart, respect, and authenticity.
Ready to take the next step?
Join our Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Bali and be part of a movement that brings structure, healing, and transformation—one breath at a time.
