Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator

In the gripping true-crime miniseries “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator,” viewers are taken on a tumultuous journey through the meteoric rise and shocking fall of Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the world-renowned Bikram Yoga. With a blend of authentic interviews, dramatic reenactments, and archival footage, this eight-part series peels back the layers of one man’s charisma and manipulation, exploring the fine line between spiritual leadership and predatory behavior.

The series begins in the vibrant 1970s, showcasing Bikram’s early success as he introduces his groundbreaking yoga practice to the West. Charismatic and confident, he draws a devoted following, including celebrities and wellness enthusiasts. Viewers meet Lisa, a passionate yoga practitioner who becomes enamored with Bikram’s philosophies and joins him on the path to build an empire. As they create the Bikram Yoga brand, the series delves into the transformative power of yoga and the community it cultivates, juxtaposed against Bikram’s growing ego and problematic leadership style.

As the series progresses, dark secrets unravel. Through the testimonies of former students and staff, the narrative reveals unsettling behavior, including manipulation, abuse of power, and sexual misconduct. Each episode investigates different aspects of Bikram’s life—his tumultuous relationships, legal battles, and the intense, often aggressive atmosphere of his yoga classes. The portrayal of Lisa becomes more complex as she grapples with her admiration for Bikram and the increasing evidence of his predatory nature.

Interwoven with the personal accounts are powerful themes of empowerment, vulnerability, and the dangers of blind worship. The series does not shy away from the impact of Bikram’s actions on his victims, delving into the psychological scars left behind as they navigate healing and reclaim their voices in a world that once silenced them.

“Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator” captures the allure of a man who sought to lead but became a cautionary tale. The exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for redemption resonates deeply, forcing viewers to question the cost of following a figure who blurs the lines of guru and predator. Each episode is a poignant reminder of the importance of accountability, both personal and institutional, in the pursuit of enlightenment and personal growth.