B engaluru-based C S Santosh is the only Indian to have completed the gruelling ‘Dakar Rally’ twice — once in 2015 and again in 2017.
He is also the winner of three ‘MRF National Supercross Championships’ and has nine international Supercross titles to his credit. Santosh is also a three-time winner of the ‘Desert Storm’, winning it consecutively from 2014 to 2016.
He has recently been certified as a powerboat pilot and will be competing in the ‘Indian Grandprix’ of the seas with the world’s best powerboat pilots. He has also bagged two of the most coveted titles in the sporting world — ‘Top Gear Man of the Year’ and ‘Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) Motorsport Man of the Year’.
Author
Abhinav Bindra
“I really enjoyed reading Abhinav Bindra’s ‘A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold’.
At first sight, archery may seem like an easy sport but only after reading Abhinav’s book did I understand his struggles and his triumphs. He did well to throw light on the Indian perspective of the sporting world and what it took for him to bring home a gold medal. Abhinav is a great intellectual and the way he has narrated the story is truly riveting. I also admire the works of Devdutt Pattanaik.”
Inspiration
Mike Tyson
“I draw my inspiration from not one but many individuals. But Mike Tyson would surely top the list. He has an exciting fighting style. Even though Mike Tyson was really short for the class that he was fighting, he still managed to intimidate his opponents. I also admire Lance Armstrong, who redefined the sport of cycling. It’s because of him that today cycling is a billion-dollor industry.
Both these people are controversial figures but I see them for who they are and the contributions they made.”
Travel
Rub’ al Khali
“I am more of a beach and desert person. My most favourite destination is the Arabian desert in Abu Dhabi which is called the Rub’ al Khali(Empty Quarter). It has extensive dunes which are brilliant to ride on. Also, I’ve been to a lot of beautiful beaches located between Karwar and Goa. And whenever I travel to the US, Florida or Spain, I never leave the place without visiting to the beaches. Travelling always leaves me feeling refreshed.”
Music
Tupac Shakur
“I am influenced by hiphop, rap and rock. I have a mix of all songs in my playlist. I admire the works of rapper Tupac Shakur. He is a controversial figure but he is credited with introducing gangster rap. I also like his lyrical content because he has incorporated instances from his own life and talks about the struggles that he has gone through to get to where he is. I also like the works of ‘Guns N' Roses’ and ‘Creed’. I listen to music all the time. Even when I am training on my bicycle or working out, I am always plugged on.”
Cinema
Aamir Khan
“I’ve always admired
movies of Aamir Khan because he plays characters that the audience can identify with. He is a fantastic actor and his commitment towards his craft is truly admirable.
I also like Priyanka Chopra because she dared to venture into Hollywood and has proved her capabilities there. She has put India on the global map.”
