Yoga guru Bikram Choudhury turns 71: Major controversies that have rocked his life

Born in Calcutta, Bikram Choudhury began learning Hatha Yoga poses at the age of three.

Zee Media Bureau

​New Delhi: Yoga is fast being adopted as one of the best ways to remain fit and healthy, mentally as well as physically.

Today, February 10, marks the birthday of renowned, but now infamous Yoga guru, Bikram Choudhury, who is also the face of the highly practiced form of yoga, Bikram Yoga, also known as 'hot yoga' because it is performed in a hot environment.

The 104 degree Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) heat in which Bikram yoga is practiced is meant to mimic the climate of India.

As per Wikipedia, the Calcutta born Yoga guru, began learning Hatha Yoga poses at the age of three. At five, he began studying with Bishnu Ghosh (Paramahansa Yogananda’s brother).

He has also authored two books that go by the name of Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class and Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows the Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment.

The powerhouse of Yoga, Choudhary has recently been in the news for extremely controversial reasons due to carrying six sexual harassment cases on his name. 

According to Wikipedia, as of January 2014, five women were suing Bikram Choudhury with allegations including sexual harassment and sexual assault. Two lawsuits accusing Bikram Choudhury of rape were filed in May 2013, in which a Jane Doe alleges sexual battery, false imprisonment, discrimination, harassment and other counts in addition to the rape allegation. 

Around late January, 2016, it was reported that the Yoga guru has been fined $6.5m over sexual harassment.