Last Updated: March27, 2026
Nupur Shikhare is a 40-year-old Indian celebrity fitness trainer from Pune, Maharashtra, born on 17 October 1985. He is best known for training former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen since 2008, and for marrying Ira Khan — daughter of Bollywood star Aamir Khan — on 3 January 2024. A national-level tennis player turned fitness coach, he specialises in Calisthenics and Movements. He represented India on Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster (2017) and has completed multiple Ironman triathlons globally. His net worth in 2026 is estimated at ₹8.2 Crore. He is Hindu, Maratha by caste, and stands 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Disclaimer: This article has been compiled using publicly available information from credible sources including major Indian news outlets, official announcements, and verified celebrity biography databases. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some information (particularly net worth estimates) may vary across sources. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of March 2026.
Quick Facts / At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nupur Shikhare |
| Also Known As | Nupur Popeye Shikhare |
| Born | 17 October 1985, Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Age (as of 2026) | 40 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Profession / Occupation | Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Consultant, Athlete |
| Specialisation | Calisthenics, Movements, Functional Training |
| Famous For | Training Sushmita Sen & Aamir Khan; Marriage to Ira Khan |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Caste | Maratha |
| Education | S.D. Katariya High School, Pune; R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics, Mumbai; University of Mumbai |
| Father | Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother | Pritam Shikhare (Renowned Kathak Dancer & Teacher) |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Wife / Spouse | Ira Khan (Married 3 January 2024) |
| First Wife | Ira Khan (first and only wife) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Net Worth (2026) | ₹8.2 Crore (approx.) |
| Brand Ambassador | Scott Sports India (since Sept 2022) |
| Key Achievements | Ultimate Beastmaster India (2017), Ironman Triathlons, 2nd place Canthon Cancer Run (2019) |
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Pune
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Nupur Shikhare’s biography begins in the culturally vibrant city of Pune, Maharashtra, where he was born on 17 October 1985. Growing up in a household that valued discipline, movement, and artistic expression, young Nupur was never short of inspiration. His mother, Pritam Shikhare, is a celebrated Kathak dancer and teacher — her rhythmic sensibility would later infuse Nupur’s own approach to fitness, blending movement with mindfulness.
Pune’s sporting culture shaped him significantly. From an early age, Nupur gravitated toward physical activity, picking up tennis and quickly demonstrating exceptional talent. He trained diligently and rose to become a national-level tennis player, a distinction that speaks to his extraordinary athletic ability. He also received training at a Capoeira school in Pune, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that would later earn a permanent place on his skin — tattooed on his right leg as a symbol of his devotion to the form.
His ambitions, however, were never confined to one lane. The boy from Pune dreamed simultaneously of sporting glory and Bollywood glamour — and eventually, he would find his truest calling in a world that sat comfortably between both.
The Move to Mumbai (2004)
In 2004, Nupur made the pivotal decision to relocate from Pune to Mumbai in pursuit of a career in filmmaking. This move would redirect the entire trajectory of his life. He had watched enough Bollywood films to know he wanted to be part of the industry — though perhaps not in front of the camera.
In Mumbai, he began creating short films and videos, which attracted the attention of a Marathi film director who recognised his visual sensibility. Nupur was offered the role of assistant director, a position he accepted and held briefly. Yet the city’s gyms were calling. As someone who had always trained intensely, Nupur found himself gravitating toward fitness culture once again, and it was this gravitational pull that would ultimately define his legacy.
Family Background
The Shikhare Family
Nupur Shikhare’s family is rooted in the cultural and artistic traditions of Maharashtra’s Maratha community. The family’s connection to performing arts runs deep, primarily through his mother, Pritam Shikhare, whose contributions to classical dance are well-documented.
| Family Member | Identity / Role |
|---|---|
| Mother | Pritam Shikhare — Renowned Kathak Dancer & Teacher |
| Father | Name not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | Not publicly known |
| Wife | Ira Khan — Film & Theatre Director, Daughter of Aamir Khan |
| Father-in-Law | Aamir Khan — Bollywood Actor & Filmmaker |
| Mother-in-Law | Reena Dutta (Ira Khan’s biological mother) |
| Step-Mother-in-Law | Kiran Rao (Aamir Khan’s ex-wife, present at Nupur’s Haldi ceremony) |
Nupur Shikhare’s father remains a private figure and has not been identified in public sources. Details about his siblings, if any, are similarly not in the public domain, as Nupur has kept that side of his family away from media attention.
