The Bikram Yoga documentary on Netflix is one of the most talked-about yoga films in recent years. Officially titled “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator”, it tells the shocking and emotional story behind the rise and fall of Bikram Choudhury, the man who created the famous Bikram Yoga method.
But this documentary is more than just a biography. It’s a deep look into power, truth, and how people can be hurt—even in spaces meant for healing. If you’ve ever done Bikram Yoga or are curious about the practice, this story is important to know.
What Is the Netflix Documentary About?
The documentary shows two sides of Bikram Choudhury:
- The public image: a successful yoga guru from India who brought hot yoga to America and made it global.
- The hidden truth: serious accusations of sexual abuse, control, and manipulation behind the scenes.
The film follows his journey from success to scandal. It includes:
- Interviews with former students and teachers
- Footage of his teacher trainings and public talks
- Stories from women who came forward about their experiences
- The legal cases that followed
- His escape from the United States and current status
How Did Bikram Become Famous?
Bikram Choudhury came to the U.S. in the 1970s. He created a unique yoga method—26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, done in a hot room heated to 105°F (40.6°C). It became a hit. Celebrities like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and athletes began taking his classes. He opened studios and launched large-scale teacher trainings.
At one point, hundreds of studios around the world carried the Bikram name. His trainings had hundreds of students, paying thousands of dollars to learn directly from him.
To many, he was a yoga superstar.
The Dark Side of His Power
But behind the success, the documentary reveals something very disturbing. Several women who attended his teacher trainings or worked closely with him shared stories of abuse—both emotional and sexual. These stories include:
- Controlling behavior
- Inappropriate comments
- Forced massages and private meetings
- Sexual assault and harassment
The women in the film speak bravely and openly. They wanted the truth to be known, not just for themselves—but for others who were afraid to speak up.
The film also explores why many people stayed silent for years, including the fear of losing their teaching certificates or being shamed by the community.
Why the Bikram Yoga Documentary Matters
This documentary is powerful because it teaches us important lessons—not just about Bikram Choudhury, but about:
- Trust and leadership: How someone with power can use it in the wrong way
- Community responsibility: How yoga teachers and studios need to protect students
- Speaking up: The courage it takes to tell the truth, even when it’s hard
- Separating yoga from the person: Just because someone created something useful, doesn’t mean they are above accountability
Many people were shocked by the film—but many also felt relieved that the truth was finally public.
What Happened After the Documentary?
After facing multiple lawsuits, Bikram fled the U.S. and has not returned. Some courts ruled against him, but he avoided punishment by living in other countries. He continued to offer trainings outside of the U.S.
In response, many yoga studios removed the name “Bikram” from their branding—but continued to teach the same 26 & 2 hot yoga sequence. This sparked the rise of what’s now called the Original Hot Yoga community, which focuses on the practice—not the person.
These teachers and studios still love the benefits of the yoga, but are committed to offering it with respect, safety, and ethics.
Can You Still Practice Bikram Yoga?
Yes. The sequence itself is not the problem.
The 26 & 2 method has helped thousands of people improve their health, flexibility, strength, and mental focus. Many say it changed their lives.
But the way the yoga is taught—and the environment it’s taught in—matters a lot. That’s why it’s important to:
- Choose teachers and studios that focus on respect and safety
- Support communities that put students first
- Learn the true history, not just the marketing stories
- Keep asking questions and staying aware
Want to Learn and Teach This Practice the Right Way?
If you love the sequence and want to learn it deeper—or even teach it—you still can. There are now safe, inclusive programs available around the world.
🌴 One of the most trusted options is the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Bali by YogaFX.
- 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certification
- Study the 26 & 2 sequence the right way—without toxic leadership
- Online learning + 7-Day Bali Masterclass
- Open to students from all backgrounds
- Learn in a peaceful, supportive, international community
This is your chance to honor the tradition of hot yoga while standing for something better.
👉 Visit YogaFX Bikram Yoga Teacher Training to learn more and join the movement.
Final Thoughts
The Bikram Yoga documentary is not easy to watch—but it’s important. It shows us that even in the yoga world, problems can happen. But it also reminds us that we can change, rebuild, and do better.
Yoga should never be about fear or control. It should be about healing, freedom, and self-respect.
So keep practicing. Keep learning. And let’s make yoga what it was always meant to be.
