Meet the Grandma Who Went from Homemaker to Roadies Hero at 57

At 57, Ashu Jain never imagined she would be recognised on the streets, cheered by strangers, or celebrated on national television. Once a homemaker struggling with post-menopausal fatigue and societal expectations, she is now a social media sensation, fitness icon, and reality TV contestant who is rewriting the narrative around ageing and motherhood.

Her journey began at the age of 54, after decades of fulfilling traditional roles as a wife, mother, and caregiver. Like many women, she faced the invisible weight of ‘mom guilt,’ societal expectations, and the belief that her time for chasing dreams had long passed. But she was not ready to fade into the background.

“Most mothers and grandmothers reach a point where our responsibilities peak, and then our dreams take a back seat. I was lucky because I found the courage to reclaim mine,” shares the 57-year-old grandmother with The Better India.

Before becoming a fitness icon, Ashu was on a different, though equally challenging, journey. At 44, encouraged by her children, she resumed her education. First, she finished her MTech course from Jamia Millia Islamia, then a PhD from IIT Delhi, which she completed at 53.

“I used to crib about not completing my studies or having a career. Then my kids told me that this is my time to do something for myself, and they encouraged me to follow my heart,” she says.

‘Mom guilt’ and messy house: The real picture of chasing dreams after 50

The decision wasn’t easy. Pursuing her studies meant making trade-offs — some days, meals weren’t perfectly timed, the house looked lived-in, and exam dates collided with family plans. But the family adjusted, and Ashu kept moving closer to her dreams.

“My house was often messy, and things weren’t always in order. But I was happy — and that joy found its way to everyone else too,” she tells us.

Then came the health scare in March 2022. Her blood pressure spiked, and the doctor suggested lifelong medication. “That moment was a wake-up call,” she recalls. “I did not want to give in to a sedentary and dependent old age.”

Determined to reverse her condition naturally, she resorted to physical activity like regular walking. She also did some research into strength training for women over 50, and that became a major turning point in her life. 

“I began my fitness journey with online classes, sticking with them for nearly two and a half years. Just over a year ago, I took the next step and joined a gym, and that decision has brought about a host of changes in my life. The personal training has had a positive impact on my physical and mental well-being. I have also taken up running, and to my surprise, I frequently end up finishing on the podium. These new activities have become a significant part of my routine, all after turning 50,” she adds.

Before this, the 57-year-old grandmother was only into cycling, and that was more for leisure than anything else. “What truly astonished me was how much our bodies can change with the right effort and consistent self-care. I believe it is never too late to live fully, to invest in yourself, and to make positive changes,” she says.

Deadlifts at dawn: Following a healthy fitness routine

Her routine, now well-established, begins at 4 am with a refreshing glass of water and prayer, followed by a handful of soaked nuts to provide her energy through the day. Then, it is time for gym training, where she focuses on strength sessions and deadlifts. Throughout the week, she mixes things up with Zumba, running, and even balcony walks, making sure her fitness regime includes different kinds of activities.

“Fitness is not just about looking good. It is about being able to trek, to dance, to lift your granddaughter without pain. It is about freedom,” she explains.

Her social media journey began as casual Instagram posts, under the handle @not.just.a.grandma, and it quickly gained traction. Ashu’s reels showcasing her workouts, recipes, and active lifestyle resonated with thousands. She always tries to portray that age is not a barrier, and that a grandmother or a mother can do anything she wants.

“I started posting for fun. I never imagined it would blow up. I just wanted to show people that health is not just about weight, it is about enjoying life,” the grandmother adds. And then, in the most unexpected twist, Roadies happened.

“My coach casually asked why I don’t audition for MTV Roadies. I thought, why not?” she says. Her first audition in Delhi did not go well, but a second attempt in Hyderabad opened a new door. She was selected for Roadies Season 20, a show known for its high-energy and youth-centric format.

Lakhvinder Singh, Ashu’s fitness coach, says, “I have known Ashu for almost one and a half years. From the first time I met her, I could see she was very fit for her age and had the potential to go even further. Her enthusiasm and willpower were like that of a young person, which truly inspired me, and I knew that I wanted to train her.”

“As a Roadies fan myself, I even auditioned a few times but never got selected. I know how unique someone has to be to make it on the show. When I saw Ashu, I knew she had everything it takes. She never says no to trying something new, and she was already very motivated, which made my job easier,” he adds.

“But I knew Roadies involves tough physical tasks, so I focused on preparing her body for the challenge. I made her do jumping, running, weight, and strength training. It was all about building her endurance and agility,” the coach explains.