What is publicly celebrated is the bond between Nupur and his mother. Pritam Shikhare is not only a skilled Kathak exponent but also the dance teacher of Renee Sen, the daughter of former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen — creating a wonderful, almost poetic circle: Nupur trains Sushmita, while Pritam trains Sushmita’s daughter.
Nupur is an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha and frequently shares devotional content on social media, reflecting the spiritual dimension of his Maratha heritage.
Education
Academic Journey — From Pune to Mumbai
Nupur completed his schooling at Seth Dagaduram Katariya High School (S.D. Katariya High School) in Pune, where his athletic abilities first became apparent. His years in Pune also saw him training at Capoeira Pune, a martial arts institution where he honed his skills in one of the world’s most dynamic combat-dance disciplines.
After relocating to Mumbai, he pursued higher education at R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics, a prestigious institution affiliated with the University of Mumbai. His academic background in commerce gave him a foundational understanding of business and entrepreneurship — skills he would later deploy when building his fitness consultancy brand.
It is worth noting that Nupur’s education was never purely academic. His real classroom was the gym, the tennis court, the triathlon course, and eventually the sets of Bollywood — a multidisciplinary formation that made him the well-rounded professional he is today.
Career Journey
From Tennis Courts to Training Rooms
Nupur Shikhare’s profession today spans celebrity fitness training, athletic competitions, brand endorsements, and entertainment — but his career began with a tennis racket and a lot of ambition.
As a national-level tennis player, Nupur’s first serious professional aspiration was in sport. However, the lure of Mumbai and Bollywood redirected him toward filmmaking in 2004. After a stint as an assistant director for a Marathi filmmaker, he made another pivot — this time toward fitness.
The story of how he landed his first big client is the stuff of legend. He used to work out at upscale gyms across Bandra, distributing his business cards and hustling for clients with characteristic persistence. He somehow obtained Sushmita Sen’s contact number and sent her a direct message: “I am a fitness trainer and I want to train you.” His audacity paid off.
Training Sushmita Sen (2008 Onwards)
On 28 March 2008, Nupur Shikhare officially became the personal trainer of former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen — a professional milestone that transformed his career. Sen’s global profile and Nupur’s specialisation in Calisthenics and Movements made them an ideal match. He has continued to be her trainer for over 16 years, an extraordinary partnership in the fitness world.
Training Sushmita Sen opened doors to some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Rana Daggubati, Pulkit Samrat, and eventually Aamir Khan himself. His client list is a who’s who of Indian entertainment, confirming his status as the go-to fitness authority for the industry’s elite.
Career Timeline
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Relocated to Mumbai | Pursued filmmaking; worked as assistant director |
| 2008 | Began training Sushmita Sen | 28 March 2008; career-defining milestone |
| 2014 | Ironman 70.3 Taiwan | First international triathlon participation |
| 2017 | Netflix Ultimate Beastmaster India | Represented India on the global reality show |
| 2017 | Ironman Copenhagen | Competed in full Ironman event |
| 2018 | Disney India Musical – Aladdin | Served as Fight/Combat Master for Aladdin – Experience The Magic |
| 2019 | Canthon Cancer Awareness Run | Secured 2nd Runner-Up position |
| 2020 | Began training Aamir Khan | Met Ira Khan during COVID-19 lockdown |
| 2022 | Scott Sports India Ambassador | Signed as brand ambassador in September 2022 |
| 2022 | Ironman Italy | Competed; proposed to Ira Khan post-race in Emilia-Romagna |
| 2024 | Married Ira Khan | Registered marriage on 3 January 2024 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai |
The Entertainer and Athlete
Nupur Shikhare’s profession is far more layered than the title “fitness trainer” suggests. In 2017, he was selected to represent India in Netflix’s globally broadcast reality show Ultimate Beastmaster, competing on an obstacle-course challenge alongside the world’s finest athletes. This appearance brought him international visibility and underscored his credentials as a serious athlete, not merely a gym coach.
