Mumbai, Apr 20: Indian women are all set to become bodyguards for jet-setters and corporate honchos with a Mumbai-based private detective and security consultant, Raj Talele being the latest to fulfil their increasing demand in the city. Talele has announced specially designed workshops for women, training them physically and mentally to work as bodyguards. Talele has already begun his first batch consisting of 25 women in the month of March and the second batch is all set to commence in May.

"In Mumbai there is a growing demand for women bodyguards for VIPs and celebrities. However in the absence of trained woman power, all vacancies are filled up by men," Talele told a news agency.

The participants have to be between 17 and 30 years of age. The intensive physical and mental training sessions is being held at Worli, South central Mumbai for two hours daily. The training will be for a period of two months. The participants will be taught martial arts like Judo Karate, Yoga and swimming by professionals.

"Along with martial arts, the girls will also be taught on how to improve their communication skills and their self-confidence," Talele said. According to Talele, in many cases, men guard women celebrities too, even though the latter are often uncomfortable with the arrangement, but there is little choice. Talele hopes to fill this void with his workshop.