​Lavinia Hansraj: Women have to take care of themselves, stay strong and fit

Fitness enthusiast and athlete Lavinia Hansraj, wife of actor Chetan Hansraj, was recently honoured with the Abdul Kalam Puraskar Award 2025 in the field of Athletics. Representing India at the Masters of Athletics competitions, recognised under the Athletes – Women category, Lavinia was awarded for representing India internationally and for inspiring women over 30 to stay active.Sharing her pride in receiving the award on May 30, Lavinia says, “This award is given to those who’ve made India proud—doctors, lawyers, NGOs, philanthropists. I was selected to represent India in different countries as a female athlete, especially over the age of 30. It was a very proud moment.”

She hopes her journey motivates other women to take fitness seriously post-marriage. “Most Indian women, once they get married and have kids, feel it’s the end.

But it’s not. Women have to take care of themselves, stay strong and fit—not just for themselves, but for their family. I train many women who are athletes or just want to be fit. I feel happy that I can do that."Her journey began with a love for running. “When I started, I knew I had it in me. I said, if I can go after my dream, anyone can. It’s hard work, yes—but if you make time for yourself, commit to it, you can do it.”Lavinia adds that while her son is following in her fitness footsteps, “I keep pushing Chetan, and he does work out, but I need to push him on his busy days. Our son is very much into fitness,” she says.