In 2018, he leveraged his background in martial arts, dance, and fitness to serve as Combat/Fight Master in Disney India’s musical production Aladdin – Experience The Magic, demonstrating a versatility that few in his field can match.
He has participated in multiple Ironman triathlons — gruelling long-distance races encompassing a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycling, and a full 42.2 km marathon — competing in events including Ironman 70.3 Taiwan, Ironman Copenhagen 2017, and the full Ironman Italy 2022. These are not casual achievements; Ironman events are considered among the most physically demanding races in the world.
Brand Endorsements and Entrepreneurship
In September 2022, Scott Sports India, a leading bicycle brand, signed Nupur as its brand ambassador — a natural fit given his passion for cycling and endurance sports. He has also appeared in TV commercials for major brands, including Puma, expanding his commercial footprint beyond pure fitness coaching.
His entrepreneurial instincts are evident: from distributing business cards at Bandra gyms in his early career to managing a client roster of India’s biggest stars, Nupur has built a personal brand that is both credible and commercially powerful.
Major Achievements
Nupur Shikhare’s achievements span multiple disciplines, making him one of the most decorated fitness professionals in India:
- National-Level Tennis Player — Competed at the highest domestic level in tennis during his formative years.
- Trained Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen since 2008, one of the longest and most celebrated trainer-client partnerships in Indian celebrity culture.
- Represented India at Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster (2017), the global obstacle-course reality show, bringing international recognition.
- 2nd Runner-Up, Canthon Cancer Awareness Run (2019) — Demonstrating his competitive edge in endurance running.
- Completed Multiple Ironman Triathlons — Including Ironman 70.3 Taiwan, Ironman Copenhagen 2017, and Ironman Italy 2022 — placing him among a very small global elite.
- Combat Master, Disney India Musical Aladdin – Experience The Magic (2018) — A unique crossover into live performance.
- Brand Ambassador, Scott Sports India (2022) — Recognition of his authority in cycling and endurance sports.
- Trained Bollywood A-listers including Aamir Khan, Sushmita Sen, Rana Daggubati, Pulkit Samrat, and others.
Personal Life
Nupur Shikhare and Ira Khan: A Love Story
The personal dimension of Nupur Shikhare’s life became a subject of national fascination when his relationship with Ira Khan — daughter of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan — became public. The love story began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when Nupur was training Aamir Khan and Ira, who was living with her father at the time, began training with him too.
Their friendship gradually deepened into romance. Ira publicly confirmed the relationship on Instagram in February 2021, sharing photographs that immediately went viral. The couple’s chemistry — their playful social media presence, their shared passion for fitness, and their willingness to be openly affectionate — earned them a devoted following.
The Proposal
On 22 September 2022, at the conclusion of the Ironman Championship in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Nupur went down on one knee and proposed to Ira in one of the most romantic settings imaginable — post-race, endorphin-charged, on Italian soil. The couple celebrated their engagement in November 2022 with a ceremony attended by close family and friends.
Nupur Shikhare’s Wedding
Nupur Shikhare’s wedding to Ira Khan became one of the most talked-about events of January 2024. The couple registered their marriage on 3 January 2024 at Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai, in an intimate ceremony attended by close family, including Aamir Khan, Ira’s mother Reena Dutta, and Aamir’s ex-wife Kiran Rao — who attended Nupur’s Haldi ceremony as well, a testament to the warmth of the blended family.
In what became an instantly iconic moment, Nupur jogged approximately 8 kilometres to the wedding venue in a pair of shorts and a black vest, arriving with his baraat — reflecting his identity as an athlete to his very core. The internet loved it; it was quintessentially Nupur.
The festivities extended over several days. From 7 to 10 January 2024, a grand celebration was held at the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, blending Hindu Maharashtrian traditions with modern vibes. A Christian wedding ceremony was also held at the Taj Lake Palace. Aamir Khan hosted a lavish reception in Mumbai where Bollywood royalty including Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan were in attendance. The couple subsequently honeymooned in Indonesia.
Age Gap and Public Discourse
The 12-year age gap between Nupur (born 1985) and Ira Khan (born 1997) was widely discussed in the media. Their interfaith union — Nupur being Hindu Maratha and Ira from Aamir Khan’s Muslim background — also sparked considerable social media debate. The couple navigated these conversations with grace and humour, choosing to let their relationship speak for itself.
