Hyd’s homegrown fitness hero is here!

Shafi Shami’s journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, grit and perseverance. In the land of biryanis and bad traffic, Shafi Shami decided to take the road less travelled—literally, because he prefers the gym over the streets of Hyderabad! Born into a family of pehelwans and Army men, Shafi swapped cycles for dumbbells and stitched together a fitness empire with sweat, muscle and a lot of jugaad. From his humble beginnings to training Indian soldiers and opening 24/7 gyms across the city, Shafi’s journey is a mix of grit, gains and endless gym stories. If you think Hyderabad’s famous for its food, wait till you hear about its homegrown fitness legend.
Shafi faced tremendous challenges from a young age, including the loss of both his parents. “I was really young when it happened, so I don’t have a strong memory of it,” he recalls. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Shafi found solace in his work ethic and early responsibilities. His maternal grandfather was a tahsildar and his paternal grandfather, along with his father, served in the Indian Army, establishing a legacy of discipline and duty.
From a young age, he balanced school and work. He attended government schools and by the age of 8-10, he was already working to support himself. This duality of student and worker shaped his character and worldview. Despite the hurdles, he went on to complete his BA from Osmania University.
But it wasn’t just academics that shaped his path. His passion for fitness, specifically desi pehlwani (traditional Indian wrestling), was ignited by his uncles. “They were desi pehalwans, managing and practicing traditional pehlwani. I got inspired by them,” he shares. While his uncles trained for dangals (wrestling matches), Shafi channelled his energies into fitness.
His entry into bodybuilding in 1998-99 marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the gym. Back then, gym culture wasn’t widespread and access to fitness facilities was limited. He fondly recalls how he managed to pay his gym fees for just one month—after which the gym owner, recognising his dedication, waived the fees and welcomed Shafi to train without worry. “I used to keep the equipment back after the others were done. That’s how much I loved being in the gym,” he says.
His  hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In time, he became a coach for the Indian Army, where he trained soldiers under the supervision of colonels and captains. “It was a golden era for me,” he reminisces. The pride he felt in training India’s soldiers remains one of his greatest achievements. Even as he thrived in this role, his passion for bodybuilding grew and he began competing in various contests, earning top positions in Mr. Hyderabad, Mr. Andhra Pradesh and Mr. South India.
Despite his accomplishments, he faced the reality of bodybuilding’s declining popularity. Aware of the financial challenges it posed, he diversified into business, joining multinational companies like Bank of America and Deloitte. His earnings surged, but his heart remained in fitness. By 2015, he took a bold leap and opened his gym, 24/7, in Gachibowli, a venture that turned into a massive success. Today, he owns multiple fitness centers across India and continues to organise bodybuilding shows.
Reflecting on his journey, he expresses deep gratitude to the mentors who helped shape his career, including the strongest pillars of support, Ram and Srinivas Yadav. He also feels strongly about fostering inclusivity, emphasising that throughout his life, no one questioned his religion or background when offering him support. Bhaskar Reddy also coached him and has played a significant role in his bodybuilding career.
When it comes to his fondest memories of Hyderabad, his connection to the city runs deep. From Charminar to Golconda, his love for the city’s heritage is palpable. His favourite place? The Hanuman Vyayam Shala, a nod to his traditional roots.
When it comes to food, he sticks to a no-nonsense diet that’s as disciplined as his fitness regime. He avoids anything that’s too rich or indulgent, opting for a “dead” diet—his term for meals without salt, oil, or masala. True to his old-school roots, Shafi still enjoys a simple desi thali, reminiscent of the Telangana-Andhra era when wholesome, balanced meals were the norm. For him, it’s all about keeping the calories in check and staying aligned with the fitness principles that have shaped his life.  
However, Shafi’s wisdom isn’t limited to fitness alone. He urges young athletes to avoid shortcuts like steroids, stressing the importance of natural training and proper guidance. “Youngsters today are playing with their bodies as if life came for free,” he cautions, highlighting the rise of health issues due to steroid abuse.
At the end of our conversation, he leaves us with a powerful message: “Never give up. Hard work is essential, but smart work is just as important.” This philosophy, he believes, is what transformed him from Shafi to Shafi Shami—a self-made man who rose above his circumstances to create a lasting legacy in the fitness industry and beyond.