Girl on the fast lane

“My cars are like my babies. I can't choose a favourite from among them. Each car is different in its own way,” says car racer Shana Parameshwar.

Shana, a supercar owner is such an avid racer that she took her Porsche Turbo all the way to London from India to participate in the 2017 ModBall Rally.

“I don't like to sell my cars”, she confesses, referring to her collection. “I drive them with full fervour and love.”

She makes it a habit to meet young car enthusiasts from all over India to share ideas and inputs. “It's really exciting to speak with new people. It helps improve my knowledge on the latest editions of cars as well as racing. I think that is the reason for my success. I have learnt a lot during my journey in racing”, Shana says.

She holds an international driving licence for cars and is also a licensed commercial pilot.

Women empowerment and gender equality are her other passions. Her social media posts have been an influencing factor for many women.

“I want to set an example for women, encourage them to achieve their dreams. I give confidence to victims of rape and domestic violence. Often, they feel lonely and hesitate to face the world after their traumatic experiences,” she explains.

“Women are ill-treated; they are not allowed to pursue their passions,” Shanarues. “When I was young, I was able to convince my parents to let me live my dreams. My mom and dad understood me and encouraged me to do whatever I want.Parents have to allow their daughters to choose their own paths, take their own decisions”, she says.  Her father is the former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.

For Shana, who wasn't always a woman, the journey to where she is now has been incredibly inspiring. She currently lives in the UK. She feels Asian countries are yet to broaden their outlook and embrace gender equality as European nations have done.

Shana dreams of building a playground exclusively for women in India.  “Live your life, live your heart out!” is her advice to women.