As of 2026, Nupur and Ira remain happily married and celebrated their second wedding anniversary in January 2026.
Nupur Shikhare’s First Wife
Many search for information on Nupur Shikhare’s first wife. To be absolutely clear: Ira Khan is Nupur Shikhare’s first and only wife. He had not been previously married to anyone. There are no records of any prior marriage, and multiple credible sources as of 2026 confirm that the couple continues to be in a committed, happy marriage.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Nupur Shikhare’s height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), with a weight of approximately 75 kg. He maintains a lean, muscular physique through his daily training regimen. He has black eyes and black hair, and carries several tattoos that reflect key milestones in his life:
- A Capoeira tattoo on his right leg — honouring his martial arts training.
- “IAM” inked on his right wrist — a personal affirmation.
- A turtle tattoo on his right bicep, matching Ira’s turtle tattoo near her left collarbone — a shared symbol of their bond.
- An anchor on the inside of his left forearm.
- Additional tattoo work on his back.
Nicknamed “Popeye” by his fitness community — a nod to the cartoon character famous for his strength and spinach-eating habits — Nupur even refers to himself as Nupur Popeye Shikhare on his official Facebook handle. He is an ardent dog lover and a devoted follower of Lord Ganesha, frequently sharing moments from his spiritual practice online.
Nupur Shikhare’s Religion and Caste
Nupur Shikhare’s religion is Hinduism. He was born and raised in a Hindu Maratha family in Pune and has maintained his religious identity publicly. He is known to be a devotee of Lord Ganesha, a deity particularly revered in Maharashtra.
Nupur Shikhare’s caste is Maratha, one of the most prominent communities in Maharashtra with a rich tradition of martial valour, governance, and cultural leadership. His family’s deep roots in Maratha heritage have shaped his values of discipline, hard work, and community pride.
His interfaith marriage to Ira Khan — who comes from Aamir Khan’s Muslim background — was received by most as a positive symbol of modern, inclusive India, though it did generate debate on social media platforms. Both Nupur and Ira have consistently maintained that their personal faith and family bonds are a source of strength, not conflict.
Nupur Shikhare Net Worth (2026)
Financial Standing and Income Sources
Nupur Shikhare’s net worth as of 2026 is estimated at approximately ₹8.2 Crore (Indian Rupees), based on data corroborated by multiple credible outlets including Outlook India, Financial Express, and Instabionetwork. His financial portfolio is diversified across several income streams:
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Fitness Training | Primary source; long-term clients include Sushmita Sen, Aamir Khan, Rana Daggubati, Pulkit Samrat |
| Brand Endorsements | Scott Sports India (brand ambassador since 2022); Puma TV commercials |
| Entertainment Work | Netflix Ultimate Beastmaster (2017); Disney India Combat Master (2018) |
| Athletic Competitions | Ironman events, marathon runs, endurance sports |
| Entrepreneurial Ventures | Fitness consultancy and coaching business |
Combined with his wife Ira Khan’s net worth of approximately ₹4.9 Crore, the couple’s joint net worth stands at roughly ₹13.1 Crore as of 2026 — a figure that is expected to grow as both continue expanding their professional portfolios.
It is worth noting that estimates across sources vary, with some citing figures as high as ₹25 Crore, though the most widely cited and credible figure remains ₹8.2 Crore. As Ira is also set to inherit a portion of Aamir Khan’s substantial wealth, the couple’s long-term financial prospects are significant.
Influence and Cultural Impact
Redefining Celebrity Fitness in India
Nupur Shikhare occupies a rare position at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and wellness. In a fitness landscape often dominated by gym chains and YouTube influencers, his model — deeply personalised, rooted in diverse disciplines including calisthenics, capoeira, parkour, and functional training — has set a new benchmark for what celebrity fitness training means in India.
His 16-year relationship with Sushmita Sen is particularly noteworthy. At a time when celebrity trainers are changed like fashion accessories, Nupur has built a relationship of lasting trust and results. Sen’s visible physical transformation and continued athletic performance are a direct testament to his expertise.
His participation in Ironman triathlons also carries a broader cultural message: that fitness is not merely aesthetic but deeply athletic, enduring, and personally transformative. In an industry that often glorifies surface-level results, Nupur champions performance.