“When she got selected, I was, honestly, so happy. Since I could not make it myself, I always wished someone I knew would get selected, and she did. It was a proud moment for me,” he adds.

Skipping Diwali to follow a new dream

The auditions took place during Diwali, a time filled with family celebrations and joyous traditions. But that year, things were different for the family. “I was away from home and busy in the audition process. Naturally, it was another ‘mom guilt’ moment, as I was not there to celebrate with my family. Yet, when I spoke to my children, they reassured me. They told me that while the festival felt a little different without me, they were absolutely thrilled that I had been selected for Roadies,” she adds.

“It was strange not to be home for Diwali,” she laughs. “But even though the celebrations were different, we still had so much fun. And they were just as happy as I was about the opportunity.”

The 57-year-old says, “You know, there was a time after I finished my PhD when I felt like opportunities had passed me by. I looked around and saw that there weren’t many jobs available for someone my age. It was as if I had missed my chance.”

But Roadies was a turning point. When she realised that she had been selected, it felt like a victory not only for her, but also for anyone who believes that age is a limit. “When I got selected for Roadies, I was over the moon,” she says, her voice filled with happiness. It was a powerful moment when she realised age was not a limitation.

This victory was not just about joining a youth-centric reality show. It was also about breaking the societal expectation that life’s most exciting opportunities are reserved for the young.

Kriteesha Jain, Ashu’s 29-year-old daughter, admits she was initially nervous after knowing that her mother was selected for Roadies Season 20.

“It is a show meant for youngsters, and I was genuinely worried she might feel out of place,” she says. “But watching her step in with such confidence and energy, it was incredibly inspiring.”

For the family, Ashu’s journey was more than just a personal victory, it felt like a shared triumph. Watching her break societal standards and embrace an entirely new chapter of life with such courage became an example of what is possible when you choose to chase your dreams, irrespective of your age.

How family becomes the biggest cheerleaders

Her two daughters and a son, her husband, her son-in-law, a five-year-old granddaughter, and her mother always cheered her on at every step. It is this circle of love and encouragement that has helped her push past limitations and redefine what ageing and motherhood can look like.

“We never saw her as just a mum. We wanted to free her from that tag. She operates with the same fire whether it is education, fitness, or content creation. She does not overthink and stop herself, like us. She just goes for it,” says Kriteesha.

This mindset has also helped her family decide what is best for them. Ashu’s husband, once sceptical of gym workouts, now joins her. She advises her granddaughter to eat less sugar, thus introducing healthy eating habits from an early age. Conversations at the dinner table revolve around protein intake, the benefits of cardio, and small lifestyle tweaks that promote overall well-being.

“When my energy dips, I remind myself of how far I have come. This is not something I was born with. It is the result of showing up every day, even on the hard ones,” says the 57-year-old.

‘Learn to balance duties and dreams’

The mother-turned-fitness influencer faced resistance early on. “Neighbours would comment if I skipped chores for the gym, or if my house was not perfectly tidy,” she says. “But I put my foot down. I said, ‘This is non-negotiable for me.’” She also fought the ingrained belief that a mother must always sacrifice for the family, and nothing else.

“We are taught that if kids have exams, we give up everything. But if we have an exam or want to go to the gym, it is silly. That is the stereotype I wanted to break,” she says.

Today, Ashu lives in Dehradun, balances content creation, brand collaborations, and family life, and continues to inspire thousands. Her daily content reaches people across India, with messages on fitness, ageing, and food, rooted in her upbringing.

“I grew up eating parathas. I cannot suddenly switch to oats. So I tweak desi food and make it healthy. That is why people love my recipes,” she adds. She also teaches her granddaughter to enjoy ‘me time,’ because independence starts young.

“I love my nani-time,” she smiles, “but I also want her to learn to play by herself. Kids need to know how to enjoy their personal time.

Her advice to other women is, “Do what you want to do. You should learn to strike a balance between your duties and dreams. Don’t stop just because you are ageing. Self-care is not selfish; in fact, it is the most selfless thing you can do for yourself and your family. Your loved ones will be at peace when you are healthy.”

From homemaker to PhD holder, fitness influencer, and Roadies contestant, Ashu has redefined what it means to age with purpose, strength, and joy. “My family now accepts that it is natural for me to take time for myself,” she says. “But beyond that circle, it is still seen as unusual, and it really should not be. Every woman deserves the right to put herself first, without guilt or justification.”

Edited by Saumya Singh; All pictures courtesy Ashu Jain

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