Who is Nupur Shikhare? Beyond the professional credentials, he is a man who ran 8 kilometres to his own wedding, who texted a global superstar out of the blue with the confidence of someone who believed entirely in what he had to offer, and who chose love across religious and cultural boundaries without hesitation. These acts — small and large — define an individual of unusual authenticity.
Social Media and Public Presence
Nupur maintains an active presence on Instagram and Facebook, where he documents his training sessions, athletic achievements, travel experiences, and personal milestones. His social media persona is consistent with his real-world identity: physically intense, personally warm, and unapologetically himself. He has accumulated a following of tens of thousands of engaged fans who follow not just his fitness tips but his life philosophy.
Recent Updates (2026 Context)
As of March 2026, Nupur Shikhare continues to be one of India’s most sought-after celebrity fitness coaches. His marriage to Ira Khan — now in its third year — appears stable and happy, having celebrated their second anniversary in January 2026 quietly but publicly on social media.
His fitness consultancy continues to flourish in Mumbai’s competitive wellness market. His specialisation in calisthenics, movements, and functional training remains in demand among celebrities and elite athletes. His role as brand ambassador for Scott Sports India continues to enhance his commercial profile in the endurance sports community.
No credible reports of divorce or marital issues have been confirmed by either party as of early 2026, despite occasional social media speculation. Multiple credible sources confirm that Nupur and Ira remain married and continue to build their life together.
With the Indian fitness and wellness industry projected to grow substantially through 2027, Nupur is well-positioned to expand his brand — potentially into fitness content creation, his own training methodology platform, or further athletic challenges.
Conclusion
Nupur Shikhare is more than a fitness trainer. He is an athlete who never gave up, an entrepreneur who bet on himself when no one was watching, a performer who crossed mediums with ease, and a partner who chose love boldly and publicly. From the tennis courts of Pune to the triathlon circuits of Italy; from a Bandra gym where he distributed business cards to the grand wedding halls of Udaipur — his journey is a masterclass in quiet reinvention and visible confidence.
At 40 years of age in 2026, Nupur Shikhare’s age reflects a man at the peak of his influence, professionally and personally. His story resonates because it is not about inherited privilege or overnight fame — it is about a man from Pune who decided, with absolute conviction, that he was exactly where he needed to be, and then did everything it took to prove it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is Nupur Shikhare’s age in 2026?
Nupur Shikhare’s age in 2026 is 40 years. He was born on 17 October 1985 in Pune, Maharashtra. His zodiac sign is Libra.
Q2. Who is Nupur Shikhare’s wife?
Nupur Shikhare’s wife is Ira Khan, the daughter of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and his first wife Reena Dutta. The couple married on 3 January 2024 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Ira Khan is Nupur’s first and only wife — he had not been previously married.
Q3. What is Nupur Shikhare’s net worth in 2026?
Nupur Shikhare’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at approximately ₹8.2 Crore (Indian Rupees). His income comes from celebrity fitness training, brand endorsements (Scott Sports India, Puma), entertainment projects, and entrepreneurial ventures. His combined net worth with wife Ira Khan is approximately ₹13.1 Crore.
Q4. What is Nupur Shikhare’s height?
Nupur Shikhare’s height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). He maintains a muscular physique weighing approximately 75 kg through his intensive daily training routine.
Q5. What is Nupur Shikhare’s religion and caste?
Nupur Shikhare’s religion is Hinduism, and Nupur Shikhare’s caste is Maratha. He was born and raised in a Hindu Maratha family in Pune, Maharashtra. He is a devoted follower of Lord Ganesha.
Q6. What is Nupur Shikhare’s profession?
Nupur Shikhare’s profession is primarily that of a celebrity fitness trainer and consultant, specialising in Calisthenics and Movements. He has also worked as an assistant film director, represented India on Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster (2017), served as a Combat Master for a Disney India musical (2018), and competed in multiple Ironman triathlons globally.
Q7. Who is Nupur Shikhare’s father?
Nupur Shikhare’s father has not been publicly identified. He has kept his father’s identity private. His mother, Pritam Shikhare, is a renowned Kathak dancer and teacher who has trained celebrities including Renee Sen, daughter of Sushmita Sen.
Check out her instagram here :- @nupur.shikhare
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